The creative way of thinking, talking and teaching about mood disorders. A unique, innovative and straight-forward resource on mood disorders, mental health and resilience which is easy to understand, implement and teach in secondary schools with classroom activities and teacher development notes. The resource is linked to the NSW PDHPE Stage 5 syllabus (Years 9-10) and will be tailored to the curriculum requirements of other Australian states and territories. May be relevant to others who work with young people e.g. Principals, School Counsellors, welfare staff and other youth professionals. Incorporates HeadStrong presentation. Dates of Professional Development teacher training (face-to-face workshops and online webinars) regarding use of the resource will be determined shortly.
Download HeadStrong for free and enter your details to be informed about updates and professional development dates.
This community presentation helps school staff, parents, and others working with young people identify early warning signs of mood disorders which typically occur in mid-to-late adolescence. It focuses on the importance of early intervention, offers practical strategies for communicating with someone who you are concerned about, when and where to go for help, and strategies for building resilience, drawing on stories from the Black Dog Institute’s book ‘Navigating Teenage Depression: a guide for parents and professionals’.
Visit the calendar to see upcoming dates
An inspiring classroom presentation for Years 8–10 about mental health and wellbeing, the 5 major mental illnesses (depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, and eating disorders), and resilience. Works to dispel stigma, generate discussion, promote help-seeking and early intervention, with activities.
Delivered by a volunteer youth presenter with lived experience of a mood disorder, relative or carer.
INSIGHT is a MIEA (Mental Illness Education Australia & New Zealand) program.
Maximum 35 students per presentation and requests in advance of at least two weeks required. Fees apply.
A powerful presentation for Years 11-12 about mental health and wellbeing, mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder), and resilience. Based on a series of engaging, humorous illustrations that convey complex concepts to students. Emphasises wellbeing strategies, help-seeking avenues, early intervention benefits, and works to dispel stigma. Topics include teen challenges, mood disorder facts and statistics, at-risk personality types, coping strategies, fears of seeking help, finding the right help – who/when/how, benefits of good therapy, family and school support, and what is and how to build resilience. Delivered by a staff member or featured speaker such as Matthew Johnstone. Volunteer youth presenters to be trained to present HeadStrong shortly. Illustrations by Matthew Johnstone, Creative Director at the Black Dog Institute, author and presenter.
This presentation is part of the HeadStrong curriculum resource.
Suitable for larger audiences and requests in advance of at least two weeks required. Fees apply.
BITE BACK is a new and evolving website which aims to improve the wellbeing and mental fitness of young people, based on the principles of positive psychology – the science of optimal functioning. BITE BACK is a unique place where 12-18 year olds can discover ways to amplify the good stuff in life with specially designed online activities and quizzes that can give members feedback and track progress over time. They can anonymously share real stories, read up on important issues and news, check out videos, blogs and interviewsof interesting people, and enter fun competitions. Visit BITE BACK
Click here to learn about the Youth Professional Programs
Passionate volunteer Youth Presenters deliver a range of our tailored presentations to young people. If you have been personally touched by or care for someone with a mood disorder and you are committed to raising awareness and decreasing stigma of mood disorders in your community, we would love to hear from you. We offer professional training, ongoing support and personal development opportunities. Download the flyer [PDF, 449KB]
Apply online now or for more information, please contact Sarah Connor, Volunteer Coordinator on 9382 9250.
Youth Presenter intake and training dates:
Kerrie Eyers & Gordon Parker
First symptoms of depression often occur during teenage years, and it can be a disturbing and confusing time for families as well as the teenager themselves. How can you tell whether it's just typical teenage ups and downs that will pass, or something more serious? How can we reliably identify and support teenagers with depression?
"At last, a sensible, well-written and incisive description of the most common psychiatric disorder in young people: depression."
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, prominent adolescent psychologist and author. Click here for the full selection of Black Dog Institute books.
Mei Li Quah
Project Manager - Youth Programs
02 9382 8320
m.quah@blackdog.org.au
Depression and Bipolar Disorder Information Australia - Black Dog Institute.Copyright © 2012 Black Dog Institute
Page last updated: 19-Mar-2012