Magazine aimed at raising awareness about mental health among young people

25/3/98

Health Minister Kevin Prince today launched a new magazine which is designed to raise awareness of mental health issues among young Western Australians.

"Young people who experience a mental illness or health problems often feel extremely frightened and isolated and do not know how or where to get help," Mr Prince said.

"This publication, Ymag, presents information in a way which young people can relate to and aims to answer any questions they may have about mental health issues, steer them in the right direction and most importantly, highlight the fact that they need not 'go it alone'."

Ymag, which was produced by the Health Department of WA, is a one-off publication for 15 to 19-year-olds.

It includes:

·      facts about mental illness and mental health problems including suicide and depression;

·      information to develop a variety of skills in areas such as stress management;

·      facts and information about general health issues including smoking; and -

·      topics of general interest such as moving out of home, coping with a death or experiencing the highs and lows of life.

"Ymag is all about helping young people understand mental illness and providing information on how to get help as early as possible," Mr Prince said.

"Most importantly, it emphasises that mental health problems are common in society and can happen to anyone, early detection is important, treatment works and help is available.

"It was developed for young people with significant input by young people and will shortly be distributed throughout the community to agencies including schools, libraries, GP surgeries and youth groups.

"I would urge young people to get their hands on a copy of this magazine, read it, show it to their friends and take note of the messages it sends."

The Minister said most people in society would be touched in some way by a mental illness, either through personal experience or knowing a friend, relative or workmate who had.

In young people, a mental illness or problem could be triggered by a range of factors including the break-up of a relationship, death of a relative or friend, leaving home or getting a job.

According to Health Department statistics, two out of every five WA teenagers will experience a mild depression in any six month period and five out of every 100 teenagers will experience serious depression.

"What is important for young people to note is that help is available and this magazine provides vital information on how to cope with their problems and where to seek assistance if they require it," Mr Prince said.

"The need for this well-presented publication which directly targets young people has been identified at a national and State level."

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 9221 1377