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Online counselling is another way to get help for depression and anxiety.

There are many self-help internet-based programs available in Australia that are aimed at helping people better manage depression, anxiety and related illnesses.  To help people find these programs and services, beyondblue: the national depression initiative has put together a directory of e-mental Health Services and Therapies.

Deputy CEO of beyondblue: the national depression initiative, Dr Nicole Highet says online e-therapy may be an effective alternative for people with depression and anxiety who can’t or won’t access help from mental health professionals. 

“We know that more than half of all Australians with depression and anxiety don’t get the help they need for a range of reasons. There may be a lack of services in their area, they may not be able to afford the consultation fees or perhaps they’re embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help.  

“Online counselling gives people the opportunity to log onto a computer, in the privacy of their homes and work through various programs which will teach them how to identify and take control of negative and unhelpful thought patterns which underpin conditions like depression and anxiety. The beauty of these programs is that not only are many of them free, but people can choose to remain anonymous,” she said.

Dr Highet said online therapy for example, could help someone who has an anxiety disorder.  “It is common for someone with anxiety to view situations as being more dangerous than they are in reality. For example, a person afraid of flying will be obsessed with the possibility of the plane crashing, even though in reality they know this is highly unlikely. This would cause the person to feel extremely anxious and overwhelmed throughout the trip or the person may avoid plane travel altogether, which could impact negatively on work commitments or family life.”

Dr Highet said, similarly, people with depression view themselves and their situations negatively.

“People could consult a health professional to learn how to manage these thoughts and bring these feelings under control through talking therapies like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). But if you can’t or don’t want to talk about these problems with a health professional face-to-face, you can go to the e-mental Health Directory on the beyondblue website to link to a range of e-mental health services in Australia.  The directory lists 36 services and includes information on how to access these services and utilise the information and treatments.”

“These online therapies are showing great promise and are proving to be an effective alternative to face-to-face treatments for anxiety disorders and/or depression,” Dr Highet added.

 Get help at www.beyondblue.org.au/ementalhealthdirectory or ring the beyondblue info line on 1300 22 4636.

Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha

Soruce: Youthbeyondblue

As the end of the year gets closer, many students are completing assignments and preparing for the exam period. beyondblue has a few tips on taking care of yourself during this stressful time.

How can I manage my time more effectively?
It can be helpful to create a timetable so you can balance study and other commitments (e.g. sports/work). A good way to do it is to draw up a timetable at the start of each week to plan ahead and create to-do lists each day. To-do lists work well because you can break each task down so your workload becomes more manageable and less overwhelming.

It’s important not to deny yourself a break because it seems like wasting time. Breaks help you relax and stay motivated when you are studying. Try to get away from your desk at least once an hour for 10 minutes. Taking a break can help you to concentrate, be more productive, and has the added benefit of protecting your body from potential ‘study injuries’ like poor posture, headaches and stiff muscles.

I’m having trouble sleeping. What can I do?
Try not to go to bed too early or too late, and try to go at a regular time. Make sure you are not hungry and avoid drinking alcohol or smoking. It’s also a good idea to allow yourself time to wind down – if you are studying, stop at least 30 minutes before bedtime and do something relaxing and away from your study space (e.g. have a shower or bath, listen to some music). If something is playing on your mind, write it down and leave it for the morning.

Why is exercise important during the study period?
While there may be pressure during intense periods of study to put other activities on hold, a balanced approach to study can help to keep you energised, healthy and motivated. Swimming, walking, yoga, cycling, dancing or going to the gym are good ways to reduce the tension in your muscles and your mind and will help you keep a clear head. Relaxation exercises that slow your breathing and relax your muscles can also help to relieve tension.

Does junk food help you study?
While you may be tempted by caffeine or sugary foods, keep in mind that while these may provide a boost in the short-term, they can make you feel tired and unable to concentrate a little later on.

Eating well means having a wide variety of healthy foods including plenty of vegetables, fruit and cereals (like bread, rice and pasta), some lean meat, chicken or fish, dairy products (milk, yoghurt, cheese) and lots of water. It’s a good idea to avoid fatty foods and foods with lots of sugar in them.

If you need help – ask for it
If you are finding it hard to stay on top of your study, it’s a good idea to talk to someone about it. A parent or adult friend can help you get things in perspective or offer advice on better ways to manage.

If the subject is too difficult, consider getting a tutor or discussing the difficulty with your teacher/tutor/lecturer – remember, it’s their job to help you understand what you are studying.

