ONE in four Australian teenagers report experiencing psychological distress in 2020, according to a new joint report by Mission Australia and Black Dog Institute.
The report out today reveals that substantially more young people in Australia are experiencing psychological distress, and the internet has become a major source of support.
In 2012, one in five young people were facing psychological distress, but eight years later the figure is now one in four.
“Undoubtedly, COVID-19 has had a detrimental impact on many young people’s mental health,” Mission Australia’s chief executive officer James Toomey said.
The fifth biennial youth mental health report: 2012-2020 explored Mission Australia’s Youth Survey findings – and is co-authored with Black Dog Institute experts – to better understand the prevalence and experiences of psychological distress faced by 15-19 year-olds in Australia.
The report explores how young people with mental health challenges think, feel and act and also looks at their help-seeking behaviours – pinpointing the important role that friends, parents, services, schools and the internet and apps play as sources of support for young people who are experiencing psychological distress.
About half of young people with psychological distress said that the internet was a source of support for important issues, and nearly one in three said that they used mobile apps for help.
“It is critical that young people are able to access effective and evidence-based services that align with these preferences for care,” chief scientist at the Black Dog Institute, Professor Helen Christensen, said.
“Black Dog Institute is pioneering the creation of new digital interventions to connect with young people where they are most comfortable – on screens and devices – giving them the tools to tackle life’s challenges, backed by rigorous scientific testing.”
To reduce the prevalence of mental ill-health among young people, Mission Australia and the Black Dog Institute are calling for more action from governments, schools, families, businesses and others to prioritise tailored, timely and accessible mental health support.
“Every young person in Australia should have access to appropriate supports at the time they need it, regardless of their gender, location, background or any other circumstances, and most definitely under special circumstances like a global pandemic,” Mr Toomey said.
“A key part of this includes further investment in evidence-based digital mental health services.
“Importantly, young people must be central to the co-design, development and adaptation of youth mental health services and tools – both at school and within their communities.”
Black Dog Institute’s Director of Research, Professor Jennie Hudson said global research pointed to more than 75 per cent of mental health issues developing before the age of 25, with lifelong consequences.
“We are still in the dark as to why mental health and suicide risk has increased in our current cohort of youth, a finding that is not unique to Australia,” Prof Hudson said.
“Early intervention in adolescence and childhood is imperative to help reduce these figures. This report shows that young people in distress will seek help directly from friends, parents and the internet.
“As such, we need to continue to build gatekeeper support training and provide online and app-based tools that may be a key part of the solution – something we are invested in doing at the Black Dog Institute.”
