24/10/2025
Navigating conversations about mental health and seeking the right help can be difficult, especially for young people in community where accessing support can sometimes come with shame and stigma.
Lauren Jones, a proud Bundjalung woman and one of our Aboriginal Care Navigators at CICADA, the Adolescent drug and alcohol service at the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, says it's important to come together to support people struggling with mental health challenges.
"Normalising proactive check ins and knowing what local services and hotlines are available is essential for families and communities in providing the right support. Frequent and casual conversations can help ease what otherwise can feel like a tense and uncomfortable topic."
"Encouraging young people to build resilience and feel empowered to talk openly starts with creating a safe, non-judgmental space. Building confident communities, families, and services builds stronger kids, and leaders of tomorrow."
CICADA are starting their 'Tuning into Teens' parenting program this Mental Health Month, teaching parents to recognise, understand and respond to teenage emotions as well as supporting parents to manage their own emotional responses.
If you or anyone else is struggling, 24/7 support is available through Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 46 36), and 13YARN for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth.
