Update from: Headspace Australia
headspace – National Youth Mental Health Foundation.
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With the release of today’s unemployment data, headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, is urging employers and families and significant others of young Australians not to let Generation Y become the silent victims: the impact of the current economic climate on the mental health of young Australians needs to be considered.
headspace CEO Chris Tanti asks employers, families and significant others of young Australians to be on the look out for signs that young people are struggling to cope with the economic crisis.
“The uncertain job status of many Generation Y’s means that they are particularly vulnerable in the current economic climate. Generation Y will need support in managing their feelings and overall mental health because of additional stress caused by their own job uncertainty and that of family members.”
“We need to be on the look out for young people who may need additional support. Don’t wait until mental health problems become worse, seek help early.”
headspace is actively encouraging families and significant others of young people to look out for early signs that a young person may be struggling if they are worried about their job or have lost their job.
Signs of anxiety include:
• Persistent worrying and excessive fears
• Inability to relax
• Avoidance of feared situations
• Excessive shyness
• Social isolation or being withdrawn
• Difficulty concentrating and paying attention
• Poor sleep
• Problems with work, social or family life.
Although this is a difficult and uncertain time as evidenced by the unemployment data released today, Mr Tanti wants to reassure young Australians that “you can successfully manage anxiety and depression by identifying signs and symptoms early and seeking help. Talk to your friends or your family, log on to our website and seek help early.”
headspace has 30 centres across the country where young people can see youth friendly GPs, mental health professionals and receive assistance with finding or retaining a job, or returning to study.
Help is available: seek help from a GP or contact a headspace centre for vocational assistance and health and mental health support: www.headspace.org.au
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