The Queensland Government has launched a nation-leading plan to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders.
It comes as new research commissioned by Health and Wellbeing Queensland, the state’s prevention agency, and conducted by Enhance Research reveals almost 9 in 10 young adults report some form of negative change in their personal health and wellbeing over the past year.
Thriving Lives, Connected Communities — Queensland’s Commitment to Mental Health and Wellbeing was developed by Health and Wellbeing Queensland (HWQ) in partnership with the Queensland Mental Health Commission (QMHC) and marks the Queensland Government’s first step in delivering a statewide mental health and wellbeing strategy.
HWQ Deputy Chief Executive Officer Gemma Hodgetts said Thriving Lives, Connected Communities set the direction for future action on an individual, community and collective level to prioritise the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders and drive positive mental health outcomes.
“Young Queenslanders, who should be our most vibrant, energetic and hopeful generation, are struggling,’ Ms Hodgetts said.
“Almost one in two Queenslanders will experience mental ill-health in their lifetime, with people influenced by different protective and risk factors for their mental health during different stages of life.
“It is incredibly concerning that almost 9 in 10 young adults report their health and wellbeing has become worse in the past year.
“Over half of those aged 14 to 25 years report feeling ‘tired for no reason’ or that ‘everything was an effort’. These are the warning signs of a generation burnt out and in need of help.
“About 75% of mental disorders emerge before the age of 24 years so we need to act now to support the individual, community and collective mental health and wellbeing of Queensland.”
Thriving Lives, Connected Communities is the first phase of the Queensland Government’s $4 million commitment to developing a mental health and wellbeing strategy.
QMHC acting Chief Executive Officer Amelia Callaghan said the Commission supported the Queensland Government’s commitment.
“Just like maintaining our physical health, we need to build mental health and wellbeing practices into our daily lives to build our resilience and enjoy life to the fullest,” she said.
To read the strategy visit: hw.qld.gov.au/thriving-lives-connected-communities/
