RELEASED: March 11, 2022
Young people are reminded that mental health support remains available as communities responds to recent flooding.
Social Futures* CEO Tony Davies said the Lismore headspace building remained closed for now, while the Tweed headspace building had reopened. Social Futures delivers headspace in Lismore and on the Tweed.
“We know this is a very difficult time for young people, and we are working hard to find ways face-to-face services in Lismore can resume,” he said.
“I know that some young people may feel sadness, anxiety and confusion, others might feel disconnected and numb. That’s all normal, and disruptions to sleep and eating patterns even relationships with friends and family are common after a disaster,” Mr Davies said.
“There are ways young people can support their mental health and they include finding ways to connect with others, building a routine, and limiting exposure to upsetting news online or in the media.”
headspace CEO Jason Trethowan encouraged young people in need of support to use headspace’s phone and online services.
“Young people unable to access face-to-face support can speak with mental health professionals online and or over the phone via counselling service eheadspace,” Mr Trethowan said.
“It has been a difficult few years for young people in the Lismore area. But with the right support, young people will recover from this latest challenge.”
eheadspace operates between 9am and 1am AEDT, every day of the year. There is also information on the headspace website to assist young people and families impacted by natural disasters.
headspace also assists young people that need support with work and study via the Digital Work and Study program, which integrates clinical care with education and employment support.
headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25-year-olds. Each year, headspace helps thousands of young people, and their family and friends, access vital support through our headspace services in 145 communities across Australia.
Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash