By Alesha Capone
Wyndham health professionals have expressed concern about a “mini-epidemic” of youth mental health problems caused by the pandemic.
It comes as 10 well-known Wyndham residents prepare to pull on their dancing shoes with the aim of raising $100,000 to help the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) develop a school program to boost mental health and reduce suicide among students.
Director and paediatrician at the Western Specialist Centre in Werribee and St Albans, Dr Raj Khillan, is among those taking part in the Werribee Mazda Dance Stars on the Floor, which will be held next month.
Dr Khillan said that youth mental health “has not been in good shape since last year”, with the issue increasing in the past five to six months.
He said many young people were developing anxiety or depression, or refusing to return to the classroom due to underlying issues such as bullying.
Dr Khillan said parents have reported children showing signs of panic such as panting and shaking, while being driven to school.
He said that some youngsters with autism, who did not cope well with change, displayed aggression when returning to school after months of home study.
“Many children I have to put on medication to control their aggression and anxiety,” he said.
Dr Khillan emphasised it was important for parents to seek help for children struggling with mental health sooner rather than later.
However, he said families were facing long waiting lists, sometimes of up to six months, to get psychological help or counselling for children.
“It is very intense and frustrating for parents who want to get help for their children but can’t find anywhere,” he said.
Werribee GP Dr Joe Garra said there was “delays, delays, delays” for young people needing mental health assistance.
“Trying to get help for kids, even if you have private health insurance, is tough,” he said.
“There is definitely a lot of kids wanting help and definitely a lack of services, everything is facing delays with mental health.”
MHFA vice-chairperson Jim Goodin said youth mental health issues were “severe in Wyndham”.
“The anxiety and build-up that’s occurring now, we expect to see a build-up in the not-too-distant future of suicide – not just of youth, but everyone,” he said.
The Werribee Mazda Dance Stars on the Floor will be held 7pm on Friday, August 6 at the Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing. Tickets: $25 to $35. Bookings: Heather Marcus on 0400 533 371, heathermarcus@bigpond.com.au.
For assistance contact the MHFA helpline on 1300 643 287 (1300 MHF AUS), Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or Headspace on 1800 650 890 or www.headspace.org.au.
