TRIGGER WARNING: Discussion of suicide.
In this episode Lou discusses her growing concerns with mental ill health with teens and tweens in Australia.  There's been a recent crisis meeting held between educators and various NSW Members of Parliament regarding the concerns for teenage students, mental health and a recent cluster of suicides.  Lou discusses the link between mental ill health and neurological conditions such as Autism and particularly ADHD.  Evidence is emerging linking the lack of support for ADHDers and the resulting poor mental health.

Lou asks that listeners write to their local MP to complain and ask for specific urgent mental health reforms.

References
Use this link to look up your MP:
https://polity.xyz/?gclid=CjwKCAjw8cCGBhB6EiwAgORey6GHLwPaFqymkPb607meQ8LOdsxAO3AtwS9I-pkrWrG5QjPr1NpEPhoCTPYQAvD_BwE&fbclid=IwAR1DJkcnVs-NzvMeZnQaMy6vOXph7CfCcBAWkmMoqDAzV6Wj5LtFz-LOzW4

These are the points that I suggest you ask for:

1.       We need more beds in mental health facilities for teenagers!  It’s not good enough to just hand out the number for Beyond Blue and Lifeline.  Actually make places that people can go to when in crisis.

2.       Teachers and principals need professional development on the mental ill health associated with neurodivergence.  If the education departments don’t start to make this link explicit and enforce systemic change within education, the cycle will continue.

3.       Each and every child at school should have easy access to a qualified psychologist who understands the link between neurological disabilities and mental health.  

ADHD coaching can assist adults with ADHD: https://www.sarahtheadhdcoach.com/
AADPA website: https://aadpa.com.au/
Lou Brown website: https://thrivingwithadhd.com.au/