mental health and young people

Last week saw a Mental Health Forum on Depression and Young People held in Emerald and organised by the Rotary clubs from Emerald, Monbulk and Belgrave. It was a compelling forum, well organised and thought provoking for people in the audience.

The panel were well informed and highlighted the good work going on to help young people get through depression despite the many barriers in place. Also well represented were our local secondary schools, Monbulk and Emerald, whose Wellbeing Coordinators spoke with great empathy and care about the young people in the region.

Alarming to learn was the huge gap in mental health services in the public health system. Of even greater concern is the change to Secondary School support for students. In the past students were able to access on onsite psychologist, but under the new system, students must be registered through a centralised agency. This has created huge waiting lists and has serious consequences for young people seeking immediate help.

We know that between 8 and 17% of young people will experience a depressive illness.

It was staggering to learn about the lack of preventative measures in place to stop mental illness in the first place as clear indicators can be picked up at an early age. The Greens are committed to preventative measures to ensure that the right care model is in place when it’s needed.

This government is failing our young people and all those touched by mental illness by not providing the necessary funding for preventative measures.

The Greens recognise the need to fund community prevention and recovery centres as well as the need for early intervention programs.The Greens are committed to preventative measures to ensure that the right care model is in place when it’s needed. There needs to be serious commitment to tackle mental health, it’s an investment in the health of our nation.