The revamped Lowdown website launched in June this year will provide young people with more accessible and responsive online mental health support.

 

"It is estimated that one in six young people suffer from depression or anxiety. It is important young people have the right support at the earliest opportunity," says Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman.

 

The Lowdown website provides young people with the tools to be able to recognise when they are experiencing depression or anxiety, and it gives them the right information and support.

 

The new website, which can now be accessed on a mobile phone, provides more self-help functions and includes videos from young people. There is also a forum for young people to share experiences and get advice and support.

 

The website also has new content on anxiety and the target age group has been realigned to 12-19 year olds to complement other programmes such as the Prime Minister's Youth Mental Health Project.

 

The Lowdown is part of the National Depression Initiative. The government's Rising to the Challenge 2012 mental health plan included a refresh of the Initiative.

 

The Lowdown can be found at https://thelowdown.co.nz/