Speak Up Mental Health Awareness in Young Adults
The official RUOK website has some great resources to assist in starting the conversation and can be found at https://www. ruok. org. au
According to The Black Dog Institute, the highest proportion of individuals with a mental health condition is those aged 20 – 24 (12.3%), and those aged 25-29 (11.9%). Mental Health, and Mental Health awareness has become a widespread topic globally however, many people still aren’t comfortable about speaking up.
On the 14th of September it is national RUOK? Day. This fantastic initiative is a great reminder to check in on your loved ones, friends and colleagues. More importantly, it is a great reminder to check up on yourself. Many of us are quick to fill other people’s cups before filling our own, but you can’t pour from an empty cup!
So, what is contributing to these high statistics? Young adulthood (the period of 18 – 34 years of age), is considered a stage of life marked by rapid personal development and major life transitions. It is a time where young people may: leave home, begin further education, enter the workforce, experience financial independence, form relationships, and experience parenthood. It is presumably the best period of one’s life, however, the absence of social and family support structures can increase stress and vulnerability toward mental health issues. Young adults’ pursuits, generally impact the latter years of their life, and can form solid structures of social, physical, and economical inequality.
Young people across the country are entering adulthood in an increasingly challenging time with the rising cost of living, soaring house prices, rental shortages, job insecurity, and government handouts are scarce for those whose parents earn above a certain amount of money, regardless of whether they continue to financially support their child.
When asking a friend, loved one or colleague if they are okay, it is important to consider the following:
- Pick your moment by starting a conversation at a time and place where you both feel comfortable.
- Once they’ve opened up, encourage them to do something that might lighten the load, or if appropriate, consider professional help.
- Stay connected and show support, catch up regularly.
The official RUOK website has some great resources to assist in starting the conversation and can be found at https://www.ruok.org.au.
Keep an eye out for the Fraser Coast Young Professionals RUOK? Day event being held on 14th September in partnership with Fraser Coast Mates, via our Facebook and Instagram.
Bibliography
https://www.ruok.org.au/2023-ruokday-resources
Sara Diana Faraj - President - FCYP
