Young people launch initiative to shatter mental health stigma and make the invisible visible

The Australian Youth Advocates for Mental Health (AYAMH) were hand-picked for the project due to their commitment to shifting the way we view mental health. The group were then partnered with an artist to workshop and translate their mental health experience into creative visual representations of what often goes both unseen, overlooked and misunderstood within society.   

Josh Di Nucci, 22, Perth, one of the Youth Advocates hopes this collection of artistic expressions can start a conversation around mental health, help other young people feel safe and seen and ultimately, ensure those who need it know they’re not alone and can get support for whatever they might be going through.

“Through Visible, we want to share our stories to help other young people feel safe, supported and accepted for their mental health. We want to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, encourage others to open up about their own experiences, and inspire a culture of acceptance and understanding in our communities.

“Unlike physical health, mental health can sometimes be challenging for people to see, but with this work we want to remind people that the challenges surrounding mental health can be just as hard, that others maybe going through something similar and most importantly, that there is help available.” Josh said.  

Speaking at the launch of Visible today, headspace CEO, Jason Trethowan said initiatives like this are so important to change the way we look at mental health. He also commended the Federal Government for backing such critical work that has the power to move so many Australians, and ultimately change help-seeking behaviour.

“While as a country we may talk more about mental health, stigma surrounding mental health remains a major issue. There are many reasons why young people don’t discuss their own mental health challenges and seek help, but we know stigma plays a big role. Spending time getting to know people impacted by mental health issues, hearing their stories and understanding their experiences helps to change negative attitudes, reduce fear and reduce social distance. This is what Visible aims to do and that’s why headspace is proud to be involved.

“Visible has given young people both a voice and a platform to share and talk about mental health. This initiative will connect and move Australians and no doubt, leave people thinking about mental health in a very different way. We are incredibly proud to have guided this insightful group of young people through the process but the credit goes to them for the work itself. I commend each and every one of them for their bravery and dedication to the project and for taking a generous step in turning the tide on the way we view mental health in Australia,” Trethowan said.

In partnership with nine mental health organisations, Visible launched today via a digital exhibition online, on Instagram and across multiple digital channels.

The initiative is funded by the Federal Government and supported by a cross-sector collaboration of Batyr, Beyond Blue, Black Dog Institute, Butterfly Foundation, Consumers Health Forum of Australia, Mind, Orygen, ReachOut and SANE Australia. The project showcases an array of creative expressions that put a visual to the real experiences of mental health challenges faced by young people.

The 12 artworks are live today at the Visible website: visible.org.au  

If you or someone you know is going through a tough time, the headspace website also has many resources for young people and can also connect them with help through a headspace centre or through our online and phone counselling service.

Talking to a trusted relative or friend, a counsellor, GP, or online services such as Lifeline can also help.

To arrange an interview with the headspace CEO or a member of the Australian Youth Advocates for Mental Health, please contact the headspace media team on +61 431 289 886 or media@headspace.org.au  

[1] headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey 2018