How can I use my personal energy to raise awareness for youth mental health?

In the journey of healing and personal transformation, the paths we plan to take are often rerouted by the whispers of the universe and the guiding light of our spirit guides. This month, I set forth with an intention bathed in the essence of gratitude, aiming to delve deeper into the realms of shadow work and inner child healing. The scars of a childhood marred by neglect and abuse sought the soothing balm of healing, yet as I laid my intentions at the altar of transformation, I found the universe had other plans for me. The signs were unmistakable, the nudges too persistent to ignore. My spirit guides, ever the architects of my soul's journey, gently steered my focus towards an area that resonates with every beat of the collective heart—mental health. It became clear that my path this month was not solely to wade through the waters of my own healing but to shine a light on the importance of mental health education and awareness within our collective consciousness. The universe whispered, and I listened, embarking on a mission to bring to the forefront the silent struggles and the unspoken battles that many face in solitude.

As we navigate through the ebbs and flows of our healing journeys, it's crucial to remember that we are not isolated islands but part of a vast, interconnected web. The focus on mental health education and awareness this month is not just a detour from my initial intentions; it's a profound expansion of them. By addressing the mental well-being of the collective, we are nurturing the soil from which individual healing blossoms. Let us embrace this journey with open hearts and minds, allowing the guidance of our spirit guides to lead us towards the greater good. Together, we can raise the vibration of the earth and pave the way for a future where the mindsets of generations are transformed through compassion, understanding, and unwavering support for mental health.

In the heart of well, me, a journey unfolds that is deeply rooted in the sacred whispers of Gaia and a heart to heart connection that provided me with all the love and support I was withheld as a child and  the undeniable truths presented by modern research. A child of rape, born to a drug addicted mother who was adopted, there were many things I was not fortunate to experience. It was during these profound moments of personal meditation (yes, I started early) that the voice of Gaia resonated with a feeling I had never experienced in clarity and urgency that could not be ignored. She spoke with a tenderness and concern for me then and she spoke similar words today that was palpable, focusing on an issue close to her heart—the mental health of our youth.

The synchronicities of the universe never cease to amaze, as later that very day, a research report published by the esteemed Black Dog Institute found its way into my hands. The report's findings on youth mental health were not just alarming; they were a confirmation of the message delivered by Gaia. It was as if the universe itself was aligning, pointing towards an undeniable need for action. This was not a coincidence but a clear sign that the journey ahead was one that needed to be embarked upon with courage and purpose. I stand as a beacon of authentic and loving hope, an invitation to connect with the healing powers of Gaia, and a platform dedicated to the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our youth and the generations to come. This is why I will be writing articles this month around youth mental health.

The findings, a collaborative effort between Mission Australia and Black Dog Institute, paint a vivid picture of the mental health landscape among young Australians, aged 15 to 19. Alarmingly, nearly one in four of these young souls are navigating the turbulent waters of psychological distress, with young girls and women bearing a disproportionately heavy burden. This distressing trend, climbing steadily from 18.7% in 2012 to 24.2% in 2018, signals a clarion call for urgent, compassionate action. The higher rates of psychological distress among Indigenous Australian youth further underscore the deep-seated inequalities and unique challenges faced by these communities, amplifying the need for culturally sensitive, inclusive support mechanisms.

As we ponder the root causes of this surge in mental health difficulties—ranging from the pressures of modern society and educational systems to the broader existential threats such as climate change—it becomes evident that a multifaceted approach to healing is imperative. The voices of these young individuals, crying out for help in managing stress, navigating mental health challenges, and overcoming societal pressures, must not only be heard but met with open hearts and hands extended in support.

It's with this spirit of renewal and empowerment that I will begin to share my own story, a story of a remarkable individual whose early life experiences, marked by adversity, became the catalyst for a journey of profound significance—not just for themselves but for countless young people. From the shadows of a challenging childhood and the subsequent trials of their teenage years, this person emerged not with a spirit diminished, but with a resolve strengthened. The adversities they faced could have easily been a force for despair, but instead, they became a powerful source of motivation. It was through navigating these personal trials that they discovered a calling that resonated deeply within their soul: to stand as a beacon of hope and guidance for the youth. This realization did not come as a sudden epiphany but as a gradual awakening, a series of moments where the power of resilience, understanding, and compassion became undeniably clear from the complex, painful and heartbreaking experiences she had. She is me. And in my heart of our vibrant yet troubled world, a silent crisis unfolds, gripping the future of our nation—our young Australians.

With each passing day, an increasing number of our children and grandchildren find themselves ensnared in the shadows of anxiety and depression, a plight that calls for our immediate attention and action. We believe in the power of holistic healing and the transformative potential it holds for the individual and the collective. It is in these challenging times that our mission—to elevate the earth's vibration and nurture the mindsets of future generations—becomes more crucial than ever and the BEST way to achieve this is education, awareness and support, because, fear, as we've come to understand, is more than just an emotion; it's a barrier that prevents us from truly connecting with ourselves and our healing. It breeds separation and division, anchoring us to the very illnesses and maladies we seek to overcome. It's only through understanding our fears that we can begin to dismantle them, transforming our apprehension into love, compassion, and healing.

