Local youths feel the pressure

The latest data released from headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation revealed nearly two-thirds of young people believe the mental health of young people is getting worse and 37 per cent confirm social media to be one of the leading factors.

Expectations from school, family, work and study pressures were also referenced as significant contributors.

headspace Bunbury centre manager Marie Eckersley said the report, released on Wednesday, October 9, reflected what the centre was seeing among the 1,000 young people it provided services for annually.

"In the South West, we are still seeing an increase in referrals for young people with anxiety and depression," she said.

"We are seeing more complex and acute presentations here, which we will provide the most appropriate support for.

"headspace Bunbury works collaboratively with other services in the South West to help meet client needs and to provide the appropriate support needed."

Ms Eckersley said there was always room for resources to be increased and improved in the South West, especially with the increasing issues around mental health.

The centre's clinical coordinator Maureen Jubb-Shanley said it was important that services within the South West continued to collaborate and review their systems to address the increase.

"An increase in anxiety or depression related issues, increased family and relationship issues, increase in unemployment and issues related to social media are all factors that could be contributing to a person's mental health issues."

"It's important that services are reviewing the systems they have in place to address the increase of mental health issues.

"Collaboration amongst the South West services is so important.

"Here at headspace, we hold consortium, which involves services working together for the benefit of the community and community members."

If you need to talk to someone, contact headspace Bunbury on (8) 6164 0680.