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Social Justice Assignment- Mental Health Lystra Williams CYCS 3014 Natalie Stelmach March 19th, 2014

Social Justice Assignment- Mental Health

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Name of article-Young people with depression and their experience accessing an enhanced primary care service for youth with emerging mental health problems. Written by: Terence V McCann and Dan I Lubman. The article Young people with depression and their experience accessing an enhanced primary care service for youth with emerging mental health problems is a qualitative study that was researched and written by Terence V McCann and Dan I Lubman. In this article a study was conducted to assess the difficulties that young people with emerging mental health encounter while accessing appropriate services. The study examined certain [personal] and [logistic} barriers that deterred youths from accessing these services such as embarrassment and hoping the problem will go away due to the stigmatization that is associated with mental health. Logistic barriers included difficulties in getting appointments and obtaining transportation, or even the cost of the services. Another contributor that was mentioned is young peoples reluctance to consult with general practitioners which at times adversely affects the likelihood of referral to mental health services, not to mention the lack of youth friendly service models that prevents youths with significant mental health impairment from obtaining appropriate assistance; a place where positive engagement occurs so youth feels valued, respected and supported to take control of their lives. As a result, in order to meet the needs of these issues, the Australian government established headspace, which is a National Youth Mental Health Foundation. As per the article this initiative aims to increase young peoples access to services and reduce disease burden

Social Justice Assignment- Mental Health

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attributable to mild-to moderate mental and substance use issue by promoting improvement in their mental health, social wellbeing and economic participation. Thirty-two young people were invited to take part in the study, ages ranged from 16-22 years. The main reason for attending the service was for treatment of depressions and anxiety as well as depression and substance use predominantly alcohol, cannabis and amphetamine. These participants typical length of commitment with the service was less than five months. After the accumulation of this data, four themes were identified which reflected the experience of young people accessing enhanced primary care service. They are as per the article as follows; (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) School counsellors as service mediators Service location as an access facilitator and inhibitor Encountering barriers accessing the service initially, Service funding as an access facilitator and barrier

To conclude, the article spoke about the prevalence of youth depression and the importance of early diagnosis. It also reiterated the findings of the study in-terms of school counsellors and their roles in facilitating young peoples access to youth services. The importance of ongoing initiatives to improve mental health literacy within the community, so that not only families, friends, schools, teachers and youth workers are more aware and knowledgeable about how to identify depression, but also to better support them to access professional help. The need of the public profile services to be improved and increased so that youths will become aware of the existence and youth- friendliness of the facility. The need for greater government funding to increase the number of primary care services and finally the need of research to access

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pathways for young people with depression especially those who are reluctant to access help with limited financial needs. As a CYW I am passionate about this topic for advocacy and social change because of the labels and stigmatization that is associated with it. Many a times individuals with mental health are either misunderstood or is considered deviant due to society`s misconceptions and perceptions that often times stems from a lack of knowledge. As a result, they are more often than not hesitant to access the services that will aid in living a more fulfilling life. Whenever I am in the presence of such behaviours, not only does it bring to mind the work that needs to be done, but also the imminent need for social change. The role I will have in advocacy as an ally is to continue working with youths to encourage positive change and growth. I will also act as a mediator to educate the public on this topic, since I find that even though individuals are aware of mental health, they however are not knowledgeable on the topic. The main issues I will address are to educate the public about mental health in terms of the different forms in which it might present itself, since most people are not aware that clinical depression or even anxiety etc., are all forms of mental health. This can be done through a various forms of social media. My mission statement is individuals are the experts in their own lives and each and every person deserves to find their own power to achieve their dreams. My hope is to grow in knowledge to help others work towards selfempowerment and self-worth.

Social Justice Assignment- Mental Health References

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McCann and Dan I Lubman: Young people with depression and their experience accessing an enhanced primary care service for youth with emerging mental health problems: a qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry 2012 12:96