Early support key for mental health

Headspace Horsham is encouraging Wimmera youth to call on their support network to maintain positive mental health during the second COVID-19 statewide lockdown.

Victorian lives have again been reshaped following a reintroduction of stage-three lockdown across regional areas.

Youth engagement and community development co-ordinator Louise Barnett says freedoms lost, challenges of isolation, fear for loved ones and concerns about employment can take a toll on mental health.

She is imploring young people, especially school-aged and tertiary students and people who have lost their jobs, to open the conversation and stay connected.

Ms Barnett said unstable emotions would be normal right now and staying connected to teachers, peers and loved ones would be crucial.

“There’s things that students might have been looking forward to that they might miss out on this year,” she said.

“You might have delayed expectations about getting a job or spending time with a school teacher you really like, or you might have just formed a relationship with someone and that might be your first boyfriend or girlfriend.”

Ms Barnett said for some people this could be the first time they had experienced stress or anxiety.

“They might be feeling overwhelmed with the information that’s coming through and can be scared or anxious about what’s coming ahead. They might be feeling sad and confused and trying to navigate these emotions,” she said.

“All of these emotions can be experienced as a one off or continually and they’re perfectly normal feelings to have.”

Ms Barnett said reaching out was crucial as early intervention could mean saving a life.

“It’s key if we can plant a seed for a young person to encourage them to come along to even one session at headspace,” she said.

“We take it very seriously when a young person comes through the door. We see that as brave and courageous and we’re here to support them.

“Our bottom line is we want people to seek early help because we never want it to get to the point where a young person takes their life due to not being able to talk to someone.”

Headspace Horsham staff received varied feedback from youth about working or learning from home during this time.

Ms Barnett said while easy for some, others might find it more challenging.

“Some are finding it easier because that peer pressure of being at school and being distracted is removed, whereas there’s other students who require that learning where they need someone there with them and direction,” she said.

“Learning or working from home can affect your mood more due to being more sedentary or out of routine and not having someone to check in with or talk to.”

Small steps

Ms Barnett said setting small tasks could make a big difference in improving wellbeing.

“It doesn’t have to be big – spend 10 minutes learning the guitar, listening to music, catching up with friends or trying to get exercise in,” she said.

“Be mindful of exposure to news stories and social media – it might be helpful to take 24-hour breaks from it.

“Just making sure we’re keeping an eye on alcohol consumption for those over the age of 18 – alcohol exacerbates our current feelings. If we’re feeling down or dejected that will amplify those feelings.”

Ms Barnett said headspace could also help 15 to 25-year-olds with its work and study programs to plan a career, find employment or work towards further education.

“Feeling lost or unmotivated are absolutely normal feelings,” she said.

“Headspace can assist with making resumes and mentoring, so you can be proactive in that space.”