As regional and rural areas enter the third week of lockdowns, young people are reminded that it's okay to not be okay and to reach out for help, especially those between 12 - 25.
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With R U OK day on September 9, ReFrame wants to remind everyone of the importance of supporting young people.
ReFrame has continued to normalise holistic health and wellbeing despite the challenges of lockdown.
Telehealth services have continued as phone and zoom sessions and the ReFrame walk-in has continued in a virtual space
Clinical integration manager at ReFrame and Community Links Wellbeing Alice Richards said referrals had been consistently high and noticed Covid-19 and its effected mentioned as a presenting issue.
"We average 55 referrals a week for Community Links Wellbeing Mental Health Programs and at least 15 of these are for young people in any given week," she said.
"It is excellent that young people are reaching out to their families, friends, schools and GPs for support but we also know many young people do not know how to put words to how they are feeling or what they are going through.
"Combined with local stigma about mental health concerns and stoicism about help-seeking, many young people feel unable to ask for support or talk to their experience."
Ms Richards said youth engagement workers, peer workers, professional mental health clinicians and GPs were ready to speak to people as soon as possible.
"We would love an opportunity to remind all young people and families that free, flexible local mental health support is available for our young people," she said.
You can get in contact with ReFrame by calling 0455 104 104 or emailing mhintake@communitylinks.org.au.
In case of an emergency, please call emergency services on 000.
You can also call on these numbers:
- Lifeline: 131114
- Mensline: 1800 789 978
- The Men's Table: Ben - 0424 99 33 66, David - 0412 199 648
- Kids Help Line (12-25yrs): 1800 55 1800
- SANE Mental Health Info: 1800 187 263
- Mental Health Line (NSW Health): 1800 011 511
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