During Mental Health Month we are delving into all the aspects of mental health.
It’s important for young people be supported to care for their mental health. About three-quarters of common mental health problems emerge before the age of 25 years old and learning to manage mental health isn’t easy.
However, there are some ways to incorporate mental well-being into our daily lives. Establishing healthy habits and routines can be key in helping to improve mental health.
Here are a few simple ways you can take care of your mental health every day:
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Keep active to stay physically fit and mentally healthy.
- Eat nourishing food to help maintain your physical and mental health.
- Establish rituals and routines that help you to reduce stress (like a self-care routine before bed).
- Practice mindfulness to help manage stress and your emotions.
- Talk to someone you trust about what is going on in your life.
- Take a break if you need to so that you can recover and reset.
- Spend time in nature.
- Find meaningful and enjoyable activities or hobbies (gardening, painting, singing, etc.)
- Source
Alcohol and drugs
There is a complex relationship between mental health and substance misuse. Pre-existing mental health conditions may predispose individuals to use drugs as a form of short-term relief or as a coping strategy. In other cases, drug use can trigger the first symptoms of mental illness.
Avoiding alcohol and drugs can have a positive effect on your mental health. If you are finding it hard not to use alcohol and drugs, ask for support. There are many paths to recovery and treatment is always possible.
Seek help when you need it
If you are struggling with your mental health, there are places you can go to find support. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need to.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/research-areas/youth-mental-health
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/wellbeing
www.rethinkaddiction.org.au/the-cost-of-addiction
Mental health is a deeply personal journey and affects everyone differently. It is not just about what’s going on in your mind; it’s an integral part of your overall wellbeing. We believe that fostering open and honest conversations about mental health is essential.
The impact on your whole self
Struggling with mental health can be extremely debilitating. It can extend far beyond your thoughts and emotions and be incredibly challenging. It touches every aspect of your life, including your physical health, your relationships, and your day-to-day experiences. As we bring awareness to this aspect of a person’s wellbeing, we hope to better care for and understand how mental health may have an impact on ourselves and the people around us.
Physical health
Mental health is not isolated from physical health. In fact, mental health conditions can directly impact physical health. People with mental illnesses:
- Are more prone to physical illness
- Have mortality rate over twice as high as those without
- Often have symptoms of fatigue and loss of energy
- Can experience decreased quality of life and overall wellbeing
Social wellbeing
Mental health challenges can also impact you socially:
- Social Isolation: Individuals often experience social isolation and loneliness during periods of poor mental health, further exacerbating their struggles.
- Psychological Strain: The psychological and physical strain of mental disorders can be overwhelming, making it difficult to engage
- Coping Mechanism: Withdrawal from social interactions is sometimes used as a coping mechanism by those facing mental health challenges.
Barriers to receiving support
Many people who live with mental health conditions can find it hard to seek or receive help. They often feel as though their struggles must remain hidden due to fear of stigma and rejection from friends, family, employers or the wider community.
Some people turn to alcohol and other drugs as a way to cope. Unfortunately, many who turn to these substances for relief find themselves caught in the devastating cycle of addiction.
This is a major concern, particularly for young people who struggle with mental health. Research has shown that youth with mental health conditions are twice as likely to use drugs or alcohol.
Addressing these challenges and fostering a supportive, empathetic environment is crucial to ensuring that individuals receive the help they need.
We are here to help
We know that struggling with mental health can be an uphill battle that many face alone. If you or someone you know is a young person struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, we are here to help. Find a service that might be suitable for you on our Drug and Alcohol Support Services page.
_____________________________________________
Sources:
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health/physical-health-of-people-with-mental-illness
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/psychosocial/foundations/Pages/impact.aspx
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-impact-of-social-isolation-on-mental-health-7185458
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/psychosocial/foundations/Pages/stigma-problems.aspx
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/psychosocial/foundations/Pages/coexisting-substance.aspx
https://youth.gov/youth-topics/co-occurring-disorders
Everyone deserves to have a secure and safe place to call home. Unfortunately, that is not the case for many Australians, particularly among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged demographics.
