According to a recent report, one in five (20%) young people aged 15-17 met the criteria for having a probable serious mental illness. Between 2012 and 2014, the proportion of young people aged 15-17 who met the criteria for having a probable serious mental illness has steadily increased from 18.2% to 20%. 

Access to mental health services for this age group is among the lowest, with barriers identified such as awareness, access and acceptability of services. There needs to be more services to engage young people that are not only evidence-based but also youth-friendly and appealing (Young People’s Mental Health Over the Years Youth Survey 2012-14). 

Programs which offer support through the creative arts can be used to engage young people, assist in their recovery and promote positive wellbeing.

Recovery in the context of mental health, as is true for other debilitating illnesses, does not always mean a restoration of perfect health. Recovery can be about finding an ability to live with...