In their recent report, researchers emphasised the rising prevalence of depression—particularly among young women—showing that these rates had more than doubled among adolescent girls over the past 14 years.
The study “Turning the tide on depression: A vision that starts with Australia’s youth” examines depression, a serious mental illness that affects people’s life and well-being, in four different age groups: children, adolescents, young adults, and young First Nations peoples.
According to Professor Sam Harvey, Executive Director and Chief Scientist of the Black Dog Institute, “Depression has become more common in adolescents and young adults over the past decade, and there are also worrying signs of an increase in depressive symptoms in children since the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“The research and analysis in this study shed light on what we need to start doing to turn the tide on these rising rates of depression and called for greater support and a more holistic strategy for future efforts to prevent and cure depression.”
Along with recent trends in depression prevalence, the paper examines how children, adolescents, and young adults’ lives have changed over the past 20 years to determine whether any changes may be putting them at an increased risk for depression. More unstable employment, higher financial strain, cyberbullying experiences, and social isolation are a few of the major trends noted.
Certain age groups were recognised as needing some of these modifications the most. Children may have experienced more depressing symptoms during the pandemic due to decreased physical activity, poor sleep, and increased family stress.
Young people’s lack of social networks, lack of sleep, and loneliness were all mentioned as potential causes. Additionally, recent research looked at the nuanced connection between screen use and adolescent sadness.
Women, international students, and LGBTQIA+ young people were particularly vulnerable, as were those who faced financial hardship and loneliness. Young adults who suffered from depression were also more likely to be female.
According to Dr. Alexis Whitton, Research Fellow and Psychologist at the Black Dog Institute, “young adults nowadays confront increasing financial strain, greater competition for entry-level jobs, more convoluted tertiary education pathways, and increased loneliness.” For young women, “these risk factors are frequently more obvious.”
The risk level for First Nations kids was identified as being particularly high, yet it was challenging to pinpoint it because First Nations individuals frequently did not respond well to the diagnostic and monitoring tools used for depression. The report urges the creation of culturally appropriate tools and more participation of First Nations peoples in the planning and provision of mental health services.
Key Data from the Report
According to the most recent Australian data from 2013–2014, depression affects about 5% of teenagers, which is almost three times as many as children.
Adolescent depression rates are on the rise. According to US data, the proportion of teenagers aged 12 to 17 who reported having had at least one major depressive episode in the previous 12 months more than doubled between 2008 and 2020, rising from 8.3% in 2008 to 17.0% in 2020. Girls in their adolescence were particularly affected by this rise.
The Future Proofing Study, the largest extensive cohort study of teenage mental health in Australia, was introduced in 2019 by the Black Dog Institute. This study’s most recent findings indicate that youth who identify as gender- or sexuality-diverse are more likely to experience sadness than cisgender, heterosexual teens. In comparison to 7–20% of cisgender, heterosexual youth, 40–60% of adolescents who identify as gender and sexually diverse report having clinically significant depressive symptoms.
Conclusion
The rising rate of Australian youth depression is a cause for concern. While there are many factors that may contribute to this trend, such as changes in family structure and increased pressure at school, it is clear that more needs to be done to support young people.
There are a number of organisations that provide support for young people with depression, and it is important that young people and their families are aware of these services. If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, please seek help from a professional.
If you are looking to apply your kids for free counselling services in Sydney, look no further than our services here at Norwest Clinic. Our mission is to deliver high levels of care that bring about real and long-lasting improvements to your mental health and well-being. Call us today to book your kid’s first consultation session with us.