World Homeless Day is held on 10 October every year internationally to bring awareness, change, and help to those facing this devastating issue.
A complex issue
Homelessness is a complex issue that doesn’t discriminate by age and often takes forms less visible than we might assume. It’s important to recognise that homelessness doesn’t solely mean lacking a roof over one’s head. It’s about having a safe and secure place to call home.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), identifies various types of homelessness including (but not limited to):
- ‘Rough sleepers’ living in improvised dwellings, tents or sleeping out
- People in supported accommodation services for the homeless
- ‘Couch surfing’ or staying temporarily with other friends or family
- People living in boarding houses and other temporary lodgings
- Overpopulated and ‘severely’ crowded dwellings
These categories help us to understand that homelessness covers a large range of living arrangements which people can find themselves in.
Unfortunate causes
Sadly, most cases of homelessness are caused by circumstances outside of the person’s control. No one wants to be forced into living under unstable or unsafe arrangements. Factors that contribute to someone’s homelessness include family and domestic violence, education, employment, health and disability, and access to affordable housing.
Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness in Australia. Shockingly, the AIHW Specialist Homelessness Services Annual Report 2021-22, revealed that one in six women and one in sixteen men have experienced family or domestic violence from a current or previous partner. Moreover, a staggering 2.5 million adults have suffered abuse during their childhood.
Vulnerable young people
Youth are particularly vulnerable to both the causes and effects of being homeless. Of all people that were experiencing homelessness, almost a quarter of this amount were those from 12 to 24 years old. This is deeply concerning as homelessness can cause significant damage to a young person’s health and wellbeing. Homelessness disrupts crucial stages of personal social development, education and transition to long-term employment.
Being homeless not only changes one’s physical living circumstances but also exposes them to increased health risks, including injuries, infections, and disease. Young people, often lacking financial and social resources, are left with limited choices and support. Consequently, there is a high mortality rate amongst homeless youth, lacking access to medical services, basic hygiene, and heightened vulnerability to sexual exploitation, violence and mental health issues.
Recognising these pressing concerns, young people have become a national priority for Australian, state, and territory governments.
Sir David Martin Foundation has a vision of safety, hope and opportunity for vulnerable young Australians, we are committed to driving awareness of these challenges and providing support to young people, ensuring a brighter future.
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/homelessness-and-homelessness-services
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/homelessness-and-homelessness-services
https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/education/homelessness
https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/58593639-1b15-4d3c-98f0-fb1769a9e32c/specialist-homelessness-services-annual-report-2021-22.pdf?v=20221124102532&inline=true
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/housing/estimating-homelessness-census/latest-release#age
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/homelessness-and-overcrowding
https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2021/01/28/default-calendar/who-webinar—fuel-poverty-homelessness-and-informal-settlements-how-housing-affects-health-equity
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/homelessness-and-overcrowding
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/housing/estimating-homelessness-census/latest-release#age
October is a month of reflection and action—a time when the world comes together to prioritise mental health.
As we embrace World Mental Health Month this October, it’s vital to delve into the intricate relationship between mental health and addiction. In this blog post, we’ll explore this connection, particularly focusing on young people aged 15-24, who bear a substantial health burden when it comes to mental health. By understanding this interplay and advocating for holistic treatment, we can offer vulnerable young people the best chance of help and recovery.
The complex relationship between addiction and mental health
The link between addiction and mental health is far from simple, but evidence shows that the two are intimately intertwined. Pre-existing mental health conditions may predispose individuals to use drugs as a form of short-term relief or as a coping strategy. In other cases, drug use can trigger the first symptoms of mental illness. (2)
In 2019, the number of people who reported having a mental health condition was higher among people aged 18 and over who reported the use of illicit drugs in the previous 12 months (26%) than those who had not used an illicit drug over this period (15.2%). (3)
For some people, their initial desire to use drugs or gamble can be a coping mechanism in response to trauma, depression, anxiety, grief or stress. (2) These aspects of mental health need to be addressed to facilitate the recovery process.