Check out Youthbeyondblue fact sheet 19 Making the Most of Studying at www.youthbeyondblue.com

Take a look around our website www.youthbeyondblue.com for information on a wide range of topics that relate to mental health. You can also order free stuff like fact sheets and wristbands by calling the beyondblue info line on 1300 22 4636/1300 bb info.

If you need to talk to someone urgently about something that’s troubling you, call Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 on or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha
Source: Youthbeyondblue

25% of young people aged 16-24 experience mental health problems
75% of young people hospitalised in 2007-2008 was due to mental and behavioural disorders
30,706 young people were prescribed antidepressants in 2008*

The growing pressures associated with teenage years is increasing and taking its toll on the young people of today;  life is complicated and life style choices challenging.

There seems to be 4 main areas which affect adolescents; anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and eating disorders, although they are not medically linked they often have similar symptoms.

The growth of mental health issues among the young has seen 30,000 families a year affected. It is clear that the stigma that goes with mental health needs to be dropped in favour of validating and helping teenagers with the issues they are now facing.

Adolescent psychologist, author of “Surviving Adolescents” and Generation Next speaker, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg says that the most important thing for a parent to remember is to keep the lines of communication open on all levels especially emotionally, “if children and adolescents feel loved within the family, that there is a place for them at home, they may still push boundaries but their risk-taking will be less hazardous. So rather than just monitoring their behaviour, keep tabs on their emotional life. Look for changes away from a familiar or predictable pattern of behaviour.”

Dr Carr-Gregg points out several warning signs to watch out for:
Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying
Gloomy clothing, writing and music
Poor hygiene and grooming
Hopelessness
Decreased interest in doing ‘stuff’
Persistent boredom and or low energy
Social isolation
Guilt and low self-esteem
Increased irritability, anger or hostility
Disruptive behaviour at school
Alcohol and drug abuse

If the current movement continues then 20% of adolescents will have experienced depression by the age of 18, and yet many of them will not seek medical help for their condition.

The practice of helping  young people deal with their mental illness using medication grew in the 1990’s. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare publication Australia’s Health 2010, published by the Australian Department of Health and Ageing, this trend has continued to grow with 30,706 young people under 18 years of age being prescribed with antidepressants in the 12 months to June 2008. In the same period, 4,000 children under 10 years of age were also given mood-stabilising drugs, with a staggering 500 of them under the age of 5 years old.

Research has shown that antidepressant medication (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors – SSRI) can help stabilise children over the age of 12 years old. It is most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy as part of an overall mental health plan.

Many parents feel they have failed if their child resorts to medication, however Steve Hambleton,  Australian Medical Association vice president said “there is a whole lot of resistance from parents and the individual but it doesn’t mean you have failed or you should give up,”  he added “it can be a useful part of the clinical regime.”

Kids & Co.  set up by clinical psychologist Anna Cohen offers psychological assessments and a treatment service to adolescents and their families who are experiencing difficulties. Ms Cohen said “we really believe there is a place for medication for teenagers, but not for all teenagers. If we have a chemical change on our brain, the medication puts that back into a healthy balance.”

She added “the problem is, a lot of parents have heard lots of horror stories about kids on medication and there’s often a comment made to me that young people on antidepressants are more likely to suicide – but that is not the case. There is a huge stigma attached to it. It’s terrifying to acknowledge that your young person is depressed.”

Writer Helen Splarn. Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha
Source: Sunday Telegraph

* Australian Institute of Health and Welfare publication Australia’s Health 2010, Australian Department of Health and Ageing

headspace is supporting this series of national seminars relating to the health and wellbeing of young people.

The next Mental Health and Wellbeing of Young People 2010 Seminar will be held in Sydney on Friday September 10, 2010

WHAT: Topics this year include major and current issues

• Cyber-bullying
• Drugs and Alcohol
• Body Image & Eating Disorders
• Teen Depression
• Resilience
• Sexualisation, Consumerism, the Media and Mental health

Feedback from our previous event:
• ”It was very insightful. I got such a lot out of hearing from the wonderful line up of speakers you organised for us. I congratulate you on putting such a powerful line-up and message together.”
• “Thank you again for organising such a great event- it was a wonderful success and hopefully the start of many more in the future!”
• “Congratulations and thank you on a well informed and planned conference. My colleague and I loved it. I know next year I would like to send my middle years staff.”
• “The day was a very valuable one and I know that there will be more teachers from our school attending the next one.”
• “The conference speakers were engaging and stimulating and to be honest I have thought of little else since…! It was extremely uplifting to listen to people who love what they do, who are passionate about young people, passionate about their area of expertise and who are generous enough to share their knowledge, insights and understanding to improve the lives of others. Congratulations to everyone involved, I for one have been moved into action and inspired to act!”
• “Thanks once again for such a wonderful conference. I got so much out of it. I plan to use much of the info I gained on the day on a whole school basis. It’s great to have practical info that can be adapted to a school setting.”
• “It was a terrific seminar and every speaker was dynamic and to the point, well worth having a second one. I will share the details with colleagues.”
• “It was wonderful to learn in such a funny and stimulating way. The power of humour…! I will tell all colleagues about what a great professional event it was and how they can possibly get to the next one.”
• “Thank you for your vision, passion and dedication for the wellbeing of young people.”
•  “It was a terrific seminar and every speaker was dynamic and to the point, well worth having a second one. I will share the details with colleagues.”
• “Again thank you for a wondrous seminar.”
• “I will promote the next conference for you, as last week was fantastic!”
• “Thanks for putting on a great conference.”
•  “Thank you so much for your part in organising the wonderful event…..It was inspiring to hear such a collection of speakers on the one program, all most informative and entertaining. I …. shall be passing on the information to others.”
•  “The event WAS wonderful and I am happy to see that you are hosting another so soon.”

 
95% of the delegates felt that the seminar was definitely worth attending

Australia’s leading experts in one event:
• Michael Carr-Gregg, Adolescent Psychologist and Beyondblue Ambassador
• Dr Sloane Madden, Expert in Body Image and Eating Disorders, The Children’s Hospital, Westmead
• Paul Dillon, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training
• Susan McLean, Cyber safety Expert
• Lyn Worsely, Psychologist, Developer of The Resilience Doughnut
• Evelyn Field, Psychologist, Author of Bully blocking, National Centre Against Bullying
• Dr Ramesh Manocha, GP, Mental Health Researcher, University of Sydney

For Education, Health and Welfare Professionals:

“The Mental Health and Wellbeing of Young People 2010″.
Date: Friday, September 10, 2010
Venue: Mathews Lecture Theatre, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Sydney
Time: 9am-5pm

To look at the full programme, download the brochure or register go to Generation Next

Or phone 1300 797 794

Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha

In Australia, anxiety disorders are common. One in 25 teenagers (13-17 years old) experiences anxiety disorders in any given year.

Anxiety is not the same as depression, although the two conditions share many causes and some symptoms often occur together. There are six main types of anxiety disorders, including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Many people feel anxious sometimes and these anxious thoughts can often influence the things we do. For example, the thought “I think I left the iron on” can lead to us returning home to make sure that it’s turned off.

Usually, these thoughts happen only occasionally and can be helpful reminders. However, if these thoughts happen regularly, again and again, it can cause difficulties.

People who have OCD often feel like they have to carry out certain behaviours (e.g. cleaning things that are already clean) over and over in order to feel OK and reduce their anxious feelings.

These behaviours usually provide only temporary relief. But if people with OCD don’t carry out these behaviour patterns or rituals, they often think that bad things will happen to them.

While OCD is relatively rare in young people, it can be serious and requires treatment by a health professional.

What are the signs and symptoms of OCD?

People may have OCD if they have a lot of unwanted intrusive thoughts or strong urges to do certain things. Some examples of signs of OCD include:

• obsessive hand washing because the person is scared of germs

  counting things for no apparent reason, and

constantly checking that doors are locked etc.

Getting Help

A General Practitioner or counsellor can help. OCD is treatable and talking to someone about it is the first step towards getting better. Treatment will help a person with OCD to control the strong compulsive feelings that lead to the repetitive behaviour.

Your doctor may offer you some information to read or put you in touch with someone who specialises in the treatment of anxiety disorders or refer you to a psychologist covered by Medicare.

Where can I get more information?

youthbeyondblue  or  1300 22 4636
headspace  
Kids Help Line  or 1800 55 1800
ReachOut.com  
Anxiety Network Australia

Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha
Source: Youthbeyondblue

When people talk about ‘mental health’ they’re referring to the health of your mind and this also includes how you feel about yourself and how easily you cope with problems. When you are experiencing good mental health, it makes it easier for you to enjoy day-to-day activities and the world around you.

