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Thousands Sign Petition Asking The Government To Offer Free Therapy To Young Australians

Thousands Sign Petition Asking The Government To Offer Free Therapy To Young Australians

A teenager started the petition, hoping the Health Minister will hear his cries for help.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

For years people have been encouraged to seek help if they are struggling with inner demons.

We've been told about the benefits of chatting to a psychologist or getting some medicinal help from a psychiatrist.

While those services are out there, sometimes they're not exactly cheap, meaning many people go without potentially life-saving treatment because they simply can't afford it.

That's sparked an online petition, calling on the Australian government to offer free therapy to young people.

There is already a system that gives people access to up to 10 sessions with a registered psychologist through Medicare, however this petition wants to go a little further.

So far, more than 54,000 people have signed it, all hoping Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt will take note of the need for opening up mental health services to young people.

It was started by Curtis Cloake, who wrote: "My anxiety has stopped me doing a lot of things. I even dropped out of Uni this year as a result of my mental health. I tried medication, but it wasn't for me. Regular sessions with a psychologist are making a huge difference to my mental health.

Curtis Cloake.
Change.org

"However I am struggling to afford my ongoing psychology appointments. I've spoken to so many people my age who are also struggling with their mental health and also can't afford ongoing care. That's why I am calling for better access to therapy for young Australians.

"On top of the ongoing youth mental health crisis, young people are experiencing income inequality, underemployment, and struggling to make a living wage. The Australian Government needs to re-address the crisis of mental health in Australian youth, especially young people in rural and regional areas. We need to provide free psychology and psychiatric services to every young person in Australia, including remote areas."

Mental health issues are certainly plaguing young Australians, with suicide still the number one cause of death according to Beyond Blue.

The mental health group also says more than 75 percent of issues will start before you hit 25, which, for most of us, is still when we're getting our stuff sorted.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt.
Facebook

We don't exactly have tons of cash to dedicate towards treatment otherwise we might not have dinner on our plate.

Curtis says there needs to be a system where you can access a psychologist or other mental health professional online in order to get treatment.

He says this would also greatly help those living in remote or regional areas who can't just swing by their psychologist on their way home from work.

Until that system does get implemented, if you or anyone you know is struggling, there are hotlines you can call which will connect you with people that can help.

Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636, 24/7
Headspace - 1800 650 890
Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800, 24/7 for people aged between 5 and 25
Lifeline - 13 11 14, 24/7
MensLine Australia - 1300 78 99 78, 24/7
Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467, provides 24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UOKM8, News, Australia