Globally, one in seven 10-19 year olds experiences a mental health disorder, accounting for 15% of the global burden of disease in this age group.
Depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among those aged 15–29 years old.
The consequences of failing to address and treat adolescent mental health conditions can have long-term repercussions. Physical and mental health can be impaired; education, employment and overall well-being can be impacted; and opportunities for young people to lead fulfilling adult lives can be limited.
For these reasons, I have fought hard to deliver improved mental health services for our youth in major towns across Wannon, including a new headspace facility for Hamilton. Service is opening in the lead up to the start of the school year.
Headspace, Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation, provides early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds.
While there are many factors that can affect a young person’s mental health, social media has in particular driven unprecedented pressures being placed on young people. This is particularly so when it comes to body image, bullying and heightened peer-group pressure.
The current cost of living crisis is also immensely stressful for our youth.
The most recent quarterly Community Tracker by Suicide Prevention Australia and their annual State of the Nation report revealed that 46% of those surveyed stated that 'cost of living and personal debt' was their highest cause of distress.
For young people, these types of distress often take the form of rental and employment pressures. Some mental health organisations are also telling me that children—upon hearing their parents talking about cost-of-living stressors at home—are facing mental ill health and stress because of what their parents are going through.
The mistreatment of children is also concerningly driving up to a third or more of mental health issues in Australia.
This is why we require significant investment in early intervention and preventative measures, targeted at young people. Early intervention and prevention are a vital part of addressing youth mental health.
The headspace facilities that I have fought to secure funding for in Portland, Warrnambool, Colac and Hamilton, will go a long way to providing the support, stability and nurturing that young people who are not flourishing, need at this crucial moment in their lives. I’m now focused on securing funding for a headspace in Ararat.
I was very proud to be part of a government that invested around $2.1 billion in mental health and suicide prevention services and initiatives. My hope is this type of investment in youth mental health will continue into the future.
