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Mental health information

Prevention and early intervention programs within schools can support students' mental health by reducing stigma and improving student support. Ensuring school staff, including teachers, have up to date knowledge about mental health issues will help students understand what is happening for them and improve the overall wellbeing of the school community.

Schools play a vital role in reducing mental health stigma and helping students cope with various mental health issues including anxiety and depression. By creating safe and supportive environments, students will feel safe to disclose information regarding their mental health and are more likely to seek the support they need.

ReachOut Schools mental health information and resources are designed by professionals to help school staff. These resources have been designed to increase teachers' mental health literacy by explaining key mental health terms, and outlining the broad range of support available to students. Using them will help teachers feel confident to start a conversation about mental health with a student and help them as they navigate mental health concerns including anxiety, depression and eating disorders.

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Mental health support tips for teachers

Are you a teacher looking for general mental health tips? This information will provide you with some practical classroom ideas.

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Reducing mental health stigma in schools

Schools play an important role in reducing stigma associated with mental health through educating young people and the wider school community.

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Talking to students about mental health

Providing opportunities for students to talk about mental health issues assists in breaking down stigma. Here we provide you with practical ideas to do so.

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Is self-harm linked to attention-seeking?

Self-harm isn’t just attention seeking. Here we explain what it is and how to help.

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Anxiety

Anxiety disorders refer to excessive, fear, panic and nervousness. Get resources to understand and support young people.

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Depression

Depression is when a person experiences persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, irritability and worthlessness. Get resources to support young people.

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Eating disorders

Eating disorders involve distorted body image and highly disturbed eating which seriously impact health and wellbeing.

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Personality disorders

Personality disorders involve inflexible, rigid behaviours and thoughts that can interfere with daily functioning.

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Psychotic disorders

Psychosis is a distressing experience of losing contact with reality. Such distortions are often caused or triggered by hallucinations, delusions or disrupted or disorganised thinking.

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Suicide

Suicide is the deliberate act of causing one’s own death. Given the prevalence and serious nature of suicide it is important to talk about suicide with young people.

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Self-harm

Self-harm refers to when people deliberately harm and injure their own bodies. Often self-harming behaviour will be hidden from others, which can make it incredibly difficult to assess. Get resources to support your students.

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Grief and loss

Grief is a reaction to loss or death of a loved one. Grief is complicated, painful, and can take years to adjust to. For students grief and loss can be especially difficult to understand and work through.

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Life-stage transitions

Life stage transitions are major changes that occur throughout life. Major changes or life stage transitions such as moving schools, or starting university/TAFE, can become overwhelming and stressful.

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Alcohol and other drugs

Problematic use of alcohol and other drugs are a major cause of harm for young Australians. Situations involving alcohol and drugs use often lead to other risky behaviours and activities.

Teacher sitting down with student

How to support students with climate anxiety

Learn more about what climate anxiety is, signs to look out for in your students, and practical strategies you can use to help them manage their feelings.

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Breaking down barriers to help-seeking

How do you break down the barriers to help-seeking? See what the research says and get advice for supporting young people.

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Effectiveness of online help

The effectiveness of online help depends a lot on the source of help or information a young person is accessing. It is important to provide online help, so that good help is available when it is sought.

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Online mental health communities and forums

Recommended online communities and forums to support for students experiencing mental health difficulties.

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Online counselling and treatment services

A list of recommended online counselling/treatment services for referring students.

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Mental health websites

Use ReachOut’s recommended mental health websites and online programs to help students build their mental health literacy.

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Specialist mental health services

Specialist mental health services are primarily for people with a serious mental illness/disorder and provide a tertiary level of care and are commonly highly trained psychologists and psychiatrists.

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Referring to a GP

Referring to a GP can be the first step in getting a student treatment for emerging mental health illnesses. Find out how they can help, and how to make it easier to access a GP.

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Youth Friendly General Practice video

The Youth Friendly General Practice video explains the role of GPs, confidentiality, and how to access a GP.

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        Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

        We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

        We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

        ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

              Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

              We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

              We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

              ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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