Rising youth mental health crisis in Australia calls for collaborative action

Visible or concealed under the layers, there are countless happy faces around us with a sinking heart. The materialistic affairs of the world are causing huge damage to people’s mental health in Australia. The situation is more alarming as it is tightening its grip over the youth of the country.

Be it due to school problems, family issues or career-related difficulties, recent studies and reports reflect that a significant percentage of young population in Australia is suffering from mental illness and is struggling to function.

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Also read: COVID-19 Impacting Mental Health: Youth getting affected more

Rising youth mental illness in Australia

More than one in four young people in the country meet the criteria for experiencing psychological distress. There has been an increase from 18.6% in 2012 to 26.6% in 2020, as per a joint report by the Mission Australia and Black Dog Institute. The survey included responses from 25,103 young people aged 15-19 years.

The number of females facing psychological distress has been higher than that of males. It has increased from 22.4% in 2012 to 34.1% in 2020 for females, compared to 12.6% in 2012 to 15.3% in 2020 for males.

As per the report, 55.7% of non-binary young people, 43.0% young people with disability, and 34.0% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents faced psychological distress in 2020.

Also read: Why regular physical activity is critical to your mental health

The path to build a mentally healthier future

The specifics of the report explain away the need for expeditious and high-spirited efforts in supporting youth mental health and managing related difficulties. There are numerous effective strategies and treatments that can control the damage and prevent serious mental illness.

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Family and friends play an overriding part in helping an individual in dealing with high psychological distress. They act as the prime source of immediate assistance in detangling a probable serious mental illness.

Near and dear ones tend to better understand if someone has started to stay aloof in isolation and silence, distancing from the rest of the world. So, they must be equipped with adequate information, knowledge, and skills to support the mental health of the young people in their circle.

Governments must put in honest and rigorous efforts in bridging the gap between effective strategies and their execution. They need to invest time, attention, and resources in this direction. Various kinds of mental health programs can be initiated in educational and healthcare institutes.

Related article: Australian government prioritizes mental health

Bottom Line

The menace of mental illness can be defeated with a proactive and united approach. It is the key responsibility of everyone - individuals, communities as well as the government - to guard the mental wellbeing of the youth of the country. Hence, the community at large must come forward in supporting the people dealing with mental illness. 

Mental Health Disclaimer: The content in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. In an emergency, call 000. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in Australia. If you need help now, call:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
• Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team in your state/territory
• Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636.

Find a list of services that can help you right now at Head to Health.