Scarlett Boon-Shillinglaw, a resilient 16-year-old from Broome Senior High School, is tackling life’s challenges head-on. Alongside 19 other young individuals from the Kimberley region, she recently participated in a transformative five-day leadership camp in Dwellingup, south of Perth, organized by the youth mental health organization zero2hero.
In the face of alarming rates of suicide and self-harm in the Kimberley, the camp focused on equipping teenagers with the tools to support peers struggling with mental health issues. With phones left behind, Scarlett and her peers delved into crucial lessons on when to offer support, when to lend an ear, and how to guide friends toward professional help.
Reflecting on her experiences, Scarlett emphasized the importance of effective communication in navigating mental health challenges among peers. She shared, “Some of my friends have faced mental health struggles, and I’ve found myself in roles where I’ve tried to provide support. The camp made me realize there’s always more we can do or say to guide them toward help.”
Scarlett highlighted external pressures such as school stress, interpersonal conflicts, and the impact of social media, stressing that these factors significantly influence the well-being of young people. “It’s a reality for everyone,” she remarked, emphasizing the unique life journeys that shape individual experiences of mental health.
The sobering statistics underscore the urgency of addressing mental health in the Kimberley. According to data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the region witnessed 58 suicides between 2018 and 2022, alongside the highest rate of hospitalization for intentional self-harm in Western Australia.
Oscar Wharton, fundraising manager at zero2hero, emphasized the pressing need for enhanced mental health support, particularly for young people facing significant challenges accessing services. Ashley Harrison, CEO of zero2hero, echoed this sentiment, calling for increased commitment to suicide and self-harm prevention efforts.
Recognizing the pivotal role of peer support, Harrison highlighted the leadership camps as a vital component of the solution. She emphasized that teenagers often turn to their peers for support before seeking assistance from adults, making it essential for youth to be equipped with the skills to recognize and address mental health concerns among their peers.
Scarlett echoed this sentiment, urging young people to speak openly about mental health and seek support when needed. “No problem is too small or insignificant,” she emphasized, encouraging others to prioritize their well-being and reach out for help when necessary.
As zero2hero continues its mission to empower youth and destigmatize mental health conversations, Scarlett’s journey exemplifies the resilience and determination of Kimberley teens in navigating life’s challenges while supporting each other along the way.
