Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, is today as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, encouraging people to take a moment to pause, celebrate National Headspace Day, and thank our mental health workers.
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Across the electorate of Gilmore, in the last year alone, 988 young people received over 4,000 occasions of care for mental health and wellbeing.
Headspace Batemans Bay is a wonderful new centre providing much needed support for young people in Batemans Bay and in outreach at Moruya and Ulladulla.
"I fought hard to have a dedicated Headspace service for people in Batemans Bay and surrounding areas, and I am immensely proud to see Headspace up and running," Mrs Phillips said.
"Ongoing bushfire recovery and the COVID-19 pandemic has shown that we can never take the mental wellbeing of our community for granted.
"This Headspace Day I want to show my support not just for headspace but for all local organisations and workers working hard to improve our community mental wellbeing and resilience, and I encourage others to inspire and share the 'small steps" and "start big things" in supporting your mental health."
Meanwhile, local Headspace centres are urging young people in the region to start taking small, everyday steps that support their mental health and wellbeing.
The call to action follows the release of new Headspace research that shows more than half of young Australians still deal with personal problems on their own, rather than speaking to someone (53 per cent).
The Headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey also found three in five young people feel there is still stigma around seeking help for a mental illness (61 per cent).
In NSW, 49 per cent of young people prefer to deal with their personal problems on their own, while 59 per cent agree there is stigma around seeking help for a mental illness in Australia.
Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan says the events of the past 18 months have put added stress on the mental health and wellbeing of many young people.
"We know young people have been disproportionately affected by this pandemic with major changes to their study, home and social lives," Mr Trethowan said.
"That's why we are so concerned that many young Australians continue dealing with their problems on their own instead of reaching out for help.
"We want young people to know there is always someone you can talk to - be it a trusted adult in your life, a friend, a family member or a service like Headspace. You don't need to go it alone."
About Headspace day
Headspace day is a National Day of Support for the mental health and wellbeing of all young Australians.
This year we want young people to know that small steps start big things. We are encouraging all young people to take small steps that are right for them.
We are encouraging young people to create some time and space to focus on the things they love. Spending five or 10 minutes each day on something that helps them to slow down a little, create a routine, connect with someone or take a moment to breathe.
Seven tips for a healthy headspace are:
- get into life
- learn skills for tough times
- get enough sleep
- create connections
- eat well
- stay active
- cut back on alcohol and other drugs.