Help available for anxious teens in rural and remote Australia

A pioneering research project developed at The University of Queensland will help teenagers in rural and remote areas of Australia to overcome anxiety.

Child anxiety expert Professor Sue Spence, together with the BRAVE team, developed the program that can be undertaken over the internet.

According to Professor Spence adolescence can be a stressful time for many teenagers, as the pressures and expectations increase at home, at school and in their social lives.

"Anxiety is one of the most common psychological problems for adolescents, with around 8 to 10percent being affected" Professor Spence said.

"It can lead to problems with schoolwork, family life, friendships, and general health, and also increases the risk of depression and substance abuse.

"We know that anxiety can be treated successfully, but many rural families live too far away from the services that can provide the help that is needed.

"It is unacceptable that so many teenagers living in rural and remote areas are not able to get help for anxiety problems."

Dr Caroline Donovan, Project Director of the Brisbane arm of the project, said the BRAVE Program for Teenagers teaches young people skills to reduce anxiety and to cope with stressful situations.

“But rather than having to attend a clinic, teenagers and their parents can take part in the program over the internet," she said.

The team are looking for young people aged between 13 and 17 who suffer from anxiety and live in rural and remote areas of Australia to be involved in this exciting research.

There is a small cost to take part ($100) and to be eligible families must live in rural or remote regions of Australia, and have access to the internet from their home.

For more information on the BRAVE program visit www.psy.mq.edu.au/brave or contact the BRAVE team directly at brave4teenagers@psy.uq.edu.au).