Vice-Chancellor Ian Young with Governor-General Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC
The Australian Foundation for Mental Health Research's (AFFIRM) Youth Ambassador Program has been officially launched by the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC at The Australian National University. Coinciding with National Mental Health week, the launch of the Program recognised 58 volunteer Canberra secondary students, who will engage in leadership activities throughout 2011 to raise awareness of mental health issues with their peers. Deputy Director of the ANU Centre for Mental Health Research Professor Kathy Griffiths said that improving mental health in young people and increasing help-seeking is a key priority in mental health research, schools and the community. "One in four young people will experience an episode of clinical anxiety or depression by the age of 19," Professor Griffiths said. "While these can be treated effectively only 25 per cent of young people will actually seek help when they need it. Recognition of mental health issues, access and availability of services and stigma represent significant barriers. "Education is key in raising awareness of the frequency, nature and impact of mental health issues in young people and highlighting available sources of help. However, research indicates that young people are more likely to go to their peers for help and support than formal services, and this gap increases throughout adolescence.
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