Mackay mental health services: ‘Massive challenge’ to reduce wait times

Massive wait times in important services for young people provide hurdles to reversing a concerning trend in Queensland.

Wait times varying from same-day treatment to two months provide a “massive challenge” to address mental health issues for Mackay’s young men and women.

With Mackay’s headspace facilities overwhelmed with people seeking help, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation opened a new satellite facility in Sarina to ease wait times.

Northern Australia Primary Health CEO Luke Guazzo said headspace faced a “massive challenge”.

“Wait times are a nationwide issue for youth mental health and that’s why we’ve expanded our practices,” he said.

“It’s a complex exercise based on the severity of issues; some people will get seen straight away but others may have to wait up to two months.”

To coincide with headspace Day 2021 and Queensland Mental Health Week this month, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation released new research that found more than half of young Queenslanders (52 per cent) deal with personal problems on their own, rather than speak to someone.

The headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey also found three in five young Queenslanders (64 per cent) felt there was still stigma around seeking help for a mental illness.

headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said the events of the past 18 months had put added stress on the mental health and wellbeing of many young people.

“We know young people have been disproportionately affected by this pandemic with major changes to their study, home and social lives,” he said.

“That’s why we are so concerned that many young Australians continue dealing with their problems on their own instead of reaching out for help.

“We want young people to know there is always someone you can talk to – be it a trusted adult in your life, a friend, a family member or a service like headspace. You don’t need to go it alone.”

Though it officially opened only recently, Sarina headspace has been operating since July 2021 and Mr Guazzo said the program was working well.

“The satellite service is a fairly new concept, Sarina is one of the first that has been delivered in the country,” he said.

“It’s not quite as effective as a full-service centre but the aim is to use the corporate facilities in Mackay to ensure what we’re delivering actually meets the needs.

“The proof is in the pudding; at the moment it’s working well and we’re seeing about six youths a day with our service in Sarina.”

Youth Reference Group member PJ Santo said kids in Sarina had been fantastic despite the lack of facilities in the area.

“Sometimes Sarina can be left behind every now and again, but with this headspace our young people can finally get the support they need and deserve,” she said.

“The kids in the area are great, they’ve been managing with the lack of services so well and have shown great resilience.”

Queensland Mental Health Week runs from October 9-17.