The impact on young people
Among young people aged 15-24, issues of addiction and mental health are two of the three factors contributing the most burden to their health. It’s crucial to address mental health issues when treating addiction so that young individuals can have the best chance of recovery and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Holistic treatment is key
Evidence shows the risk of relapse for people living with addiction can be exacerbated by an insufficient linkage of specialist addiction treatment with mental health services. (2) Because addiction to substances and mental health are closely linked, people’s addiction treatment can benefit when they have access to mental health services.
Treating addiction is complex, but it is clear that holistic treatment that takes mental health into account is part of the puzzle.
Breaking the stigma
As we observe Mental Health Month in October, let us remember the profound connection between mental health and addiction. Addressing these issues together is not only essential but also the key to effective treatment and lasting recovery. During this month of heightened awareness, let’s break the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction, ensuring that those who need help receive the comprehensive care they deserve.
References
- www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/health-of-young-people
- www.rethinkaddiction.org.au/the-cost-of-addiction
- www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/national-drug-strategy-2017-2026.pdf
This September is Recovery Month, and we are shining a spotlight on the recovery process. One of the most crucial steps to recovery for young people is Aftercare.
Young people who receive Residential Rehabilitation or Withdrawal services enabled by Sir David Martin Foundation receive up to six months of Aftercare. Every young person is paired with an Aftercare Worker when they leave residential care, who assists them by adopting a person-centred approach and leading with trauma informed care. This way each young person gets the help they need.
Why do young people need Aftercare?
Recovery is not straightforward. It’s a long-term process and it’s common for young people to need support when they are returning to the community after completing rehabilitation. They often need to build a new life and break out of old habits.
Access to Aftercare means young people can develop a plan to help with triggers, cravings and the stress of returning to the community. The risk of relapse is highest in the first few months after someone leaves rehab. Working with their Aftercare Worker, developing an Aftercare plan and having the right support in place can help to prevent relapse. A 2020 report by Sir David Martin Foundation found that two thirds of the value of our service model is created through our active Aftercare program. (1)
Todd Beddie, an Aftercare Worker at Triple Care Farm, says, “Ultimately, the Aftercare Worker is someone who will be there to answer the phone when a young person calls in a time of need, i.e. “Can you help me with this?” or “I don’t know what to do, please help me.”
For young people, this can be exactly what they need. Elli, a young person who has completed the Aftercare program at Triple Care Farm, says, “My Aftercare worker is awesome. She helped me form a solid foundation to ensure my transition to the outside world would be successful. She helped me find housing and an art course at TAFE which I am really excited about.”
Aftercare works on developing, mending and building social and family relationships. It ensures the young person has goals and an outcome plan before exiting residential program. Appropriate supports need to be in place such a housing, legal, AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug) supports, Centrelink, employments, education and health and wellbeing needs.
Aftercare for every young person
Young people with addiction across Australia can have access to Aftercare with the Youth Network, an expansion of Sir David Martin Foundation’s Aftercare program.
The Youth Network provides youth-specific Aftercare at sites across Australia. It is currently established in:
- Southern Highlands, NSW – Triple Care Farm
- Perth, WA – Drug and Alcohol Youth Service, DAYS
- Dubbo, NSW – Mac River Centre
- Batemans Bay, NSW – Wallawaani
Find out more about our youth programs.
Societal stigma that blames people for addiction is a serious barrier to their recovery. It isolates people and prevents them from developing meaningful connections and a sense of community – which is key to becoming well.
Societal stigma prevents effective recovery from addiction.
People who are addicted to substances are often socially excluded and marginalised. For young people with addiction, this kind of isolation can be very damaging. Public stigma about people with addiction involves pervasive negative attitudes and beliefs that lead to their societal rejection.1
This stigma is closely linked to the idea that people who are dependent on substances are to blame for their addiction, and that dependency on a drug is a personal failure. Unfortunately, this attitude is pervasive and can exist in the health care system, the workplace, families, and community relationships, leaving people isolated.2
People with addiction need connection and community to recover.
