THE Swan Hill branch of a national youth mental health support service has been accessed by a “steady roll-in” of local young people since its doors opened in February.
Manager of headspace Swan Hill, Ian Johansen, told The Guardian that over the past six weeks, young people had sought support from the service at a rate of about one new person every day.
Mr Johansen said the prominent issues were similar to those seen across the organisation nationally — depression, alcohol and drug use and relational issues — and those presenting ranged from high school students to young working professionals.
“You don’t have to be really unwell to come here,” he said.
“You can be doing well and just want to get some early help.”
So far most of the local young people who have accessed the services have done so through the online referral form on the headspace Swan Hill website.
However, Mr Johansen said some young people had simply walked through the doors at the headspace premises on Nyah Road.
National Youth Week kicks off today around the state and Mr Johansen encouraged all young people to access help as early as possible — a proven step in avoiding occurrences of persistent episodes of depression.
“Part of overcoming depression is being able to talk about it and getting the right people around you” he said.
“Talking about it, communicating with someone and getting the right information goes a long way to making it okay.
“When young people are able to share their burden and get a supportive community around them, they develop greater resilience and mental health.”
The Swan Hill headspace branch predominately provides support for general health needs, education, employment, mental health, and alcohol and other drug issues.
If you have any questions regarding the support available at Headspace Swan Hill, call 4010 7100.
To make a referral, visit: headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/swan-hill
Pick up Friday’s Guardian (April 8, 2016) for more great stories.
