Embrace @ The Kids Research Institute Australia senior researcher Dr Alix Woolard has called for more accessibility and inclusivity in mental health services for children and young people at the launch of The Y’s fifth annual Inside Our Minds short film.
The Inside Our Minds launch, which aims to raise awareness of the mental health struggles of young Western Australians, coincided with the start of Mental Health Week, with videos premiering on large screens at Northbridge Piazza and Yagan Square.
“It’s abundantly clear that more needs to be done to support our young people,” Alix said.
“I did a study a couple of years ago that looked at the biggest contributors to someone healing and thriving following adversity, and the one big factor we found was that social support is needed to recover and heal.”
But there still exists a huge hurdle to treating mental health issues – the stigma surrounding speaking out and seeking help. That’s why events like these are essential – to combat stigma and encourage people to check in on friends and loved ones, and to support young people who need help to speak up.
Embrace Youth Community Group member and a recurring participant in the video series, Midaiah Harnett told the launch party her journey as an advocate for reduced stigma around mental health diagnoses and treatment began when she reflected on prevailing attitudes towards medication as a treatment.
“There were so many people horrified that someone so young was taking medication,” Midaiah said.
The Y WA CEO Dr Tim McDonald said, “Inside Our Minds allows young people to see and hear the raw, honest stories of their peers offering a connection, and, in turn, gives them the confidence to speak up about their own mental health.
“It’s a testament to the impact of this initiative that these young people have graciously chosen to share their experiences again, allowing us to understand the long-term impact of our collective efforts. Giving them this voice offers them power in a world they will inherit.”
Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto.
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Embrace senior researcher Dr Alix Woolard discusses her work at the launch party.
Embrace Youth Community Group member Midaiah Harnett appeared in The Y's Inside Our Minds short film series for the second time.
The Y Youth Advocate Maeson Harvey with Dr Alix Woolard and Midaiah Harnett.