Youth and Mental Health.

Mental health week last week seems to have sparked a call for extra funding for services related to young people's mental health.

Raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness at the forefront, particularly among children and teenagers. This time in life can be very challenging, especially for those who may not have the support and services they need. Many do not want to be associated with mental illness and therefore do not seek help. Instead many turn the wrong way, to alcohol and drugs. Today the Canberra Times posted an article referring to the 'slippery slide' from pressures during childhood and adolescence to self harm, drug and alcohol abuse and even death. Too many youth are entering the system too late, presenting with acute mental illness or addiction, or slipping through the cracks entirely.

Two things are required: services to help and a reduction in the stigma associated with seeking help. Sunbury College is working to fight this stigma and come up with in school programs to better mental health. A local Weekly has reported the school's program with year nine students, in conjunction with Orygen Youth Health and the Sunbury Community Health Centre, to develop a mental health resource kit for young people. This program is hoped to be implemented into other schools.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Lecture 11th October 2011

During Mental Health Week Psychiatrist Dr. Scott Blair-West will be presenting a lecture on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The lecture will discuss OCD, drawing upon examples of different obsessions and compulsions that people perform, including some of the more newly recognised symptoms. The Lecture will be held on Tuesday the 11th of October from 7:30pm in Moorabin. For more information or to book please visit the ADAVIC website

Mental Health Week 9th - 15th October!

2011 Mental Health Week will be launched this Sunday!
Mental Health Week has been running since 1985. The week is dedicated to promoting mental wellbeing, increasing knowledge about mental health and trying to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness. Further information about this week and the events can be found on the Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria) Website

This year, World Mental Health Day is the 10th of October. World Mental Health Day aims to increase public awareness about mental health issues. It encourages open discussion of mental disorders, and investments in prevention, promotion and treatment services, particularly in poorer countries.

Fundraising BBQ

As previously mentioned, ADAVIC will be holding their annual Bunnings BBQ fundraiser on the 8th of October at the Bunnings located at 230 Burwood Rd Hawthorn.

The BBQ will be running from 8am until 4pm with proceeds going to assist the continual running of ADAVIC's work within the community.

The event also coincides with Mental Health Week, so what better way to help out than by showing your support for ADAVIC and buying a sausage!

Mental Health Week 9th - 15th October

The 2011 Mental Health Week is rapidly approaching. During this week, Sunday the 9th to Saturday the 15th, ADAVIC will be holding two lectures.

On Tuesday the 11th of October Dr Scott Blair-West will be presenting a lecture on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This lecture aims to explain what OCD is and will discuss different examples of the obsessive thoughts and compulsive rituals people perform. It will also delve into some more newly recognised OCD symptoms performed to reduce anxiety. For more information or to book online, please click here.

The second lecture; 'Treating Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)' will be held on Thursday the 13th of October. Presenter Peter Kyriakoulis will discuss the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as a treatment option for Panic Attacks. For more information about this event or to book online, please click here

Bunnings BBQ: Looking for Volunteers

ADAVIC will be holding its Annual Bunnings Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser on the 8th October During Mental Health Week.

The Sausage Sizzle will run from 8am to 4pm at the Bunnings store located at 230 Burwood Road, Hawthorn. We need lots of volunteers to help out in order to make the day a success.

Not only will you be helping ADAVIC raise money but it is also a great way to meet people from all different areas of ADAVIC.

If you are able to give 2 to 4 hour hours of your time, we would love you to send us an email nominating one of the shifts listed below:

8am to 10am (2 hour)

8am to 12 noon (4 hour)

10am to 12 noon (2hours)

12 noon to 2pm (2hours)

12 noon to 4pm (4 hours)

2pm to 4pm (2 hours)