• Report: Interventions for Rural and Remote Youth Mental Health

Abstract

What is known? • Rural and remote communities in Australia and Canada have high burden of youth mental illness • Interventions for youth mental health in these communities is varied and insufficient What does this study add? • Barriers and facilitators of rural and remote youth mental health interventions are examined within the context of the Social Ecology Model • Future directions for rural and remote mental health interventions informed by the Social Ecology Model are explored Report: Interventions for rural and remote youth mental health

A qualitative exploration of young people’s mental health needs in rural and regional Australia: engagement, empowerment and integration

“…While emotionally engaging YP is important, it is not enough. Corroborating with existing literature, the present study found that YP wanted to feel a sense of empowerment and active participation in the process of learning about and managing their mental health, and seeking help [10,45,46]. This sample of YP asked to be equipped with more confidence and skills around talking about and managing their mental health.…”

“…YP for example connected better with counsellors who "understood drought" [15] or who had experienced bushfires. Following this rationale, it seems advantageous to deliver locally tailored mental health education and support by professionals who are familiar with the culture and needs of individual communities [10,24]. Further research into the importance of this aspect is indicated.…”

“…The current findings also show that embedding mental health education in school curricula earlier, more prominently and consistently throughout schooling years was requested by participants as a way to equip YP with mental health knowledge and management skills before mental health issues arise. While this may not be unique to rural and regional areas, it could be an important avenue to tackling mental health stigma and increasing help-seeking when needed, particularly because these communities can be underpinned by social conservatism and lack anonymity [9][10][11].…”

“…Such reluctance is particularly pronounced in rural and regional communities where mental health stigma rapidly spreads through social networks and "sticks" to the individual [3]. This phenomenon has been associated with higher levels of socio-economic disadvantage [8], social conservatism [9] and social visibility in these communities resulting in reduced privacy [10,11], with lack of confidentiality cited as a major concern of YP when considering accessing mental health services [8]. Professional mental health care in rural and regional areas is often inconsistent and un-coordinated [3,12], with help-seekers being required to travel large distances [13] and experiencing lengthy service waitlist [14].…”