According to data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), over one-quarter of young people aged 15-24 in Australia experienced anxiety disorders, while nearly 17% reported depression or other mental and behavioral illnesses. Meanwhile, the Australian Bureau of Statistics discovered that persons aged 16 to 24 had a 12-month prevalence of any mental condition of over 39%. These numbers underline a serious concern: adolescence is a high-risk period for mental ill-health.

 

Why adolescence is such a vulnerable time?

During adolescence, young people in Australia face a variety of overlapping issues, including hormonal and physical changes, identity formation, school pressures, social media and peer dynamics, and decisions that may impact their future. They face a difficult mental health environment. For example, studies have found that symptoms of sadness or anxiety frequently arise many times during adolescence. According to Australian research, up to 64% of teenagers had symptoms three or more times between the ages of 10 and 18. Girls were more likely than boys (84% vs. 61% in that research) to experience symptoms.  It is also worth noting that the majority of lifetime mental problems begin before the age of 24, indicating that early adolescence is an essential window for prevention.

 

What helps: protective factors and responses

Promoting good mental health in adolescents includes:

- Connection refers to supporting ties with family, peers, and the community.

- Building resilience in young people involves teaching them coping skills, emotional literacy, and how to seek support.

- Early detection involves being aware to changes in mood, behavior, sleep, and social involvement.

- Access to services: Ensuring that adolescents may get age-appropriate mental health care without stigma.

- Promoting well-being (rather than merely treating disorders) involves increasing positive mental health (excellent coping, purpose, and connection) while also lowering symptoms. For example, one Australian article stressed the need of tracking not only mental illness but also overall well-being among people aged 12 to 25 (Crisp et al., 2025).

 

The call to action

For parents, educators, and community members, the message is clear: adolescence is not "just a phase" in terms of mental health. Being proactive is important. Signal changes, provide support, normalize help-seeking behavior, and foster circumstances in which young people feel secure to speak out.

For young people: you are not alone, and sadness or a change in your mental health does not imply failure. It suggests you might need assistance or a little support, and reaching out is a gesture of courage.

Policymakers and communities should continue to invest in early intervention, school-based programs, youth-friendly services, and mental health literacy development. The plan materials emphasize that the psychological, societal, and economic consequences of not acting are too high.

 

Mental health in adolescents in Australia is both a severe issue and a critical opportunity. We can assist young Australians live not merely without mental disorders, but also with mental wellness and purpose, by understanding the scope of the problem, acknowledging the special vulnerabilities of adolescence, and committing to protective measures at home, school, and in the community.

 

References

 

(N.d.). Gov.au. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/health-of-young-people

The national children’s mental health and wellbeing strategy suggested citation. (n.d.). Gov.au. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-03/national-children-s-mental-health-and-wellbeing-strategy---full-report.pdf?utm_source

 

Crisp, D., Rickwood, D., Burns, R., & Bariola, E. (2025). The complete mental health of Australia’s adolescents and emerging adults: distress and wellbeing across 3 nationally representative community samples. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 34. https://doi.org/10.1017/s2045796025000083