A recent survey reveals a troubling decline in the mental health and wellbeing of young Queenslanders, with nearly 90% of respondents reporting negative changes over the past year. The study, conducted by Health and Wellbeing Queensland, highlights the growing crisis among youth, with more than half of those surveyed admitting to feelings of stress and anxiety.
Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, Dr. John Gerrard, underscored the severity of the situation, noting that while advancements have been made in reducing deaths from heart disease and strokes, the mental health of young people is deteriorating at an alarming rate.
“This is a genuine and escalating issue, not just a result of better reporting,” Dr. Gerrard stated. “One of the most concerning indicators is the near tripling of hospitalizations due to self-harm among children aged 10 to 14 in the past decade.”
The mental health decline among young people, Dr. Gerrard noted, is not unique to Queensland but is a global trend that has intensified since the advent of smartphones around 2010. Despite the gravity of the issue, solutions remain elusive, and Dr. Gerrard emphasized the need for more public discourse and collective action.
“The community has not adequately addressed this issue,” he said. “I am currently in discussions with Commonwealth agencies to explore potential solutions.”
A Generation “Burnt Out and in Need of Help”
The research, commissioned by the Queensland government, found that more than half of those aged 15 to 24 reported feeling persistently tired or finding daily tasks an overwhelming effort in the month leading up to the survey. These symptoms, according to Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s Deputy Chief Executive, Gemma Hodgetts, are alarming indicators of a generation that is “burnt out and in desperate need of help.”
“Young Queenslanders, who should be our most vibrant, energetic, and hopeful population, are struggling,” Hodgetts said. She pointed out that nearly one in two Queenslanders will experience mental health challenges at some point in their lives, with 75% of mental disorders emerging before the age of 24. “We must act now to address this crisis.”
The research further revealed that individuals experiencing mental health issues are more likely to rate their overall health poorly. The report also linked increased stress and poorer diets to the worsening mental health of young Queenslanders, particularly young adults.
Public Health Alert: Social Media’s Impact on Teen Mental Health
Dr. Gerrard linked the rise of social media to the spike in mental health issues among teenagers, noting that the findings suggest a correlation between increased stress and the prevalence of social media. The report also indicated that women, girls, and mothers are particularly vulnerable to these negative impacts, potentially due to lower levels of physical activity.
Ms. Hodgetts emphasized that this research lays the groundwork for an Australian-first strategy focused on a deliberate wellbeing approach to mental health, aiming to address the critical needs of young people across the state.