WITH many young locals facing anxiety, depression and |issues with self-harm, national Headspace Day offered another opportunity for youth to connect.
Headspace Armadale joined in the celebrations on October 9, with the initiative designed to help young people aged 12 to 25 handle their mental health.
Manager Annette Chivers said 30 locals came together for a long table lunch to celebrate the day and visitors to the Headspace office filled in special bubbles to list behaviours that helped them get in a better headspace.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“Identifying feelings is really important,” Ms Chivers said.
“It puts a positive outlook on what people might otherwise see as negative. It’s okay to disclose how you’re feeling, we all have times of feeling sad and down, and can find strategies to feel better.”
Headspace Day is timed to coincide with Mental Health Week, something Ms Chivers said is vital to show the seriousness of mental health in the community.
“For those who are experiencing difficult times and |issues, it lets them know they’re not the only ones.
“It takes away the stigma |of mental health issues, so |we can be more open,” she said.
Ms Chivers said anxiety and depression were big issues for local young people, with a multitude of factors bringing them on, including the end of a relationship, school issues and bullying.
She recommended reaching out and making connections to start to combat the issues, |and maintain good mental health.
“Do something that gives you joy and brings you inspiration,” she said.
To find out more about Headspace Day or get in |touch with Headspace Armadale, head to headspace.org.au.
MORE: SES gets 52 call outs as wild weather blows over trees
MORE: Cities of Perth and Vincent commit to Australia Day events
MORE: Entwined in the Valley: thousands sample the best of the Swan Valley