youth mental health support still available online and over the phone during COVID-19 lockdowns

headspace is reminding young people in New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory that mental health support remains available online and over the phone.

Several state governments have this week announced snap lockdowns in bids to contain the latest outbreaks of COVID-19.

headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said the news may be distressing for some young people, many of whom are already managing mental ill-health.

headspace research released this week found more than half (54%) of young people already experience loneliness[1].

That follows findings form the headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey last year that indicated one-third of young people report high or very high levels of psychological distress[2].

“We anticipate this might be a challenging experience for many young people and want them to know that it’s normal to feel a range of emotions during this time,” Mr Trethowan said.

“Over the past 18 months, we’ve seen an increase in contact from young people in places hit hardest by COVID-19, most recently in Victoria.

“It is important to remember that we made it through previous lockdowns and that we will get through this one as well. This can help us to remain resilient.

“If you are a young person in need of support, or if there is a young person in your life who is feeling anxious about lockdown, it is important to remember help is available from headspace.”

Mr Trethowan encouraged young people finding it difficult to cope to connect with eheadspace, which offers free online and telephone support and counselling between 9am to 1am AEST every day.

“eheadspace is a safe and confidential service, run by a team of mental health professionals who are waiting to offer support,” he said.

There is also a large range of free online resources available for young people, their family and their friends at headspace.org.au.

“Lockdown doesn’t mean help is out of reach.”

If you are a young person, a family member or friend who already visits a headspace centre for support, please contact your local centre to find out how they are continuing to operate during this time.

 

1 headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey 2020

2 headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey 2020