Mark is clinical lead of Headspace Ashfield, and has worked 17 years in mental health and youth health services. Before Headspace, he worked as a therapist in child and adolescent mental health in both community and hospital services, as well as overseas in group treatment.

In this conversation, we discuss his perspectives on supporting the mental health of young people, as well as strategies to destigmatize mental health issues in the community and the individual part that we can all play to contribute to this process. If you would like to learn more about mental health or the support available to young people, please visit the Headspace website.

Timestamps:

[1:19] - Mark's career journey 

[4:09] - Expectations and changes

[6:27] - What is therapy?

[8:27] - Different forms of metal health support available

[10:33] - Therapeutic relationships

[11:52] - The role of Headspace

[14:03] - Accessing Headspace services

[15:04] - The initial interactions with Headspace

[17:09] - Differences between psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and GPs

[19:42] - The role of the clinical lead

[20:55] - Maintaining a good mindset when delivering therapy

[22:22] - Difficulties therapists experience in reaching out for support 

[24:42] - Stigma around mental ill health

[26:31] - Barriers to reaching out for support

[28:25] - Destigmatising mental health issues at the individual level

[32:20] - Having those difficult conversations

[34:46] - Positive mental health 

[37:19] - Building resilience during lockdown

[40:02] - The fight-flight-freeze response

[42:08] - Benefits of breathing and associated techniques

[46:01] - Mindfulness

[46:54] - Strategies to stay in the present

[48:14] - Historical strategies for mental health

[50:25] - Ideas for a better future in 5 years 

[52:15] - Resources for further learning

[53:48] - Lockdown listening, watching and reading