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By Dr Caitlin McDowell
Mental ill-health in young people is at an all-time high, and the global landscape is shifting in ways that make this an incredibly important and opportune time for educators and health professionals to upskill in youth mental health. Whether you’re a teacher, nurse, allied health professional, or doctor, here are five compelling reasons why now is the best time to establish yourself in this critical field.
1. Young people need you
In recent years, there’s been a surge in mental health issues among young people. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated issues like anxiety, depression, and loneliness, while societal pressures continue to contribute to the mental health crisis. Young people experience the highest rates of mental health disorders compared to all other age groups, with two in five young Australians experiencing a mental health disorder in any given year.
This stark reality highlights the urgent need for specialised care and treatment. As young people face unique challenges in a rapidly changing world, having professionals like you who are trained to understand and address these challenges is more crucial than ever. By studying youth mental health, you're positioning yourself to make a direct impact on the lives of the next generation.
2. Young people are actively seeking your support
Over the past decade, there has been a growing movement to destigmatise mental health issues. Mental health conversations have entered the mainstream, creating a more supportive environment for people to seek help. This is especially true for young people, who are increasingly open about their mental health, with greater willingness to reach out for help.
This cultural shift makes it a prime time for professionals to shift their focus to youth mental health. The stigma that once surrounded therapy and mental health care is slowly fading, meaning young people are more open to seeking treatment, and parents are more likely to advocate for their children’s mental wellbeing. This means there’s a significant opportunity for professionals to step in and provide the specialised care that young people need.
3. Opportunities to advance your career
As awareness around youth mental health grows, so does the demand for professionals with knowledge and skills in this area. Schools, clinics, and hospitals are increasingly seeking qualified practitioners who understand the unique developmental, social, and emotional needs of young people. Moreover, government and non-government organisations are dedicating more resources to youth mental health services.
This growing demand offers job security and career opportunities for those who study in this field. Whether you work in a clinical setting, a school, housing, forensic or other public or private services, there are ample opportunities to make a difference in the lives of young people, while also carving out a fulfilling career.
4. You can have a meaningful impact
Intervening early in a young person’s mental health journey can have profound, long-lasting effects. Young people with emerging mental health issues have unique needs, and research shows that early intervention can prevent the development of more severe mental health issues later in life. By working in youth mental health, you have the chance to be part of that crucial early intervention process.
Supporting young people through challenging times can help them build coping mechanisms, resilience, and self-awareness that will benefit them throughout their lives, including building healthy relationships, studying, and working. The work you do today can help break the cycle of mental health challenges for generations to come. This is not just about helping an individual — it’s about shaping the mental health landscape for the future.
5. You’ll be at the cutting edge of healthcare
The field of youth mental health is rapidly evolving, with new treatments, methodologies, and therapeutic approaches constantly emerging. From innovative digital mental health tools to trauma-informed care, youth mental health professionals are at the forefront of cutting-edge developments.
Moreover, research on brain development is providing valuable insights into how mental health disorders manifest in young people and how best to address them. By enrolling in one of our youth mental health courses, you'll have the opportunity to work with the latest research and treatment strategies, helping you offer the most effective and up-to-date care to support young people.
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The combination of increasing mental health challenges among young people, growing societal awareness, a surge in demand for specialised services, and advancements in treatment methods makes this a pivotal time to develop expertise in youth mental health. Speaking from personal experience as a Senior Lecturer in Youth Mental Health and an occupational therapist, this field of work has been extremely rewarding and has created opportunities that have accelerated my career in a new and exciting direction. Whether you're looking to create a positive impact in the lives of young people or seeking a fulfilling and dynamic career, there has never been a better time to focus on this vital area of care. The future of youth mental health is in your hands—and the opportunity to make a difference has never been more urgent or promising.
Dr Caitlin McDowell is a Senior Lecturer in Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne.
Orygen is proud to partner with the University of Melbourne for Australia’s first fully online graduate courses in youth mental health.
All courses are part-time and online, so you can study anywhere, any time.
Learn more.