headspace Mythbusters are prepared by the
Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health. The series aims to
unveil common myths which are contrary to research evidence about
mental health and substance abuse problems affecting young people.
Experts on the topic have reviewed the summary before publication,
including members of the headspace Youth National
Reference Group (hY NRG).
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MythBuster: Eating Disorders
Myth: "Eating disorders aren't serious - they're just
diets gone wrong…"
Eating disorders are among the most serious and misunderstood of
all mental disorders. A number of myths and stereotypes exist about
eating disorders that can be potentially damaging to young people
affected by them and to their families.
MythBuster: Eating Disorders aims to dispel these myths and
present an evidence-based understanding of how eating disorders can
affect young people and how their needs can be met.
Download MythBuster: Eating Disorders
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Mythbuster: Suicidal ideation
Myth: Asking young people about suicidal thoughts or
behaviours will only put ideas in their heads.
This Mythbuster is designed to counter the misguided belief that
asking young people directly about suicidal thoughts and behaviours
is harmful as it will make it more likely that they'll experience
theses ideas. The Mythbuster examines a range of evidence that
shows that talking about suicide with young people is not
harmful.
Mythbuster: Suicidal ideation is designed for young people,
their carers and significant others and service providers who work
with young people, including teachers.
Download Mythbuster: Suicidal ideation
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Mythbuster: Self harm
Myth: "Self-harm is an attempt at suicide", "it's just
attention seeking", it's a fashion, a trend or an 'emo' thing", or
"if someone self-harms they must have a mental
illness".
This Mythbuster sorts fact from fiction on self-harm and is
designed to counter some of the most common myths that surround
self-harm in young people.
Mythbuster: Self harm examines a range of evidence that shows
that these are myths, not facts. It also explores ways that young
people who self-harm can be helped and supported.
Download Mythbuster: Sorting fact from fiction on
self-harm