This blog shines a light on past speakers and collaborators who have helped shape TheMHS events through their bold ideas, lived experience, and innovative approaches to mental health. By showcasing the people spearheading change across the sector, the post celebrates their contributions while inspiring others to think differently, connect more deeply, and continue pushing for progress. It’s a tribute to the voices driving transformation—and a reminder of the powerful impact that shared knowledge and collaboration can have.
This week we are sharing an interview with Dr Lyndsay Brown. Dr Lyndsay Brown is a research psychologist who has worked for five years on the Future Proofing Study at the Black Dog Institute. Lyndsay’s work spans school engagement, data collection, research, public presentations, translational work, and community outreach. Prior to her current position, she worked for as a process/group facilitator with adolescents in school settings, taught in a secondary senior school in Sydney, and worked as a community psychologist in various not-for-profit organisations.
What is a resource you think more people should know about?
‘Ask Izzy’, a trustworthy website that connects young people in NSW who are in crisis with the services they need right now and nearby including food, housing, support and counselling, domestic and family violence help, health and well-being, advice and advocacy, work and learning. If more people knew about it, more services would be included here, and more young people would access it.
What is your advice for children and young people who may be trying to find their way?
Because of difficult family circumstances, I was once a very lost young person—on my own, desperately trying to find my way. I made myself study hard to finish school and got a loan to go to university, completely clueless about what I wanted to do but knowing that education could be my ticket to something better. And it was. Along the way, through learning and growing, I found my tribe, my purpose, and a clearer sense of what truly mattered to me. I discovered the values I would never compromise on and turned them into guiding mantras like “When in doubt, be kind.” “Love is all we have.” “If I learn, I can change the world’. To any young person trying to find their way: You do not need to have all the answers right now. Keep moving forward, stay open to learning, and surround yourself with people who lift you up. The path will become clearer as you walk it.
What is a wellbeing activity or practice that is a staple in your life?
Hiking and camping in the bush with just one or two other people for days at a time. Last year, I did this for 2 weeks in the Northern Territories in Kakadu and Katherine National Parks which was spectacularly beautiful especially when in we were in remote areas walking with First Nations people who lived in these areas. This year, I am off to spend time walking the Cape-to-Cape track in the Margaret River area of Western Australia; and also in the Cedarberg Mountains and Umfolozi Game Park in South Africa.
FUTURE PROOFING STUDY
Lyndsay introduced TheMHS Forum 2025 to the Future Proofing Study, the Black Dog Institute’s longitudinal study of adolescent mental health that she is currently working on and which is still ongoing. Click here for more information about this study, including additional resources and findings.
