Youth Mental Health Training
“Mental and substance use disorders are among the most important issues facing young Australians. They are easily the key health issue for young people in their teenage years and early 20’s.” (MJA 187/7 2007).
Young people are our most vulnerable population; one in four youth experience clinical depression by the end of adolescence. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare rank mental health problems as the leading cause of disease burden for 15-24 year olds. Seventy five per cent of adults suffering a psychiatric disorder have experienced its onset by 24 years.
As early as 1997 the National Mental Health and Well Being survey on Adolescent Mental Health concluded that the situation is beyond individual counselling and whole population solutions have to be found. Education, prevention and early intervention is the key. The sooner developing problems are identified the less suffering for the individual and family and the less societal consequences. Families and schools need to prioritize mental health for young people, and invest in tools like Youth MHFA to support them.