A doctor is warning that the younger population is headed towards a mental health crisis, as recent data from a leading telehealth service reveals Australians aged 18-35-years-old are overrepresented in consultations and prescriptions for depression and anxiety in the last two years, and numbers are continuing to grow.
Dr Andrew Thompson is the Medical Director at InstantScripts, an award-winning telehealth service which has helped more than 400,000 Australians access prescriptions and doctor consultations online. He says the data raises serious concerns for young Australians and points to a dire need for an awareness and expansion of services that address mental health problems.
InstantScripts analysed its patient data and uncovered that from January to end-May this year, 18-35-year-olds were responsible for 59 per cent of consultations for depression and anxiety. Dr Thompson anticipates that by the end of the year, this number will soar above 2021 levels, which saw 65 per cent of 18-35-year-olds representing mental health consultations last year, and 49 per cent in 2020.
The younger population has also accounted for 59 per cent of prescriptions for depression and anxiety as at end-May this year, which is already up from 58 per cent in 2021 and 49 per cent in 2020.
In contrast, older Australians are vastly underrepresented in mental health consultations and prescriptions. A quarter (24 per cent) of consultations for depression and anxiety were among 35-50-year-olds in 2020, up to just 27 per cent in 2021 and 29 per cent as at end-May this year, while 50-65s made up just 5 per cent of consultations in 2020, 6 per cent in 2021, and 9 per cent so far this year. Over-65s also accounted for a significantly smaller proportion of mental health consultations, at 4 per cent in 2020, and down to just 1 per cent in 2021 and 2022.
Dr Thompson says: “The silver lining in our data is that while it is devastating that more young Australians are experiencing mental health symptoms, it shows that more are reaching out to services such as ours for advice and help. It also points to a need for the availability of more services that offer tools and strategies to help our younger generations better manage their mental health.
“No doubt the last two years has taken an enormous toll on the mental health of our population. However, it is important for Australians to understand that the impact could worsen, linger for years or progress to other related health issues if not addressed and managed effectively and appropriately.”
Below, Dr Thompson offers 4 ways young Australians can address mental health issues.
- Be aware of the symptoms that can point to a deeper issue.
While ongoing feelings of sadness and stress are clear symptoms of anxiety and depression, there are a variety of more obscure indicators that may point to a mental health condition. Confused thinking, major changes in eating habits, excessive guilt or anger and trouble understanding social cues are all common symptoms associated with mental illness.
Our minds are very powerful and extremely well connected to our bodies and the way we feel. As a result, poor mental health doesn’t always present as symptoms in the mind, sometimes the impact can also be physical. Unexplained ongoing symptoms of stomach pain, back pain, headaches, or other aches and pains can sometimes point to a mental health issue. - Consider the support services available.
Fortunately, there are a large variety of services available to support those who are suffering from poor mental health. Charities such as Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) provide free and valuable services to Australians in need of immediate support. For ongoing treatment with a doctor or specialist, such as a psychologist Australians should speak with their GP or seeking a telehealth service, such as InstantScripts, for a private and discreet consultation.
Telehealth providers can offer talking therapies and important prescriptions, while their regular doctor can also compile a Medicare-covered mental health treatment plan. - Tap into your support network.
Many mental health issues such as anxiety and depression can cause people to feel isolated and withdrawn, but it is incredibly important to lean on family and friends for support. Australians should turn to those closest to them for advice or simply to lend an ear through periods where symptoms seem overwhelming. Telling a support network when they are struggling can allow relief and alleviate the pressure to constantly mask or explain their symptoms.
Young people may find others in their network are experiencing similar symptoms and may find it beneficial to support each other through it, and recommend strategies that worked for each other. - Understand the strategies to help cope with and reduce anxiety and stress.
Alongside talking therapies and medication, young Australians can utilise some simple strategies and activities to manage mental health symptoms. For instance, regular exercise releases endorphins in the brain, making it a powerful tool for boosting mood, self-esteem, deeper sleep and concentration. It is also a good idea to limit or avoid alcohol altogether, as drinking can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression by disrupting and slowing down the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain that helps people think and feel.
It is also important that people treat themselves with kindness and avoid self-criticism. Young Australians should prioritise time to reflect on even small achievements and treating themselves with respect.
If you are struggling with mental health and need support you can reach out to Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).