Issues and resources to support mental health and wellbeing will be the focus of a Griffith University symposium at South Bank on Tuesday, October 20.
Speakers include Queensland Mental Health Commissioner and Griffith alumnus, Dr Lesley van Schoubroeck and Griffith University Counselling Services Head, Lexie Money.
The event is part of Griffith’s national university Mental Health and Wellbeing Day with each campus holding a range of activities.
“Mental health is a significant issue in our community and especially so for university students,” said Griffith University Student Services Director, Dr Joanna Peters.
“University represents a stressful time for many students managing academic, financial and personal issues.
“The mental health of university students is recognised internationally as an important public health issue and research suggests that rates of mental illness are higher for university students than the general population.”
She said students were less likely to perform well at university when suffering from mental illness.
“Mental health issues and illness are often associated with lower educational achievement, decreased employment, lower incomes and lower standard of living.
“It is estimated that 45% of Australians aged between 16 and 85 will experience a mental health-related issue/issues in their lifetime, while 20% will experience symptoms of a mental health disorder each year.”
Griffith offers a suite of mental health programs including a Master of Health Practice.
WHAT: Mental Health and Wellbeing Symposium
WHEN: Tuesday, October 20, 10.30am-2pm
WHERE: The Ship Inn, South Bank