The federal budget’s A$2.3 billion for mental health may well make it easier to access services. But there’s no guarantee this will translate to improved mental health in Australia — here’s why.
Current mental health services aren’t targeted at young people. The few that are specialise in either complex mental health disorders, or newly emerging ones. We need a place that does everything.
The adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to experience. Puberty is is the time brain networks are hardwired around milestone events. We should help teenagers make meaning of the pandemic.
High rates of youth mental illness show the urgent need for accessible, affordable and research-backed mental health care. It’s crucial to include young people’s voices in shaping these resources.
Student mental health was already an issue before the pandemic. And then students felt the strain on all fronts as studies went online and they lost jobs and social contacts.
The middle years (between 8 and 14 years old) are a foundational period for development. But these years don’t receive enough support from the education system.
At the age of 22, in 2015, 82% of respondents described their mental health as excellent, very good or good. This fell to 70% at the age of 26 in 2019 — a drop of three percentage points per year.
Support them but make sure to respect their autonomy; encourage them to exercise, sleep and connect with friends. These are some ways to help your Year 12 child during the pre-exam period.
Professor, Canada Research Chair in Determinants of Child Development, Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary
Assistant professor, School of Psychology, Scientist, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa
Professor of Adolescent Health The University of Melbourne; Director, Royal Children's Hospital Centre for Adolescent Health, The University of Melbourne