For a young Australian struggling with anxiety, low mood or overwhelming stress, deciding to ask for help can be difficult. Finding appropriate support can be another challenge entirely. A person might be unsure whether their feelings are serious enough to mention, unable to afford regular appointments or living far from a specialist service. These barriers help explain why improving mental health involves more than encouraging people to speak openly.
Advertisement
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported in 2026 that young people aged 16 to 24 had the highest rates of mental disorders in national survey data. Its broader review of Australian health noted that the proportion in this age group experiencing a mental disorder in the previous year rose from 26 per cent in 2007 to 39 per cent in 2020–22. These figures describe the populations studied during those periods; they are not a diagnosis of today’s individual teenagers, nor proof of a single cause.
Adolescence and early adulthood are periods of change. Education, first jobs, relationships, family responsibilities and moving away from home can all create uncertainty. Young people also encounter social comparison, bullying and online pressures, although digital technology can provide friendship and support as well. The effects differ widely. It would be inaccurate to assume that every difficult experience represents a mental illness, or that one app or event explains a complex national trend.
Cost can be a practical obstacle even when Medicare contributes to care. A psychologist may charge more than the rebate, leaving an out-of-pocket gap that a student or casual worker cannot easily meet. Getting to appointments can mean missing classes, losing paid shifts or arranging transport. Where providers have long waiting lists, someone ready to seek help may be told that the next available session is weeks away.
