For Hannah Watts, music is the language of life.
It helped her overcome dyslexia and had long been a tonic for her mind.
"Music is very powerful for me personally. It really helps my mood," said Hannah, 17.
"It helps me navigate emotional rollercoasters, especially being a teenager and young adult.
"I turn to music when I'm happy, sad and everything else in between."
Hannah, who plays the ukulele, is set to perform at a Headspace Newcastle event - Young Guns at the Museum - on Thursday evening.
Headspace had called for musicians keen to perform and network with other musicians.
Byron Williams, a Headspace community development officer, said it attracted more than 100 applications.
"They ranged from country and western duos to metal bands to rappers," Mr Williams said.
"There's limited opportunities for young musicians to perform and we wanted to do something about it."
Headspace, which partnered with Newcastle Museum for the event, aimed to host a series of gigs over the next few months.
Hannah said music "brings people together in a supportive community and creates a common bond".
"It helps me whether I'm listening to music or playing along with other people," she said.
"It's also good to learn from others."
Music helped Hannah overcome learning challenges due to dyslexia.
"I started music in grade three," she said.
"At that time, I was falling behind. I remember Mum being scared of that.
"She talked to a music teacher, who said 'anything that Hannah doesn't understand in the classroom, I will teach her in my studio'.
"She taught me phonics. I especially remember learning Taylor Swift songs with her and that really helped."
Hannah knew every word to the songs, which helped her learn reading skills through music.
She turned her passion into education, enabling her to thrive.
As a result, she will graduate a year earlier than her peers by doing years 11 and 12 through TAFE.
Hannah, who shared her story as a health advocate, said "I think it's important to focus on things that make people feel good".
"Music does that for me, but it could be art, sports or being with friends."
The Headspace event coincided with World Mental Health Day on Thursday.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data shows almost 150,000 people in Hunter New England have a mental health condition.
In any given year, one in four young Australians experience at least one mental disorder.
Hannah highlighted that, for those in need, it was "most important to reach out for help".
Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said many young people "tell us they feel busy, stressed and anxious about everyday life".
"The blur of mental and emotional demands can sometimes make life feel challenging," he said.
"That's when it can be useful to pause and reflect on how you're feeling, and reconnect with the people and things that make you feel good."
Headspace Newcastle said its 2025 calendar would be created with the theme of "love".
The centre's manager Sophie Langford said young people had submitted a range of quality art for the calendar.
Ms Langford said they had "connected with the things they love - drawing, painting, photography, the bush, the beach, pets and friends".
"The art is 100 per cent local young talent and the calendar will be available later this year."
- Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; Headspace 1800 650 890; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732.