The statistics paint a harrowing picture: suicide emerged as the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15-49 in 2019, a stark reminder of the urgency of addressing this mental health crisis. Anxiety and depression, often dismissed as less severe, are but the tip of the iceberg. Left unattended, these conditions can swiftly spiral into more grave health challenges, including substance misuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder, self-harm, and tragically, suicide. The ripple effects of these struggles on individuals, families, and communities are profound, underscoring the imperative need for early detection and intervention.

Regrettably, the current healthcare system is overwhelmed, with young individuals facing daunting wait times of up to six months for psychological or psychiatric support, particularly in regional areas. Despite the valiant efforts of government-funded services and dedicated practitioners, the reality is one of underfunding and understaffing, leading to practitioner burnout and a desperate cry for help that cannot be ignored. The time for action is now. Research unequivocally supports the notion that early intervention, precisely at the onset of mental health issues, paves the way for more favorable health outcomes in adulthood.

However, there are some services that are pivotal for our youth. Such as Youth Mental Health Service. This initiative aims towards transformation for young individuals aged 16 to 24, offering a sanctuary where mental wellness is nurtured, celebrated, and understood through the lens of youth-friendly, accessible services. With the noble mission of enhancing the health, wellbeing, and quality of life for young Australians. The Youth Mental Health Service is more than just a program; it is a journey towards empowerment, designed to strengthen the mental fitness and overall wellbeing of young people. By prioritizing engagement and personalized support, the service fosters an environment where every interaction is an opportunity for growth and positive change. The vision is clear and profoundly impactful: to ensure that each young individual feels supported, understood, and uplifted, enhancing their engagement with life and their personal journey toward mental resilience.

Offering several clinical services tailored to the unique needs of young minds, the Youth Mental Health Service provides comprehensive care that includes mental health assessments, individual and group therapy, family work, and trauma-informed care. Beyond the psychological aspects, the service extends its support to include medical care, care coordination, in-reach to in-patient facilities, and much more. By integrating co-care with GPs, partner agencies, and other service providers, the program ensures a seamless network of support, fostering a community of healing that aligns perfectly with the transformative vision of GAIAnostics.

Another organisation tailored to youth mental health, that I personally have had alot of interactment and engagement with both professionally and personally and highly recommend, is Headspace., offering clinical based support and assistance for young individuals navigating the complexities of mental and physical health challenges. With its wide array of services, including but not limited to mental health support, sexual health guidance, substance misuse counseling, and work and study assistance, Headspace embodies the very essence of a nurturing, all-encompassing approach to healing. Its emphasis on creating a safe, secure, and anonymous environment for young people to seek help, regardless of their location, via online and phone counselling services, is particularly commendable. This accessibility ensures that those in need can find a helping hand at any time, breaking down barriers to crucial support.

The dedication of Headspace to actively involve young people in the development, execution, and evaluation of its programs is a testament to its commitment to genuinely serve and empower the youth. By placing young individuals at the heart of its mission, Headspace not only addresses their immediate needs but also fosters a sense of agency and participation that is essential for long-term healing and growth. It is for these reasons that we at GAIAnostics firmly believe in the necessity for increased government funding towards Headspace. Such support would not only enhance the organization's capacity to reach and assist more young people but also signal a collective commitment to nurturing the mental and physical well-being of future generations, thereby raising the vibration of the earth in line with our mission.

The staff at Headspace are dedicated to youth mental health and healing, especially when intertwined with the challenges of work, study, and the onset of mental health concerns such as psychosis. The road to finding one's footing in the world of employment or academia can be daunting, more so for young individuals navigating the complex waters of early psychosis. It is here that headspace Early Psychosis steps in as a beacon of hope, offering a sanctuary of support, guidance, and understanding. The program, tailored specifically for young people either experiencing an early episode of psychosis or those at risk, operates within a framework of confidentiality, youth-friendliness, and high accessibility. This ensures that every individual feels seen, heard, and supported in their unique journey. By locating a headspace Early Psychosis center, young individuals and their families can tap into a wellspring of resources designed to not only address the immediate needs brought on by psychosis but also to aid in the broader spectrum of work and study challenges. This holistic approach underscores the importance of nurturing the mind and spirit in tandem, aligning perfectly with our mission at GAIAnostics to elevate the collective vibration of our planet through transformative healing and education.

Moreover, headspace's commitment to supporting the ecosystem surrounding the individual – including parents, carers, educators, health professionals, and employers – is a testament to the interconnectedness of our journeys. Through partnerships with the education and health sectors across Australia, headspace is building a robust network of mental health literacy and capacity, crucial for fostering environments where young people can thrive. For those who play a pivotal role in the lives of these young individuals, engaging with headspace's programs and initiatives offers an opportunity to become a part of a larger movement towards holistic well-being, resonating with our ethos at GAIAnostics.

This moment in time, as revealed through the eyes of Australia's youth, is a poignant reminder of our shared responsibility to foster environments of healing, understanding, and unconditional support. By integrating traditional healing modalities with innovative approaches, we can embark on a collective journey of transformation, aiming not only to alleviate individual suffering but to elevate the collective vibration of our Earth.

At GAIAnostics, we advocate for a shift towards holistic healing modalities and educational initiatives to empower our young people and their guardians in navigating this crisis. Together, we can forge a path towards healing, resilience, and a brighter future for all!