Youth support workers around Griffith have encouraged Indigenous youth to seek help if they’re struggling with depression.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Reducing mental illness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was the focus of high level talks between government, mental health experts and Indigenous leaders at Parliament House on Wednesday.
Mitch Litchfield from Youth Off The Streets said young people didn’t need to suffer in silence.
“Young people are always reluctant to come forward, they think that it makes them look weak,” Mr Litchfield said.
“There is a certain stigma around mental health issues.
“Young people often suffer in silence because of this.”
Drug and alcohol abuse were often a symptom of mental health issues, according to Mr Litchfield.
“Often, to cope with the pain they feel, young people will self-medicate through drugs and alcohol.
“This is only a band-aid solution to what is a difficult and complex problem.”
Sid Barone from Griffith’s Aboriginal Medical Service said it was hard to tell whether drug and alcohol abuse was a cause or effect of mental illness.
“In some cases it can be argued it resulted from one’s use and abuse of alcohol and drugs, then again who’s to say one was not self-medicating an undiagnosed condition to begin with?” Mr Barone asked.
“Continued community awareness is always recommended.”
Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley said she was particularly concerned suicide death rates in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders population were twice that of non-Indigenous people living in the same areas.
“Age-specific death rates from suicide were highest for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25-34 years, around three times the rate for non-Indigenous Australians of the same age,” Ms Ley said.
Showing young people it was OK to ask for help was most important, Mr Litchfield said.
“I found through personal experience that people tend to think 'you will be fine' and to 'shake it off’.
“Sometimes the best help is just letting your friend or your child know you’re there for them whenever they’re ready to talk.
“Sadly some people do not have people in their lives they can talk to and this is when it is important for the community and the agencies to be there for these youth without support.”
Youth Off The Streets is located at 5 Wiradjuri Place and is open from 10am - 6pm Monday to Friday. For more information on its services or programs, call 6964 8477 or visit http://www.youthoffthestreets.com.au.
