Warning: This article contains discussion of self harm.
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Social media has become the defacto place for young people to talk about and seek help for their mental health issues.
A 2009 Nielson Report "How Teens Use Media" concluded that for teens, social networks are a key source of information and advice, and 57% of teen social networkers said they looked to their online social network for advice.
Lithgow Facebook pages have recently seen an uptick in posts from individuals seeking help for mental health issues they are facing.
Lithgow Youth Care Coordinator Bonnie Bassett said that asking for help can be hard, especially if a person feels stressed or confused.
"But as with anything online, it's always important to be smart."
- Bonnie Bassett
"Many of the traditional barriers to seeking help are reduced in an online setting," she said.
"The internet is a source of advice and support for young people, who are more likely to first seek help online rather than talk to a counsellor or GP."
It is common to go to the internet for answers these days, according to Ms Bennett.
"Even if a young person is seeking treatment from their GP or other medical professional, they will often check for side-effects of medications online, or get second opinions and treatment reviews from online forums and peers," she said.
The most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics National Health Survey estimated there 20.1 per cent of Australians with a mental or behavioural condition in 2017-18.
Making news in Lithgow:
This was an increase of 2.6 percentage points from 2014-15, mainly due to an increase in the number of people reporting anxiety-related conditions, depression, or feelings of depression.
This has led to more people seeking help in many different environments.
According to Ms Bassett an online environment can be less threatening to young people then that of school and family.
"Many young people feel that people who don't have the same problems as them can't really understand, and are socially isolated in their schools and family, but find community online is a less threatening environment," she said.
"But as with anything online, it's always important to be smart."
Ms Bassett said that reaching out online allows people to access support anonymously and a time and place that suits them.
"While technology might not always be a replacement for face-face support, it can offer increased choice and flexibility and even motivates people to take that first step towards seeking help," she said.
"Some people can find talking to people in real life daunting or aren't great at articulating themselves, that's why they turn to online channels.
"It's not unusual to feel nervous about getting help for the first time, talking to someone new about what's on your mind can take some time to get used to."
But why people are turning to Facebook may be different for each individual person.
Many of the traditional barriers to seeking help are reduced in an online setting...
- Bonnie Bassett
"Some young people have trouble talking about their thoughts or feelings, and find it useful to write things down, including online - sometimes writing things down helps you sort out where to start," she said.
But learning when to listen to unqualified peoples advice brings its own set of challenges.
"While young people are doing the right thing by reaching out, it isn't always clear what they should do when they listen to people's advice online," she said.
"As with anything online, it's always important to be smart - understand the difference between a mental health professional offering support online as opposed to someone without professional training."
Ms Bassett said that people need to remember that recovery is different for everyone.
"It can be reassuring to read that other people are facing the same concerns as you so offer support, and share resources, but remember that recovery isn't a 'one-size fits all' system," she said.
She said that in general, talking about mental health is becoming more common.
"People are recognising what we advocate for; that mental ill health is absolutely nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about it," she said.
If you are concerned about your mental health, it is encouraged you to make an appointment with your GP or mental health service like eheadspace, remembering it is free.
- If you or anyone you know needs help:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
- Headspace on 1800 650 890