Youth Mental Health: Everything You Need to Know

Youth mental health is in a 'global crisis', according to the scientific journal The Lancet Psychiatry. Over the last 15 to 20 years, Australia's youth has seen an "alarming" 50 per cent increase in need. Around one in five young people say they struggle with their mental health. In fact, the younger a person is, the worse their mental health appears to be.

While we all have good days and bad days, the pressures on young people are unlike any previous generations. From the aftermath of the pandemic to the struggles of social media, mental health conditions affect your body and soul – your physical health can suffer, too.

But it doesn't have to be this way. There's plenty of support that's ready and waiting, including psychology for young people.

Youth Mental Health Challenges

What's happened to young people? Mental health has been in freefall for the past decade or more. Everything from relationships to social interaction is at an all-time low – as loneliness soars. It's not hard to see why youth mental health is plummeting.

Throw in the effects of social media, the pressures of modern work culture, and a sprinkle of drugs and alcohol, and you've got a recipe for disaster. Sound familiar? Consider if you tick any of these challenges:

• Anxiety: Feeling anxious is perfectly normal – sometimes. When it starts to affect our lives, it's time to take note. You might feel anxiety before an exam, job interview, or asking out someone you like. But if anxiety becomes a normal part of life, it can make everything a real struggle.

• Depression: Sadness is a healthy part of life. We're supposed to feel sad about certain things. But, like anxiety, it's about how often this feeling occurs. If you find you're unmotivated, don't enjoy things anymore, or struggle to feel happy or excited, you could be depressed.

• Alcohol and Drug Use: When times are tough, it's easy to lean on alcohol or drugs as a crutch. It helps us get through the day. Soon enough, however, these habits turn into addictions. Changing unhealthy habits might not happen overnight – although it's important to recognise that it isn't the right response to life struggles.

Physical Health Effects

Youth mental health doesn't just affect the mind. Young people often notice the physical effects first – which further exacerbate the problem. Understanding and correcting any physical problems can help improve your overall mental health and wellbeing.

Low Energy and Sleepless Nights

When young people are dealing with mental health challenges like anxiety or depression, it often messes with their sleep. You might find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, leaving you feeling drained and low on energy during the day, which can make school or other activities feel like a struggle.

Changes in Eating Habits

Mental health issues can also throw off their appetite. Some young people might turn to food for comfort and eat more, while others may lose interest in eating altogether. These shifts can lead to weight changes and affect how you feel physically.

Physical Aches and Getting Sick More Often

Mental stress doesn't just stay in the mind—it often leads to headaches, stomach pain, and tense muscles. And with all that stress, the immune system can take a hit, leaving young people more likely to catch colds or feel run down.

Factors Affecting Youth Mental Health

Every young person's situation is different. Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all treatment because your circumstances are specific to you. That being said, there are some recurring themes. These include:

• Study Struggles: Exams are stressful. Everyone continually emphasises how crucial they are to your future – it only adds to the stress. Staying calm and collected during exam season is understandably difficult.

• Family Problems: Whether it's a parental divorce or pregnancy and early parenthood, teens can face difficulties in their private lives.

• Bullying: Bullying happens at any age – but young people are often the hardest hit. Dealing with a bully (either in-person or online) takes a psychological toll on anyone affected.

• Social Media: Scrolling through social media is known to lower our moods. We see difficult images, get riled up by heavy topics, or feel like we're not doing enough with our lives.

• Physical Health Conditions: Long-term illnesses provide another problem we have to cope with. Whether issues with symptoms, treatments, or worries about the future, it presents an ongoing challenge.

• Self-Esteem and Body Image: As we grow and develop, we don't always feel the best about our bodies. Sometimes, eating is also a way for us to feel in control of our lives or to escape from it.

Support and Psychology for Young People

Looking for some support – often, it helps just to talk through your problems. Thankfully, there are a bunch of different services available in Australia. From psychology for young people to crisis support, there's always someone when you need it. Plus, you can find helpful information.

• Headspace is here for anyone aged 12 to 25, offering in-person counselling, group sessions, online chat, and phone support. They cover mental health, physical health, work, and study advice in centres across the country, making it easy to get the help you need close to home.

• Kids Helpline is a free, 24/7 helpline for young people aged 5 to 25. You can call 1800 55 1800, chat online, or email anytime, day or night. Kids Helpline offers support on everything from bullying and friendships to managing stress, making it a safe space to talk things through.

• Beyond Blue supports people dealing with anxiety, depression, and tough times. They have a 24/7 helpline at 1300 22 4636, online chat, and forums to connect with others who understand. Plus, they offer self-help tools and tips to help you feel more in control every day.

• Lifeline Australia is a 24/7 crisis support service at 13 11 14. Whether you're in a crisis or just need someone to listen, Lifeline provides immediate support and also has online chat and text options to make reaching out easy and accessible.

Have You Talked About It?

Receiving professional psychology for young people can make a world of difference. Talked is an online therapy service offering young people effective, affordable mental health sessions. Better yet, you can pay for the service using Medicare rebates.

Speak to a qualified psychologist anytime, anywhere. Schedule your catchups for when it's convenient – whatever works for you. Try it for free today.