Two prominent figures, former welterweight world champion Jeff Horn and 2015 Miss International Australia Larissa Hlinovsky, are joining forces to address bullying and empower young Queenslanders to safeguard their mental health. Both individuals have personal experiences with mental health struggles and share concerns about the increasing prevalence of depression and anxiety among children and young adults.
Jeff Horn is set to share his personal journey and mental health strategies during an online forum aimed at young people, parents, teachers, and counselors. The webinar, scheduled for October 30, is organized by the Mater Young Adult Health Centre and Mater Education, with a focus on showcasing vital services available to young people between the ages of 16 and 25.
Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals that 40 percent of individuals aged 16 to 24 reported experiencing a mental health disorder in the past 12 months.
Horn, a former schoolteacher in Brisbane, opens up about his own experience with bullying during his school years, which pushed him to the brink of suicide. He is now an ambassador for BullyProof Australia, a program dedicated to changing attitudes toward bullying and promoting mental health awareness in Australian schools.
“Bullying and mental health issues are very close to my heart,” said Horn. “Bullying doesn’t just happen in the schoolyard, it happens everywhere. Mental illness in young people can affect areas such as education, achievement, relationships, and occupational success. For me, this webinar is a great opportunity to stand side-by-side with Mater to stop bullying no matter what age.”
Larissa Hlinovsky, who suffered bullying at her all-girl Brisbane high school, further highlights the persistence of bullying even in her professional career as a beauty queen and model. She expressed her concern about the increasing prevalence of online and social media bullying.
Mater Young Adult Health Centre, along with Professor Simon Denny and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Anya Synder, will discuss the range of services dedicated to young people. This includes the Mater Young Adult Health Centre Brisbane in-patient ward, the sole unit of its kind in Australia, offering access to specialist health clinics, emotional health support, and confidential services for young individuals dealing with substance misuse.
Common mental health challenges facing young adults in Queensland, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and workplace and school bullying, will be addressed during the webinar. Professor Denny emphasized that the event will provide insights into how young people and their families can effectively cope with adversity and maintain mental health in challenging times.
