AFL Cape York Depression Information
AFL Cape York is proud to acknowledge the support of our sponsors and supporters.
Look, Listen, Talk, Seek Help for;
Depression and Anxiety
| Youth Beyondblue | http://www.youthbeyondblue.com/ |
| 1300 22 4636 |
AFLCY “kicking the goals” for Youth Mental Health literacy
On the 12th and 19th of April, Jenny Davis and I were fortunate to deliver the first Youth Mental Health First Aid course ever given to group whose primary focus was not just Mental Health. For us this was an exciting development in the promotion of youth mental health literacy within our community. The integration of mental health literacy with physical health education and promotion is an important step towards enhancing resilience within our society.
Mental health problems frequently first arise in adolescence and young adulthood. Young people have a poorer knowledge about mental health issues and how to get professional help. They are particularly likely to initially need support from adults to get appropriate help. The staff of AFL Cairns and AFL Cape York are ideally placed to provide this help. Due to the rapport that they build with their students as well as the respectful atmosphere they create, their students are more likely to have the confidence to approach their role models “when times are tough”.
The course gave the participants a better knowledge of the intricacies that surround the major areas of youth mental health such as Depression, Anxiety, Substance use disorders, Eating disorders and Psychosis. It also skilled them in how to deal, more effectively, with crisis situations including; Suicidal behaviours, Self harm, Acute stress reaction, Panic attacks and Acute psychotic behaviour.
The enthusiasm and professionalism shown by the participants of this course left me feeling that they would certainly be able to utilise this training.
I would like to thank the leadership of AFL Cairns and Cape York for the vision they have shown in initiating this training in their already extensive program.
Clif Nelder
Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor