Last Wednesday, Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services partnered with the Cranebrook Community Health Centre and spent the afternoon at Cranebrook High School to promote positive mental health. The aim was to open up the conversation about mental health with the young students.
Nada Mohammed, NCNS Community Development Worker, hosted a barbecue at the school, cooked by our wonderful year 10 student, Courtney Taylor.
170 students came through for a feed and whilst they enjoyed their lunch, they chatted with the Youth Mental Health Worker, Michelle from the health centre.
Mental health conditions directly affect 1 in 5 Australians at some stage in their lives, and is even more common among young adults, affecting up to 25% of this age group.
Mental health conditions do not discriminate by age, race or ethnicity and they often strike when a person is in the prime of their life. The spectrum of disorders runs from mild to severe and, like any medical condition there are a number of factors that can trigger illness including:
– Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
– Life experiences, such as trauma, workload, stress or abuse
– Family history of mental health issues
It was an important afternoon, sharing information, personal stories and interacting with young people. We wanted to emphasise to the young people, that it is okay to not be okay and that there is a number of services that can support their journey with mental health.
If you know someone who is struggling with mental health, contact and speak with your local mental health service. Download Mental Health Contact List
Click above image for printable PDF.