University of Sydney Study Finds Mental Disorders Rising Among Young Australians
Severe cases rose nearly two-thirds as suicidal thoughts more than doubled, with researchers urging earlier intervention and action on underlying social causes.
- A University of Sydney study found mental disorder prevalence among Australians aged 16 to 24 surged from 23.4 per cent to 36.2 per cent between 2007 and 2022, a 54 per cent relative increase.
- Severe mental disorders rose from 14.7 per cent to 24 per cent, with just over one in three young people now meeting criteria for anxiety, mood, or substance use disorders.
- Tim Slade, director of epidemiology and biostatistics at the Matilda Centre, noted "quite a big jump in young people who are... quite severely impaired." Student Georgie Berry rejected "snowflake" labels, citing cost-of-living crisis pressures.
- Nicola Palfrey, head of clinical practice at Headspace, attributed the surge to both increased reporting and worsening conditions, emphasizing prevention and early intervention focus.
- Addressing underlying causes is vital, Berry argued, noting young people need relief to manage mental health. Reassessing expectations and providing financial relief could alleviate stress from the current social landscape.
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Sydney Morning Herald
‘Not snowflakes’: Severe mental disorders surge among young people
A first-of-its-kind study has found that the prevalence of severe mental disorders among young Australians has increased by about 63 per cent over 15 years, with suicidal thoughts more than doubling.
Mental health is not a niche issue. It is the electorate
Australians are experiencing extraordinary levels of psychological distress while mental health services remain underfunded and overstretched. The political cost will be measured not just in health outcomes, but in deepening distrust of government.
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