Belmont healthcare worker Claire Lee is turning her personal struggle with chronic illness into a mission to address Queensland’s youth mental health crisis, with a particular focus on eco-grief.
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A youth mental health crisis
Recent findings from a YouGov survey paint a concerning picture of youth mental health in Queensland. Two-thirds of young adults between 16 and 25 report struggling with eco-grief, also known as climate anxiety or climate doom. The survey reveals that 30 percent of respondents express serious concerns about extreme weather events, while psychological distress among 15–24 year-olds has more than doubled since 2011, now affecting 42 percent of this age group.
Claire Lee brings unique perspective
Claire Lee, who serves at the Mater Hospital Young Adult Health Centre Brisbane, brings a unique perspective shaped by her own health journey. Living with developmental hip dysplasia and Ehlers Danlos syndrome, Lee’s experience managing chronic pain has deepened her understanding of the mental health challenges young people face.
The centre, which assists more than 200 young patients annually, has seen a significant increase in climate-related anxiety cases. “I am hoping to help other young people and encourage medical professionals to take the time to listen and understand their patients,” Lee says, drawing from both her professional experience and personal health journey.
On Wednesday, 13 November, Lee will join Professor Brett McDermott of the University of Tasmania at the Connecting to our Future Youth Health Conference. Professor McDermott, known for his work in post-disaster mental health programs, emphasises that climate-change anxiety significantly impacts educational outcomes and life decisions among youth. His research advocates for proactive solutions through counselling and community engagement.
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Connecting to our Future Youth Health Conference
The Connecting to our Future Youth Health Conference runs from 11 to 13 November at the Brisbane State Library. The Climate Impacts on Youth Health session (Session 7A) takes place on 13 November at 10:30 AM, featuring Lifecycles Director Timothy Grant opening with a talk on “Climate Crisis and Climate Courage,” followed by presentations from Claire Lee and Professor Brett McDermott. Designer Charlotte Adams will conclude the session with a talk about what she calls the “eco-anxiety toolkit.”
Interested community members can access registration information through the 2024 Youth Health Conference website. While the current program is confirmed, attendees should note that session details are subject to change.
Published 28-October-2024