Youth Mental Health

Posted by: The MindSkiller Gen Z Team

Mental health marks the cornerstone of overall wellbeing for all age groups. However, the rapid physical, emotional, and social changes that characterise the period of young adulthood (ages 16-25) makes the instance of developing mental health issues more likely. The importance of mental wellness during this stage of life can't be overstated as our experiences shape our personalities, laying the foundation for living a healthy and fulfilling life.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder, contributing to 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents, with suicide ranking as the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds.

In particular, mental health disorders among young people in Australia have surged by nearly 50% in 15 years, making us question: why?

There are various influences that have contributed to this surge in mental health disorders amongst youths, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the increasingly digitally connected nature of the world, academic pressures, climate anxiety, and modern identity and self image issues.

I have seen how the pressures presented by the modern academic landscape within school and university environments has affected the mental health of those around me, by causing anxiety and stress. This is due to expectations from those around them and competition within academic environments. Furthermore, I have seen and experienced cyberbullying in the online environment. Cyberbullying enables individuals to be targeted by those around them anonymously. My personal experiences are backed by statistics that reveal that 44% of young people aged 12–17 have had at least one negative online experience in the six months prior to September 2021. It is easy to understand how the challenges created by the online landscape have a negative impact on young adult mental health.

The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are major triggers for anxiety and depressive disorders. I have observed how Covid-19 impacted my peer group differently. Some individuals enjoyed the freedom and solidarity found through online school, whilst others were overwhelmed by the social isolation caused by it. I noticed that individuals with poor coping skills were overwhelmed by social isolation, became nervous, anxious, and could be unmotivated and depressed. This has caused a subsequent worldwide 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders since the pandemic began.

So why is understanding the nature of young adult mental health so important? The brains of teens and young adults are still developing so the presence of mental health issues during this period can cause changes to brain circuitry that have lasting effects into adulthood. This is why early intervention is so importants as it's an opportunity to fix mental issues before our brains have properly developed. So how can we help combat this issue?

Intervention and prevention mechanisms can be used to mitigate the long-term impacts of mental health disorders. Mental health services such as MindSkiller provide informative, engaging education on mental health disorders can help young adults by allowing them to understand the mental health landscape and gain insight into their struggles. It provides them with self help strategies in the eLearning modules and other help seeking services such as an artificial intelligence chatbot that has been provided with information from the program. MindSkiller also provides information about other services such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and the OCD Program at Uspace.

There are also other online services that can also be used by young adults, such as therapists, psychiatrists, and school based programs in conjunction with community resources that are also vital for maximising the effectiveness of intervention. Ensuring consistent quality mental health care services for all individuals regardless of socioeconomic status by using the public healthcare system as a safety net is vital for managing mental health amongst youths in Australia.

Ultimately, the mental health of youth and young adults is a critical issue that demands urgent attention. By understanding the prevalence and factors contributing to mental health challenges, and by prioritising early intervention and support, we can foster a generation of resilient, healthy individuals. Addressing these issues not only benefits the individuals directly affected but also strengthens the fabric of society, ensuring a healthier, more productive future for all. Investing in the mental health of our youth is an investment in our collective future.