Timely and relevant: Mental health forum explores youth struggles and supports  

The Baha’i community of Melville in partnership with Headspace Fremantle recently hosted a mental health forum focusing on youth conversations and how to effectively support young people in their daily life.  

With youth mental health issues increasingly prevalent and known to have significant impacts on development, relationships, academic performance and overall well-being, the forum was organised to provide insights into the supports available while offering a Q+A session with leading professionals in the mental health sector.  

Panellist and psychologist, Sarah McPharlin, explained that the two protagonists, the youth and parent, appeared to be in a constant battle, stemming from a lack of understanding of the others’ requirements. She said it was important to advocate for a consultative, collaborative and cooperative approach to parenting, rather than a combative one, with each player heard and having their needs met. “For the parents, this gives the safety and security of the youth, and for the youth, an assertion of autonomy and independence,” participant Bernice Chinniah said.  

The forum also explored the ills of social media, where youth are constantly exposed to idealized images, cyberbullying, and the pressures of online validation, contributing to stress, anxiety, and self-esteem issues. Panellist, Dr Jay Thomas, advocated that “it takes a village” to work with the youth. One member of the audience supported this view and shared an anecdote about how a group of mothers rallied together and decided their children would attend camp without taking their phones – an initiative that proved successful. “It was also mentioned that parents have the responsibility to be equipped and ready to discuss existential questions posed by the youth while modelling behaviours they expect their children to acquire,” Bernice said.  

Amie Hugo, the third panellist, a student at the University of Western Australia working with Headspace, clarified that in her battles with anxiety, she needed support and understanding as well as a listening ear without any judgement. She emphasised that youth are already aware if they are struggling, and by attaining a listening ear, they often manage to find solutions themselves. 

With 1 in 4 Australian youth impacted by mental health issues, Bernice said the forum was productive and inspiring. “In the current cacophony of differing and often erroneous advice for youth and their problems, the topic of Youth Conversations was timely and relevant,” she said.  

“It reminded us of the need for reflection, contemplation and action to help youth to not merely survive, but to soar and to release their fullest potential, to contribute and change an ever-decaying world with their prowess, strength and resilience.”