Evidence suggests that people who have more high-quality human connections have higher levels of recovery.3 Building connection and a sense of family and community is important not only to recover from substance dependence, but also to help avoid relapse in the future.4
We all have the power to stop stigma.
Here are some ways you can contribute to stopping harmful societal stigma around addiction:
- Use ‘person-first’ language. For example, instead of saying ‘substance abuser’, say ‘person with a substance use disorder’. There is evidence that these small changes can make a difference to societal attitudes around addiction.
- Remember: treatment is available and it works. Addiction is a treatable disease, and there are lots of solutions and options for recovery.
- Learn about the personal stories of people with addiction. By putting a human face to drug dependency, we can challenge harmful stereotypes.
- Remember that the causes of addiction are often societal rather than individual, and look at the wider social factors that may have contributed to a person developing a drug dependency.5
De-stigmatising youth addiction.
Sir David Martin Foundation helps young people in crisis by enabling best-practice models of treatment for youth drug and alcohol addiction. We aim to de-stigmatise youth addiction and break down barriers to young people (and their loved ones) seeking help early. To do this we are ramping up our efforts to raise awareness of youth addiction and advocate on important social issues that contribute to factors which often lead to young people mis-using drugs and alcohol.
We know that stigma, judgement and misinformation are major roadblocks to young people and their families seeking help for drug and alcohol addiction. Together, by starting important conversations and breaking down some of the misconceptions about youth addiction we can help remove these barriers and empower young people to seek help.
__
If you or a young person you know is struggling with addiction visit our resource list to find help.
References
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/poverty-homelessness-and-social-stigma-make-addiction-more-deadly-202109282602
https://adf.org.au/insights/stigma-people-who-use-drugs/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9318152/
https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2023/04/treatment-for-drug-and-alcohol-misuse-should-involve-families-an#:~:text=Families%20and%20community%20can%20play,or%20reducing%20problematic%20substance%20use.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2000227
This September we are proud to acknowledge Recovery Month. This month, we will be promoting evidence-based treatment and recovery practices and sharing more about what youth addiction is and the steps young people can take to recovery.
What is youth addiction?
Young people can be susceptible to substance misuse and addiction. Many young people experiment with drugs and alcohol, which can lead to harmful or risky behaviours. Youth addiction can occur when substance misuse becomes chronic and continues despite adverse consequences, like:
- Failure to fulfil major responsibilities
- Recurrent substance use in situations where it is physically dangerous
- Recurrent substance-related legal problems
- Continued substance use, even despite personal or social problems it may be causing (1).
There is no one path to addiction, and not all alcohol and drug use leads to problematic use, but for those that do, supporting young people to recover quickly is imperative. If young people don’t have the support they need available to recover, substance misuse can lead to dependence, chronic health problems, and social and financial consequences.
The statistics
- In Australia, the average age when young people start alcohol and other drug use is 16 and 19 years respectively (2)
- Of young people aged 14-24, 30% drink alcohol at levels that put them at risk of harm
- 24% of young people aged 14–24 engaged in illicit use of drugs
- Alcohol and drug use has generally decreased in the last decade (3).
What is recovery?
In recovery, people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential. Just as there are many ways young people can become addicted, there are different pathways they can take on the journey to recovery, and there is no one-size-fits-all program.
Sir Martin Foundation focuses on three types of care for young people aged 16-24 to support recovery and rehabilitation:
- Withdrawal: This is a detox program that provides up to 28 days of residential care and 24/7 medical support for young people to withdraw and break the cycle of addiction.
- Rehabilitation: This is a 12-week course that focuses on empowering young people with treatment and counselling, living skills, education, and recreation. Young people work with counsellors and psychologists to develop a tailored, holistic program that works for them.
- Aftercare: This program provides up to six months of support for young people who have completed the Withdrawal or Rehabilitation programs. Young people are paired with a dedicated Aftercare Worker who offers practical advice and mentors them as they transition back into the community.
Learn more
If you are looking for more information on addiction or the options available for recovery, contact us to find out more.
References
- youth.gov/youth-topics/substance-abuse
- www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/alcohol-tobacco-and-other-drugs
- adf.org.au/insights/youth-aod-use/
In welcome news, the NSW Drug Court has announced that it is expanding, giving more drug-dependent people an alternative to prison.
The Drug Court takes a holistic approach to drug offences and prioritises treatment and rehabilitation over jail time. This evidence-based approach focuses on treating the underlying causes of the person’s offence and breaking the cycle of reoffending.
However, the Court currently sits just one day a week and only takes 40 participants each year. Its expansion will see it move to full time in January and increasing its capacity to 160 participants. For young people convicted of drug offences this could offer a much-needed alternative to entering the prison system.
The program supports drug-dependent people to find housing and a job and provides them with counselling and holistic support. By giving these people the opportunity to recover, the long-term impacts of drug dependency can be avoided, both for individuals and the community.
The expansion will begin on September 20, 2023, with the Court sitting three days a week instead of the current one. It will begin to sit full-time, or five days, in January. Participants who are successful will have their supervision loosened over time by the Drug Court. There are consequences for participants who fail to make progress in the program, including short-term suspended prison sentences.
This expansion of the Drug Court is a step towards the legal system recognising that addiction is a health issue and providing people with the support they need to get well. To break the cycle of drug offending, particularly for young people, it is essential that drug offences are treated as more than breaking the law; they are part of a deeper cycle that people are able to recover from with the right support.
References
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-19/sydneys-drug-court-in-downing-centre-court-expands/102749866
https://lsj.com.au/articles/nsw-drug-court-full-time-in-sydneys-cbd/
https://cityhub.com.au/a-specialist-sydney-drug-court-is-expanding-who-wins/
Georgia* came to Triple Care Farm as a young person who had lost her direction due to substance misuse. However, she was determined to change her situation. During her time at the Farm, she focused not just on healing, but on connecting to her culture.
Young people can lose a lot in the grip of addiction, but Georgia knew she had one priceless asset: her voice. After her time at the Farm, she wanted to take the skills she learned and use her voice to help young Indigenous people break the cycle of incarceration.
Once she was ready to leave the Farm, Georgia and her Aftercare Worker Linda found a juvenile justice centre that focused on breaking the cycle of offending for Indigenous youth. After many attempts at calling and emailing to enquire about volunteer opportunities, with no answer, Linda and Georgia came up with a plan.
For their first face-to-face Aftercare appointment, Linda and Georgia went together and knocked on the door.
Linda says, “We walked into the office, and Georgia just started to shine. She asked all the right questions and advocated for herself so beautifully.
“She ended up speaking with the CEO of the organisation and was offered a casual position as an Aboriginal Program Facilitator, running the program in the juvenile justice centres.”
We are so proud of Georgia, for her resilience and tenacity, and the impact she is making – not just in her own recovery, but in the community.
*Name changed to protect privacy. Stock image used.
This Reconciliation Week, Sir David Martin Foundation stands united in solidarity and reverence for the First Nations peoples of our land. As an organisation with a Vision of safety, hope and opportunity for all young Australians, we recognise the significance of honouring the rich history, culture, and resilience of Indigenous communities, and we are committed to advocating for meaningful reconciliation.
We accept the invitation issued in the Uluru Statement from the Heart to walk with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for a better future and we support a First Nations Voice to Parliament with constitutional recognition.
We proudly lend our support to the Yes campaign for the Voice to Parliament, a critical stride towards empowering First Nations voices and fostering a more equitable future for all Australians. We understand the transformative potential of a constitutionally enshrined Indigenous Voice, which provides a platform for self-determination, decision-making, and shared responsibility.
Reconciliation is not a singular event but an ongoing journey, and this week serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing efforts required to forge stronger connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. By endorsing the Voice to Parliament, we strive to amplify Indigenous voices, facilitate genuine engagement, and cultivate a society where every Australian is heard and valued.
Together, we can walk the path of healing, understanding, and unity, as we shape a brighter future founded on principles of justice, equality, and mutual respect.