Redcliffe hosts Youth Mental Health Summit

Hundreds of young Queenslanders and mental health experts have gathered in Redcliffe today to discuss ways to address youth mental ill health.

Youth Minister Warren Pitt, who officially opened the Youth Mental Health Summit, spoke of the need for better services and early intervention.

“If we can reduce the incidence of mental illness in adolescents, we can significantly reduce the prevalence of the illness in the adult population,” Mr Pitt said.

“In the past there was a tendency to regard mental illness as an adult condition but it is clear that anxiety and depression are real and growing problems within the 12 to 17-year-old age group.”

The Youth Mental Health Summit was organised by the Queensland Alliance and a group of associated organisations. It was held at the Redcliffe Area Youth Space with funding from Queensland Health.

Mr Pitt said it was time to acknowledge that times had changed, and that all options should be considered in relation to addressing youth mental ill health.

“Some methods of treatment and care that were appropriate even five or ten years ago are almost certainly no longer effective or appropriate,” he said.

“What is obvious is that the approach we have been using to assist with and resolve the mental health issues of adults is not as appropriate for adolescents. To ensure our approach is appropriate, we must be prepared to be flexible, innovative and intuitive, as well as seeking as much advice as we can get – including from young people themselves.

“This summit provides all delegates – particularly young people – with the opportunity to tell their stories and share their experiences with others.”

Mr Pitt also told delegates that research had clearly shown that strong social ties, participation in worthwhile and interesting activity, and a sense of purpose and worth were all linked to better physical and mental health.

“Conversely, if young people are socially isolated or physically inactive, their general health and wellbeing can be under threat,” Mr Pitt said.

“All these factors must be considered when determining the best approach for supporting our young people with mental health issues.”

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280