- Alexandra Whitwam
Supporting mental health in the midst of a crisis
World Mental Health Day on 10 October is a chance to highlight programs and tools from our partners, that support mental health and wellbeing for children and young people.
Youth mental health in Australia is facing a significant crisis:
- Nearly 40% of 16-24-year-olds experience mental health disorders1
- Financial barriers are preventing 21% of Australians from accessing necessary psychology services2
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for those aged 15-243
These stats can feel alarming but they’re not inevitable. We know that early intervention can positively influence mental health outcomes and prevent long-term mental health issues, particularly for young people. However, there are increasing barriers to accessing timely services.
So, we’re supporting non-profit organisations who deliver digitally accessible mental health services and resources, to reach young people early – and anywhere.
Resources for young people from Telstra Foundation partners
- Alannah and Madeline Foundation: Digitalk hub designed with Telstra’s support offers a range of resources to help children, young people and their carers experiencing a range of issues including resources on overcoming bullying, which can lead to anxiety and depression.
- Lifeline Australia: The Self Support Toolkit a resource for Australians to proactively manage their mental health. With our support they’re integrating this service into their existing Crisis Support Services which will mean they can follow-up an initial call from someone in crisis with personalised resources and a path forward.
- MINUS18: LGBTQIA+ young people are disproportionately affected by ill mental health. Of all LGBTQIA+ people, three in four (74.5%) had experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life (compared with 41.7% of heterosexual people)4. MINUS18 provide resources and connection for young people designed to bolster their mental health and creative a more inclusive community.
- Orygen Digital: Are leading the sector when it comes to developing digital mental health solutions for children and young people. They have several digital mental health products.
- Rainbow Families: The Little Rainbows online hub, shares strategies, resilience building tools and real lived examples from young people to help children with LGBTQIA+ parents feel a sense of connection and belonging.
- ReachOut: Provides a digital hub where young people can openly express themselves, connect with people who provide judgement-free support, and build resilience to manage their challenges.
- YourTown (Kids Helpline): Niggle is an app developed by YourTown to focus on early intervention. It’s a wellbeing toolkit to connect with other young people experiencing similar challenges.
Mental health resources for all ages
Mental health challenges can happen to us at any stage in our lives.
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Suicide call back service – 1300 659 467
- Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
- Black Dog Institute
- Headspace – 1800 650 890
- MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78
- The Butterfly Foundation – 1800 33 4673
- QLife – 1800 184 527
- 13YARN – 13 92 76
You can also:
- talk to someone you trust
- contact your GP, a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist
- visit a hospital emergency department.
