Optimising the implementation of a universal web-based mental health service for Australian secondary schools

Secondary schools are increasingly delivering a range of mental health interventions with varying levels of success. This cluster randomised controlled trial examined the effectiveness of two implementation strategies, allocation of class time and provision of financial incentives, on secondary students’ engagement with Smooth Sailing, a universal web-based mental health service.

Findings from the trial highlight the challenges of optimising student engagement with digital mental health services in school settings and emphasise the importance of considering the broader school context when implementing such interventions.

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Efficacy of a school-based, universal prevention programme for depression and anxiety in adolescents

Adolescence is a critical period for the onset of mental health challenges. This study evaluated the effectiveness of OurFutures Mental Health, a school-based intervention designed to improve mental health knowledge and prevent symptoms of depression and anxiety among young people.

A two-arm cluster-randomised controlled trial was conducted between 2023 and 2024. Findings suggest that OurFutures Mental Health is a promising intervention, with evidence of improved mental health knowledge and short-term reductions in anxiety symptoms among adolescents.

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National survey of community attitudes to prevention of mental health problems

A recent national survey exploring community attitudes toward the prevention of mental health problems has revealed strong public support for increased efforts in this area.

Of the 6,142 Australians aged 16-75+ who took part, most respondents indicated that preventing mental health problems should be a top priority for government. Many also expressed their belief that conditions such as depression and anxiety can be prevented. Alongside this, 64.7% of the surveyed group supported an equal distribution of funding across prevention and treatment.

These findings highlight widespread community support to expand mental health prevention efforts that support the wellbeing of all Australians, with a particular focus on adolescence and young adulthood.

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Flattening the ‘other’ coronavirus curve: Our looming mental health crisis.

Prof Tony Jorm and Dr Steve Carbone from Prevention United have written an article for The Conversation on the importance of flattening the ‘other’ coronavirus curve: our looming mental health crisis.

They argue for a focus on preventing new cases of mental disorders and on growing the capacity of our mental health-care system to manage any increase in people needing help.

Article published in The Conversation

Prevention of mental disorders requires action on adverse childhood experiences

Article by: Anthony F Jorm and Roger T Mulder

The increased availability of treatment has not reduced the prevalence of mental disorders, suggesting a need for a greater emphasis on prevention. With chronic physical diseases, successful prevention efforts have focused on reducing the big risk factors. If this approach is applied to mental disorders, the big risk factors are adverse childhood experiences, which have major effects on most classes of mental disorder across the lifespan. While the evidence base is limited, there is support for a number of interventions to reduce adverse childhood experiences, including an important role for mental health professionals. Taking action on adverse childhood experiences may be our best chance of emulating the success of public health action to prevent chronic physical diseases and thereby reduce the large global burden of mental disorders.

Read the article published in Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry