While suicide rates have decreased by 56% over the past ten
years (ABS, 2008a), research indicates that presentations of
intentional self harm have increased (AIHW, 2008). The results of
the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (ABS,
2008b) also indicate that we still have a way to go in making our
services relevant and accessible to young people.
In any given year:
-
23% of males and 30% of females aged 16 to 24 experience a
mental health disorder
-
only 13% of males and 31% of females in this age group seek
professional support. (ABS, 2008b)
At the same time, there is strong evidence emerging that young
people are increasingly looking to the internet as a source of
support. This combined with the internet's reach, and its
accessibility and anonymity - factors known to be conducive to
help-seeking in young people - represents an excellent opportunity
for health care professionals to use the internet and related
technologies as a tool to engage and support young people to manage
their mental health.
Research conducted by the Inspire Foundation - Bridging the Digital
Divide - found that while information communication technology
(ICT) is an integral part of the lives of a diverse range of young
people, many youth service providers have limited capacity to use
technology in their engagement with young people (Blanchard et al.,
2007).
While most service providers feel confident completing basic ICT
tasks, many lack the knowledge, skills and confidence to provide
support to young people using technology. They report not
understanding the websites that young people engage with and have a
poor understanding of the role technology plays in young people's
lives.
Reach Out Pro supports health care professionals in
understanding and using new technologies in their work with young
people. It provides information on a range of online resources that
can be used to enhance the effectiveness of the psychosocial
support and mental health care provided to young people. This
includes tools generated in partnership with ReachOut.com, a
service that provides evidence-based information and support to
improve mental health and wellbeing and is recognised by 55% of
young Australians as a known and trusted brand (Brain & Mind
Research Institute, unpublished).
References