“I think a lot of young Aboriginal kids are shy and ashamed to talk about their problems, they think they have to be all tough and hard,” Isaac said.

“I was too shy to go and talk to someone about my feelings, I thought they might think I’m a wuss. But if you’re going through a hard time it’s better that you talk about it than shutting it all down. 

“It’s like a weight off your shoulders.”

Isaac, 16, is one of about 15 Aboriginal students at Newcastle High who have spent the past month working with headspace Newcastle to write hip-hop song Too Much Stressin – and record an accompanying film clip – to raise awareness about mental health and the importance of seeking help.

Headspace Newcastle was one of five centres across the country to receive a project grant through the organisation’s national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth mental health campaign, Yarn Safe.

Community development officer at headspace Newcastle Byron Williams has used music in many workshops to explore issues which young people may find difficult to express in conversation.

He worked with the Newcastle High students and was surprised at their level of enthusiasm and their maturity and language when discussing mental health.

“We used words that young people use, because young people listen to other young people,” Mr Williams said.

“We need them to take the torch and light the way.

“We used the word stress because that can mean a lot of things – depression, anxiety, bullying, exam stress.

“You may not be able to express the heartache you’re going through from a breakup; you may not be able to express the tough times you’re having at school or the loneliness you’re having at school through conversation, but you’re easily able to do that in a song.”

The students recorded the song in the studio at Newcastle High School.

The song was launched last week as part of NAIDOC week celebrations.