Adolescence and teenagers mental health
Adolescence is a critical period of development marked by significant physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes. It is a time of forming identity, developing independence, and navigating increasingly complex social environments. In Australia, as in many parts of the world, young people face mounting pressures that can affect their mental health. Academic expectations, family dynamics, social media, bullying, identity exploration, and concerns about the future all contribute to a landscape that is often challenging to navigate without support. Unfortunately, mental health struggles among adolescents in Australia are increasingly common, with statistics pointing to a worrying trend. As these issues continue to rise, it is essential to address not only the factors contributing to poor mental health outcomes, but also the importance of seeking early and professional help with a caring counsellor or psychologist in Brisbane.
What is the state of adolescent mental health in Australia?
Australia has one of the highest reported rates of youth mental health issues in the developed world. According to Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2023 and data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), about one in four young Australians aged 15 to 19 report experiencing a probable serious mental illness, and over 40% of young people experience high or very high levels of psychological distress.
The most common mental health challenges facing Australian adolescents include:
- Anxiety disorders – including generalised anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorders
- Depression – often presenting with symptoms such as persistent sadness, withdrawal from activities, fatigue, and low self-worth
- Eating disorders – particularly among teenage girls, exacerbated by body image pressures and social comparison
- Self-harm and suicidal ideation – with alarmingly high rates among youth, suicide remains the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15 to 24
- Bullying and cyberbullying – one third of Australian teenager’s experience bullying, which is often leads to depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation
Increased screen time, social isolation, family breakdowns, trauma, academic pressure, and uncertainty about the future, especially in the context of climate change and economic instability, are all contributing factors to these statistics.
Social media & the impact on teenager’s mental health
The influence of social media cannot be overlooked when discussing adolescent mental health. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat provide constant exposure to curated images and idealised lifestyles, which can foster feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and social comparison. Cyberbullying, online exclusion, and exposure to harmful content further exacerbate mental health risks.
While social media also offers community and connection for some adolescents, particularly those in marginalised groups, the impact from social media is double-edged. Excessive use can interfere with sleep, reduce face-to-face interactions, and lead to addictive behaviours, all of which compound mental health difficulties.
What are the signs a teenager needs help?
Being able to recognise what the signs are when an adolescent may benefit from professional counselling is important. Indicators that a teenager may need some extra support includes:
- Persistent sadness, irritability, or anger
- Withdrawal from friends and activities
- Changes in eating or sleeping behaviours
- A decline in academic performance
- Participating in risk-taking or self-destructive behaviours
- Expressions of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviours
If a teenager’s mood or behaviour is affecting their daily life, or if they express thoughts of self-harm or suicide immediate professional help is essential
Why is it important to get help for teenagers early?
Mental health issues that emerge during adolescence or teenage years can have long-term impacts on a young person’s future if not addressed early. These include poor academic performance, substance misuse, social withdrawal, increased risk of chronic mental illness, and diminished quality of life in adulthood.
Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes. Adolescents who receive timely professional support are better able to:
- Develop healthy coping strategies
- Improve emotional regulation
- Build resilience
- Strengthen their relationships with peers and family
- Navigate challenges such as school transitions, identity exploration, and conflict resolution
One of the most effective forms of early intervention is counselling, which provides a structured, confidential, and supportive space for young people to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours with a trained counsellor or psychologist at Brisbane Counselling Centre.
How will counselling help me as a teenager?
Counselling is a therapeutic process that allows individuals, including teenagers and adolescents to express themselves in a non-judgmental, safe and confidential environment, explore their emotions, gain insights, and learn practical tools to manage challenges. For adolescents, who are often navigating intense feelings and uncertainty, counselling can be life changing.
Benefits of counselling for adolescents and teenagers include:
- Emotional validation – A counsellor or psychologist can help a young person feel heard and understood, something that may not always happen in their home or school environments
- Development of self-awareness – Teenagers often struggle to articulate what they are feeling. Counselling can help them understand their internal world more clearly
- Skills building – Counsellors and psychologists can teach coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, anger, grief, and interpersonal difficulties
- Goal setting and problem solving – Counselling encourages teenagers to set achievable goals and work through challenges constructively
- Secure intervention – In cases of self-harm, suicidal ideation, or trauma, counsellors and psychologists in Brisbane can provide support to work through the issues at hand, to decrease the psychological impact on the young person
Therapeutic approaches used with adolescents include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitisation reprocessing (EMDR), and narrative therapy. The approach depends on the young person’s developmental stage, presenting issues, and preferences.
What may the role of a family be in supporting a teenager?
Whilst adolescents may need privacy and autonomy in the therapeutic process, family involvement can also be crucial. Family dynamics often influence a young person’s mental health, and sometimes therapy may involve family sessions to improve communication, reduce conflict, and increase understanding.
Depending on the circumstances around what is happening for the teenager, parents and carers can play a vital role by:
- Being emotionally available and open to discussion
- Normalising mental health conversations and conversations around thoughts and feelings
- Encouraging professional help rather than trying to “fix” everything themselves
- Modelling healthy behaviours and coping mechanisms
- Learning about their adolescent’s specific mental health condition
Support from family helps reduce shame and reinforces the message that mental health struggles are not a personal failing but a part of the human experience that can be addressed with care, understanding, and support.
Adolescent mental health is a pressing issue in Australia, and one that requires a proactive, compassionate, and collective response. The challenges young people face are real and growing, but with the right support, these challenges do not have to define their future. Counselling provides a powerful pathway for teenagers to understand themselves, navigate life’s difficulties, and build the skills they need for lifelong psychological wellbeing.
Encouraging seeking help, reducing stigma, and ensuring access to professional support from a counsellor or psychologist are essential steps toward creating a healthier, more resilient young person.
Help is available
If you are a teenager or family member of an adolescent who is concerned and can relate to any of this information, we can help and support you at Brisbane Counselling Centre. Talking to a caring professional who understands the complexities of teenage life will really help to improve the quality of your life or assist you in supporting an adolescent. Take the courageous step and reach out for help today.
If you are struggling or are wondering what is happening for yourself, it is important to seek assistance from a mental health professional to address the anxiety or stress you are experiencing. Please call to speak with one of our friendly team members to discuss your needs further. The Brisbane psychologists and counsellors are available to help.