Your mental health can be affected by many different things and many different reasons. One of the signs that your mental health isn’t as healthy as it should be is that you don’t feel as good as you used to. If you have a mental health condition, it can affect:

• the way you feel
• the way you think and act
• how you interact with others
• your ability to concentrate.
 
We all feel low from time to time, but when you feel sad or anxious for a long time, generally for more than two weeks, it’s a sign that something might be wrong and it’s a good time to talk to a friend, family member, trusted adult or – even better – your doctor.

Depression is a mental illness which can affect anyone at any time, so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms and to look out for these in yourself and also your friends and family. It is also important to listen to friends and family members when they are feeling down and talk to them about what is going on.

Part of the reason that mental health isn’t spoken about as much as it should be is because people may feel ashamed or embarrassed about having a mental health problem and often don’t want anyone to know about it. This is called “stigma” and it prevents people from seeking help and talking to trusted friends and relatives when they need to.

It is really important to talk about how you’re going, as everyone has a right to be well and to enjoy life. Talking about how you are feeling, whether it’s good or not-so-good, and getting things off your chest, may help you to start feeling better. By talking openly about mental health problems, it helps to reduce stigma and may encourage others to seek information and help when needed.

Things that prevent young people from seeking help for depression and anxiety can include:

• stigma and fear of what people will think and say
• not knowing where to go or who to talk to
• wondering if it is just a normal part of growing up (it’s not!)
• fear that they may be seen as weak if they speak to parents, GP or another health professional.

The truth is that depression and anxiety disorders are illnesses, not weaknesses, and it’s important to talk about what’s going on and to seek help. There is a lot of information that can help you – or a friend – take that first step.

Remember to:

• Look for the signs of depression and anxiety disorders
• Listen to your friends’ experiences
• Talk about how you’re feeling
• Seek Help together.

Depression and anxiety are illnesses and help is available. With the right treatment, most people recover.

For more information about depression, anxiety and related disorders visit www.youthbeyondblue.com or call the beyondblue info line on 1300 22 3646. 

Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha.

Youthbeyondblue has a range of free fact sheets available to download from the Youthbeyondblue website.

The fact sheets don’t sugar-coat the issues or contain medical jargon – just plain, easy-to-understand facts about problems people commonly experience as a part of growing up.

Topics range from depression and anxiety disorders (signs, symptoms and available treatment and where to get help) to advice on helping a friend or family member and tips on coping with stress. The fact sheets also look at what happens to depression and anxiety levels when mixed with alcohol, marijuana and other drugs.

There is information on how to keep yourself healthy, for example making sure you exercise and eat well and get a good night’s sleep. There are also tips on how to improve your study habits.

You can also get the facts about the tough stuff like suicide prevention, self-harm, dealing with grief, family break-ups and bullying. There’s even information for parents and carers. 

The team at Youthbeyondblue put these fact sheets together by drawing on years of research, expert advice from mental health professionals who work with young people and first hand information.

They also talked to groups of young people about what helped them through their tough times and took their advice on the things they thought would be helpful for others.

Other youth organisations, including headspace, Orygen Youth Health, Reach Out and Mission Australia, were also involved.

Beyondblue’s CEO, Leonie Young, said sometimes when people are going through a hard time or the early stages of anxiety and depression, it can be daunting to take that first step to get help. 

“Life can be tough for teenagers and young adults – so we want everyone to know that help is available. Whether it is advice on studying and keeping healthy, or easy-to-understand information about mental health, our Youthbeyondblue fact sheets are a great place to start. If you’re struggling, it’s always a good idea to talk about it with someone you trust, like a parent, teacher, school counsellor, your doctor or a good friend.”

“We realise that sometimes the things that really worry people can be hard to talk about, so a great way to try to overcome problems is to arm yourself – or a friend – with the facts and find out what help is available” she said.

“We invite all young people to take a few minutes to look at the Youthbeyondblue information, because even if you don’t need it yourself, you may know someone who does. Remember to look for the signs of depression and anxiety in your mates, talk about what’s going on, listen to what they’re saying and if you think you need to – seek help together.”

You can order or download any of beyondblue’s youth fact sheets for free, from www.youthbeyondblue.com or you can call the beyondblue information line on 1300 22 4636 (for the cost of a local call from a landline) to have copies sent out to you.

Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha.