A local contingent of mental health workers, alongside a team from Hunter New England Health, has brought those topics to the fore in frank and honest discussions with students during sessions last week.

As part of Mental Health Month and the BeYounique campaign, the team engaged students from each grade.

Austin Corcoran from Hunter New England Health said the topic of self-image was the biggest talking point.

“We try promoting positive health and encourage kids that they have choices.

“We want them to have as much info as they can to make healthy choices,” Mr Corcoran said.

He pointed to the growth of image issues among teenage boys as a mounting concern.

“It’s becoming a bigger issue for boys than girls it seems – it’s a nationwide issue.

“Going to the gym is good but it’s when it gets out of balance – year 7 is where it seems to be kicking in,” he said.

Bruce Winter from the team said he discussed stress and anxiety and techniques for students to alleviate the issue – especially in the midst of ongoing exams.

“Your physical, mental, social and cultural feelings need to be in balance to keep happy,” Mr Winter said.

“We teach this stuff but sometimes forget them ourselves.”

Drugs and alcohol has a significant impact on the well-being of teens, but the workers maintain they are hopeful of stemming the tide of negative impacts felt by the students.

In their own personal experience they say bullying has the largest influence.

“Probably 70 per cent of the kids who come to us, their issues stem from bullying.

 “You get frustrated and sick of talking to families who had kids but suicided because of bullying – we need to educate kids, thoughts can be very powerful,” Mr Corcoran said.

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