1 in 4 Young Australians with Psychological Distress - Mission Australia's Youth Mental Health Report
Tracks
Conference Centre Room 1
| Monday, March 28, 2022 |
| 2:14 PM - 2:34 PM |
Overview
Mrs Naheen Brennan, Mission Australia & Dr Joanne Beames, Black Dog Institute
Speaker
Dr Joanne Beames
Postdoctoral Researcher and Clinical Psychologist
Black Dog Institute
1 in 4 Young Australians with Psychological Distress - Mission Australia's Youth Mental Health Report
Abstract
Please see Naheen Brennan
Biography
Dr Beames is an early career Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Black Dog Institute, Clinical Psychologist, and 2019 University of New South Wales Women in Maths and Science Champion. Her research focuses on the prevention and early intervention common mental health problems in young people, including depression and anxiety, using evidence-based digital technologies. The overarching aim is to understand and improve the implementation of these technologies at scale within the school environment to maximise mental health outcomes. She is a scientist-practitioner, with her clinical psychology background facilitating translational research that has impact for young people.
Mrs Naheen Brennan
Senior Research and Insights Officer
Mission Australia
1 in 4 Young Australians with Psychological Distress - Mission Australia's Youth Mental Health Report
Abstract
In 2020, more than one in four young people identified they were experiencing mental health challenges – a significant increase since 2012, when one in five young people were facing similar concerns.
We will present the key findings from the fifth national report on young people’s mental health produced by Mission Australia and the Black Dog Institute, and provide examples of what our recommendations look like.
In the findings, we identify the characteristics of young people living with psychological distress, explore the impact of psychological distress on experiences in daily life, and identify barriers that might prevent them from seeking help when they need it.
Our recommendations and policy implications focus around schools and the vital role they can play in early detection and intervention, along with getting better access to other resources (e.g. digital mental health services) for vulnerable cohorts that may require a targeted and tailored approach.
The concepts and case studies we will present are designed to assist young people access the right resources and support that will help them manage their individual mental health journey.
We will present the key findings from the fifth national report on young people’s mental health produced by Mission Australia and the Black Dog Institute, and provide examples of what our recommendations look like.
In the findings, we identify the characteristics of young people living with psychological distress, explore the impact of psychological distress on experiences in daily life, and identify barriers that might prevent them from seeking help when they need it.
Our recommendations and policy implications focus around schools and the vital role they can play in early detection and intervention, along with getting better access to other resources (e.g. digital mental health services) for vulnerable cohorts that may require a targeted and tailored approach.
The concepts and case studies we will present are designed to assist young people access the right resources and support that will help them manage their individual mental health journey.
Biography
Naheen Brennan is a senior research and insights officer at Mission Australia and has been with the organisation since May 2021. Naheen is part of the research and insights team which looks after the Youth Survey and has been the project lead for the Fifth Biennial Youth Mental Health Report. Prior to her time at Mission Australia, Naheen has worked at market research agencies specialising in research for the healthcare industry and has also worked at the Bureau of Health Information and Allianz.
Co-authors: Joanne Beames, Andrew Kos, Natalie Reily, Caitlin Connell, Dunkan Yip, Jennifer Hudson, Bridianne O’Dea, Kathryn Di Nicola, Rachel Christie
