Australia’s young people are a “generation burnt out and in need of help”, according to new research by Health and Wellbeing Queensland.
Nine out of 10 survey respondents aged 14 to 24 said their health had deteriorated in the past year, with 59 per cent of those feeling “tired for no reason” or that “everything was an effort”.
They also reported being stressed and anxious, having lower energy, gaining weight, and being less physically active.
About 26 per cent said they felt less resilient or less capable of bouncing back.
Health and Wellbeing Queensland deputy chief executive Gemma Hodgetts said the findings were “incredibly concerning”.
“Young Queenslanders, who should be our most vibrant, energetic and hopeful generation, are struggling,” she said.
“These are the warning signs of a generation burnt out and in need of help.”
The research attributed low mental health to increased stress and poorer diets, adding that lifestyle choices may be impacting them.
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The research also found that about 75 per cent of mental disorders emerged before the age of 24, with one in two Queenslanders experiencing mental ill-health in their lifetimes.
“We need to act now to support the individual, community and collective mental health and wellbeing of Queensland,” Hodgetts said.
Health and Wellbeing Queensland commissioned the research from Enhance Research, which surveyed 1424 people aged between 14 to 25 to understand their behaviours, attitudes and influences in relation to their health and wellbeing.
