- Describe the nature of ONE major health issue affecting young people in Australia. (3 marks)
--- 8 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---
- Explain the impact of TWO strategies that have been implemented to target a major health issue affecting young people. (5 marks)
--- 15 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---
Show Answers Only
i. Health issue selected: Mental health problems and illnesses
- Mental health problems among young people involve conditions that affect emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. These conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, and stress-related disorders that significantly impact daily functioning during critical developmental periods.
- The nature of mental health problems involves biological, psychological and social factors. These conditions manifest through symptoms like persistent worry, mood changes, social withdrawal and difficulty concentrating. Mental health issues frequently occur together with substance use and academic difficulties.
ii. Strategy 1: headspace Youth Mental Health Services
- headspace provides early intervention mental health services for young people aged 12-25. These services establish accessible, youth-friendly environments where young people can receive counselling and support. Improved help-seeking behaviours follow as young people feel comfortable accessing services designed specifically for them. headspace reduces barriers to mental health care by offering free services in local communities. This leads to earlier identification of mental health problems and prevents escalation to more serious conditions requiring intensive treatment.
Strategy 2: Mental Health Education in Schools
- School-based mental health education programs like ‘R U OK?’ teach young people to recognise warning signs and support peers. Program delivery generates awareness about mental health issues and dimishes stigma surrounding help-seeking. Enhanced mental health literacy emerges among students who can identify symptoms and access appropriate support. Peer support networks develop where young people feel comfortable discussing mental health challenges and seeking help when needed.
Show Worked Solution
i. Health issue selected: Mental health problems and illnesses
- Mental health problems among young people involve conditions that affect emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. These conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, and stress-related disorders that significantly impact daily functioning during critical developmental periods.
- The nature of mental health problems involves biological, psychological and social factors. These conditions manifest through symptoms like persistent worry, mood changes, social withdrawal and difficulty concentrating. Mental health issues frequently occur together with substance use and academic difficulties.
ii. Strategy 1: headspace Youth Mental Health Services
- headspace provides early intervention mental health services for young people aged 12-25. These services establish accessible, youth-friendly environments where young people can receive counselling and support. Improved help-seeking behaviours follow as young people feel comfortable accessing services designed specifically for them. headspace reduces barriers to mental health care by offering free services in local communities. This leads to earlier identification of mental health problems and prevents escalation to more serious conditions requiring intensive treatment.
Strategy 2: Mental Health Education in Schools
- School-based mental health education programs like ‘R U OK?’ teach young people to recognise warning signs and support peers. Program delivery generates awareness about mental health issues and dimishes stigma surrounding help-seeking. Enhanced mental health literacy emerges among students who can identify symptoms and access appropriate support. Peer support networks develop where young people feel comfortable discussing mental health challenges and seeking help when needed.
♦♦ Mean mark (ii) 27%.