How to talk about mental health- Youth Week 2021

The Pulse: Uncovering health stories with clinical experts

One in four young people in Australia will suffer from some kind of mental health issue. But how do you bring up the topic with them?

It’s a question many parents agonise over, and one that we tackle in our latest podcast episode of Western Sydney Health Check for NSW Youth Week.

Carlie Dodds, clinical psychologist with our Prevention Early Intervention and Response Service, brings expert insight from her role working with young people experiencing severe mental health issues.

“Parents often understandably talk about wanting to protect their children, and don’t realise that also quite often their children are trying to protect them and don’t want to worry them,” Carlie says.

“The most important thing to tell parents is to ask the question… opening the dialogue in a way that feels safe for the young person.”

Carlie offers furthers tips and insight, and is joined by WSLHD Youth Council member Jessica Lam, who shares her perspective as a Gen Z entering the workforce in the midst of a pandemic.

Jess discusses the benefits and drawbacks of growing up with social media, and her thoughts on how to improve inter-generational communication about mental health.

We also hear from western Sydney teenagers about what the Youth Week theme ‘together more than ever’ means to them, and what picks them up when they’re feeling down.

Listen to the episode now and catch up on previous episodes here.

If this episode raises any issues for you, you can call Lifeline for free personal support at any time on 13 11 14.

To find out more about the mental health services available for you or someone else in need, call the Mental Health Line at any time on 1800 011 511.

In an emergency, please call triple zero (000) immediately or go to a hospital emergency department.