Mental health struggles among the younger generation in Australia have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Identifying these challenges early on is crucial for providing timely support and intervention. In this article, we will explore how to recognise signs of mental health issues in young people, drawing insights from various Australian studies. Awareness of Common Mental Health Disorders: According to research conducted by the Black Dog Institute, Beyond Blue, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), anxiety disorders, depression, and substance abuse are among the most common mental health issues affecting Australian youth. Understanding the symptoms associated with these disorders is essential for early recognition. Changes in Behavior: One of the key indicators of mental health struggles in young people is noticeable changes in behaviour. This may include withdrawal from social activities, a decline in academic performance, irritability, mood swings, or increased sensitivity to criticism. A study by Orygen, the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, highlights the significance of paying attention to these behavioural changes. Physical Symptoms: Physical symptoms can also signal underlying mental health concerns. These may manifest as changes in sleep patterns, appetite disturbances, unexplained aches and pains, or frequent complaints of headaches or stomach aches. The Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing emphasises the importance of considering physical symptoms alongside psychological indicators. Peer Relationships and Social Withdrawal: Difficulties in peer relationships and social withdrawal are common manifestations of mental health struggles in young people. Studies by the Telethon Kids Institute and the University of Melbourne have shown that bullying, peer pressure, and feelings of loneliness can significantly impact mental well-being. Observing changes in the quality of friendships or reluctance to participate in social activities can provide valuable insights. Academic Performance and School Attendance: Mental health issues often have a profound impact on academic performance and school attendance. Research by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) suggests that young people experiencing mental health challenges are more likely to struggle academically and have higher rates of absenteeism. Monitoring changes in academic engagement and attendance can help identify those in need of support. Risk-Taking Behaviours: Engaging in risky behaviours such as substance abuse, reckless driving, self-harm, or unprotected sexual activity can be indicators of underlying mental health issues. Studies by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) and the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health, and Society (ARCSHS) highlight the correlation between risk-taking behaviours and psychological distress among young Australians. Recognising mental health struggles in the younger generation is crucial for providing appropriate support and intervention. By being aware of common symptoms and risk factors, parents, educators, and healthcare professionals can play a vital role in identifying those in need of assistance. Australian studies provide valuable insights into the prevalence and impact of mental health issues among young people, guiding efforts to promote mental well-being and resilience in the community. We Lysn accredited mental health professionals can see patients from 12 years of age, and bulk-bill those under the age of 21.* If you would like to book to see our professionals for yourself or your child, get started today.

Engaging in creative activities can serve as a therapeutic outlet, but can be particularly hard when you’re feeling run-down or too busy with life’s demands. However, creativity is vital for our mental health, as it helps us to regulate our focus, improve our memory, and encourages a relaxed brain-state comparable to meditation! That’s why we have researched four simple, scientifically-proven ways to get creative when you’re unmotivated or uninspired: 1.Doodling There’s no pressure to be Van Gogh or Monet; simply sitting down with a pen and paper to draw without a particular end product in mind can automatically stimulate creativity. Creativity writer Charlene Lewis explains that doodling combines conscious awareness and daydreaming, which requires a certain amount of mental relaxation and enables you to come up with new creative ideas. 2. Cooking Getting creative while cooking can be as simple as cutting up your carrots differently, or plating up a meal in a different style than usual. This is because cooking encourages divergent thinking, which in intelligence research, means you can be aware of multiple different methods to come up with a single product, which requires creativity. We are also happy to report that eating can increase creativity too, when we take time to savour the multi-sensory experience through taste, touch, and smells (Wang et al., 2021). Next time you sit down for a meal, slow down and acknowledge the sensations of different food pairings to stimulate your creative mind. 3. Decorating your home A trip to IKEA or a scroll through home decor Pinterest boards can inspire creativity more than you would expect! Home decor window-shopping stimulates your imagination by allowing you to picture how certain items would look and feel in your home. This also has additional benefits like increasing your familiarity with your own personal expression and inspiring new ideas. Additionally, neuroscientist Moshe Bar reports that a room’s lighting, furniture type, and colour, can significantly affect our mood, focus, and creativity, so it’s definitely something to pay attention to. (Scientific American Mind, 2009). 4. Puzzle-solving If you struggle with letting go of your logical mind, don’t fret! Doing logical tasks such as crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, and sudoku can engage a problem-solving mindset which can lead to creative thinking. Neuroscientist Dr Mark Beeman says that completing puzzles shifts the brain into a more playful state that requires imagination, inference, and guessing - all of which are skills that use and strengthen creativity! Taking the first steps to improve your well-being can be challenging and unclear if you are facing mental health problems or other daily challenges. We recommend getting some personalised guidance from a mental health professional, such as our trusted team at We Lysn. For valuable, evidence-based help in a confidential setting, head to www.welysn.com to get started today.