The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and the Black Dog Institute are giving secondary school students the opportunity to take part in their free new mental fitness program.
Designed to help young people manage their mental health and improve their general wellbeing, the Mental Fitness Program will see 27 Australian Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games athletes assist in delivering mental wellbeing presentations, both in-person and online, at high schools throughout the country.
In Australia, it is estimated that 1 in 5 people will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year, and approximately 60% of those people won’t seek help. Black Dog Institute research reveals over 75 percent of mental health issues develop before the age of 25 which shows the importance of tackling the subject from an early age.
Research conducted by the Black Dog Institute revealed that almost 80 per cent of people say their mental health was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with visitors to Black Dog Institute website doubling as people sought techniques to cope with anxiety and stress.
For any schools interested in a free Black Dog Mental Fitness Presentation delivered by an elite athlete, you can submit an online request on the Black Dog Institute website.