Recognising the diverse needs of young people
It is important to recognise that young people are a very diverse group and can have markedly different needs depending on characteristics such as their age, sex, cultural background, family circumstances, and sexual orientation. These differences must be recognised and responses must be sensitive, appropriate and safe for the young person.
More information related to the diverse needs of young people is available through the Australian Clearinghouse for Youth Services at http://www.youthfacts.com.au/
This site provides facts and statistics about Australia's youth - how many there are, what they do and what they're like. The site is for anyone needing quick access to data about young people
Of special interest, there is information regarding:
- at-risk youth
- disabled youth
- ethnic/multicultural youth
- gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender youth
- indigenous youth
- international youth
- refugee youth
- rural and isolated youth.
The Headroom website has mental health resources developed by young people for young people, which can help young people to be more aware of their mental health status. A resource entitled 'Keeping yourself well after mental health problems' specifically relates to relapse prevention for young people. The website also has information for parents and family members to increase their understanding of young people's mental health. www.headroom.net.au
The Reachout website has a wide range of mental health information for young people. Notably, it has fact sheets specifically addressing the risk and protective factors for illness and staying healthy. http://www.reachout.com.au
The Cultural Awareness Tool has been developed by the Western Australian Transcultural Mental Health Centre to help primary care service providers to be more culturally sensitive. It provides tools that help practitioners to better understand the explanatory models their clients use when they present to services with a problem. http://www.mmha.org.au/MMHAPublications/Store/CAT
Other resources to help support young people in a general practice setting
Some information to help support young people with high mental health needs in the general practice setting includes the following:
