What is CYMHS? (aka Child and Youth Mental Health Service)

Transcript

What is mental health? Well, while physical health is about our body and our physical well being, mental health is about our mind and our emotional well being. They’re not separate though, together they make up our overall health. And just like when we’re feeling unwell or when something isn’t as it should be, we talk to someone - the same should be for our mental health.

Sometimes talking about how we are feeling can make us feel uncomfortable. Those close to us might mean well, but they may not fully understand. You may be worried about talking to strangers or have a fear of what others might think or say, which can make things worse.

It’s during these times you need to remember that talking about our mental health is not a sign of weakness but courageous - a sign of strength - and it will help you to feel better. Sometimes it might take a little while and you might need to talk to a few people outside of your group of mates before you find that person that ‘gets you’.

It might also help to know, there are many young people and families also dealing with mental health distress like severe anxiety, depression or worrying thoughts that are preventing them from getting on with life.

The good news is that there is help available!

Enter CYMHS. Who’s Kim? (Chuckle) C.Y.M.H.S: Child and Youth Mental Health Service.

We’re not one person, but many, all wanting to work with you and your family to support you on your journey to recovery. Our multidisciplinary teams are made up of psychologists, social workers, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, doctors and nurses. There are other support people like admin staff as well as art therapists, music therapists and exercise physiologists, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workers and Peer Workers available at some clinics. Our multidisciplinary teams are all under the guidance of a psychiatrist.

So how did you find CYMHS? Most people have their first appointment at a community clinic but sometimes it could be at the hospital Emergency department. Occasionally people move from CYMHS to another service, but these options are always discussed with you. It’s about being seen by the right people at the right time.

Like many young people and families, you may have talked to different people, been seen at different places before you arrived at CYMHS but just like our physical health, sometimes we need appointments with a specialist service… But not all specialists wear coats. It’s totally normal to feel nervous about your first appointment. But know that our friendly and caring staff are here to help you every step along the way, including filling out the paperwork.

You’ll meet with one or two of our team who will ask some questions so that they can better understand what’s happening for you and how we can work together with you to help determine your next steps.

Some of the questions might be about your family history, any medication you’re taking, what’s led you to find help and CYMHS, what you want to get out of these appointments. The questions may feel quite personal, but your privacy is very important to us, and what that means will be explained to you in detail in a way that you understand.

You are encouraged to express yourself openly, have your say during your treatment and in the decisions being made. People at CYMHS understand young people and there is no need to feel you are being judged. Regardless of your heritage or the language you speak, CYMHS have people to support you and interpreters available to you at no cost.

Every person’s journey is different but the road to recovery starts with the first step. Mental illnesses are diagnosable health conditions and treatment is available. To read some stories shared by past CYMHS young people, parents and carers, head over to our website https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/services/mental-health.

Or for more information, reach out to our team today.

Thank you to the Children’s Hospital Foundation and the young people, parents, carers who were part of the consultation in creating the video.