Mental Health among adolescence in Australia

Adolescence is a critical period of growth and transformation. Many young people in Australia confront serious mental health issues that influence not just their everyday lives but also their prospects. Understanding these challenges—and how to respond—is critical for our adolescents, families, and communities.

The State of Adolescent Mental Health in Australia

Mental health disorders among young Australians have surged significantly over the past decade. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, nearly 38.8% of people aged 16–24 experienced a mental disorder in the previous 12 months, up from 26% in 2007. Anxiety disorders remain the most common, affecting two in five young women and one in four young men. (National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-2022, 2024). School-based studies further highlight the severity of the issue. Research tracking over 6,500 Australian high school students found that symptoms of depression rose from 17% in Year 7 to 28% by Year 10, while moderate-to-severe anxiety increased from 16% to 24% over the same period. Girls and gender-diverse teens were disproportionately affected, reporting significantly higher levels of psychological distress compared to their male peers. (We Tracked Australian Teens’ Mental Health. The News Isn’t Good, and Problems Are Worse for Girls - InSight+, n.d.)

The consequences of poor mental health during adolescence are profound. Half of all mental health conditions begin by age 14, and 75% occur before the age of 25, making early intervention critical. Untreated mental health issues can lead to academic difficulties, substance misuse, and increased risk of self-harm and suicide. In fact, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among Australians aged 15–24, with a rate of 14 per 100,000 young people.

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