Shocking Statistics: A Mental Health Crisis Among Australian Teens
A groundbreaking study published in The Lancet psychiatry paints a stark picture of adolescent mental health in Australia. The research, led by the Murdoch ChildrenS Research Institute (MCRI), reveals that a staggering 75% of Australian adolescents experience clinically notable symptoms of depression or anxiety. even more alarming,the majority of these cases are chronic,lasting for years adn considerably impacting their lives.
the study followed 1,239 children from Melbourne, enrolled in the Child to Adult Transition Study (CATS), tracking their mental health from ages 10 to 18. “These are striking findings,” says Dr. Ellie Robson of MCRI, “notably given how many young people experienced symptoms over multiple years of the study and how much depression and anxiety symptoms can affect young people’s functioning and can have long-lasting negative health outcomes.” A full 64% reported symptoms three or more times during their adolescence.
The data reveals a significant disparity between genders. A concerning 84% of girls experienced depression or anxiety symptoms at least once during adolescence, compared to 61% of boys. The chronic nature of these issues was also more prevalent in girls, with 72% experiencing chronic symptoms versus 49% of boys.
“To our knowledge, this longitudinal study shows the highest cumulative incidence of clinically significant symptoms of common mental disorders that has ever been reported across adolescence from any contry,” said Professor Susan Sawyer of MCRI.
The study also highlighted the correlation between periods of educational stress and the onset or exacerbation of mental health symptoms. Transitions like moving from primary to secondary school, exam periods, and the end of compulsory education all coincided with increased rates of anxiety and depression. Interestingly, three-quarters of participants who struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic already had pre-existing mental health challenges, suggesting underlying factors beyond pandemic-related stressors.
Professor Sawyer emphasizes the urgent need for preventative measures: “This high incidence of common mental health problems suggests that even the most well-resourced country would struggle to provide adequate treatment if every young person sought help. Beyond clinical care, we urgently need to fund, develop and evaluate preventive strategies that aim to reduce the onset and chronicity of depression and anxiety.”
“Adolescents today are growing up in a distinctly different psychosocial landscape than earlier generations, one that is characterised by greater mental health literacy, reduced stigma, and at times the glamorisation of mental health problems. Given this context, our next step will be to explore what impact these reported symptoms have on the functioning and health outcomes of contemporary adolescents,” notes dr. Robson.
The implications of this research extend beyond Australia. The findings underscore the global need for proactive mental health initiatives targeting adolescents. The study highlights the importance of early intervention and extensive support systems to address this growing public health concern. Further research,such as the GenV study tracking the health and wellbeing of Victorians from birth,will provide valuable insights into the long-term effects of these mental health challenges.
