THE FRASER Coast youth are gaining more support for their mental health thanks to the inspiring team at headspace.
headspace provides free health and community services for young people 12-25 years old on the Fraser Coast. With locations in both Hervey Bay and Maryborough, their intention is to remain relevant and accessible to young people.
Dean Nixon, Community Development Officer for headspace Fraser Coast, says their attention is on the schools and families.
“We have established an ongoing presence in High Schools and Tertiary Institutions with roles we have introduced through therapeutic groups, on campus counselling, and other outreach activities. We are also focussed on engaging Families and Friends of Young People including through the already established Family and Friends Committee and the youth of the region through the already established Youth Advisory Council.” Says Mr Nixon.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported in 2021 that 75% of suicides were males with an average age of 43.6 years. Mr Nixon says there is a need for early intervention and engagement with young males through methods including creating links with local sports and recreation clubs, youth groups, church organisations, entertainment venues, local men’s support services and internet/gaming groups.
A recent report by headspace found most headspace mental health clients presented with depression and anxiety issues (75.21%). There were 35.27% of young people who had a diagnosis before presenting to headspace, 21.74% diagnosed with anxiety, 18.51% with depression, and 8.60% were sub-syndromal. Younger males were more likely to present for anger issues. Cognitive behavioural therapy was the most common treatment.
headspace Hervey Bay has observed a much higher rate of females accessing support compared to males. Their previous reporting period of 2021-22, females represented 69% of the people accessing their services compared to 31% being males.
Mr Nixon also mentioned that recently there has been an increased level of eating disorder related issues such as body dysmorphia that social media plays a significant influence with these issues. “The impact of body shape discussions has played out in the media for a long time, but the more current social media activity is negatively influencing our community and in particular our youth”, says Dean.
headspace can be accessed by any 12-25 year olds in the region that the office can typically make an appointment within a week to understand the needs for the person and identify relevant support. Mr Nixon is very proud of the prompt service they can provide. “We are the starting point for many young people and their families, we have a no-wrong-door approach and can help anyone find support for themselves or young people they care for through our range of services and an established network of referral pathways.”
headspace can be found online www.headspace.org.au or call their centre on (07) 4303 2100.
