The power of music is being harnessed in Newcastle to reach out to young people, on the sometimes difficult topic of mental illness.

In a unique take on band competitions, Youth Rockin' the Black Dog aims to unearth bright new talent while promoting an important health message.

Please watch the video.

With all the pressure on young people, mental health problems are becoming more prominent but one innovative programme is getting them talking.

Mindplay is a high school drama competition that puts a theatrical twist on issues like depression, schizophrenia and addiction.

It's just about to rev up for another year, and in this Mind Matters story, we examine mental health issues taking centre stage.

A major medical research project is set to tackle one of the ongoing tragedies of the bush, male suicide.
Country blokes are much more likely to take their own lives than their city counterparts, and now, a team from the Hunter Medical Research Institute, is trying to find out why.

It's a song full of hope and for one inspirational group it's become a mantra, as its members work together to overcome mental illness.

The Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody classic is the signature tune of a Newcastle-based choir, which is transforming lives through friendship and a common love of music.

What is an eating disorder?

Unfortunately these days it is normal for most women (and it is increasingly common for some men) to have some concerns about their body image and many women will diet from time to time. But people who suffer from eating disorders are extremely uncomfortable with their bodies, worry about weight gain most of the time and they are extremely fearful of gaining weight. They also engage in

When mental illness strikes, it affects more than just an individual.

Whole families are caught up, and in the case of children of parents with a mental illness, it can be particularly confusing and distressing.

But as we discover in this story for our Mind Matters series, a support service in the Hunter is having great success in helping young people find their way through the maze of feelings.

The early years lay the foundations for life, and there’s increasing evidence about how crucial it is to get children off to a good start.

There’s so much for them to learn, more than just walking and talking, and their social and emotional development can actually help steer their future mental health.

In this story for our Mind Matters series, we head into the playground.

Nathan Bell first experienced psychosis as a teenager.

The story of his ensuing battle with mental illness is both confronting and inspiring.

Nathan spoke to NBN News, as part of the Mind Matters series, in the hope of educating people and breaking down sterotypes surrounding mental illness.

It is a disturbing mental condition and a lot more common than you probably think.

Psychosis affects about three per cent of the population, and it usually first strikes in the vulnerable teenage years, causing sufferers to lose contact with reality.

In this edition of our Mind Matters series, we meet a young man who’s been to the brink, and found his way back again.

In this installment we examine how we can all care for our most precious personal resource, our mind.

With all the pressures and pace of modern living, mental health experts
have a clear message for us all to take stock.