The AGE argues that awareness, discussion, early intervention and follow-up treatment can foster the joys and diminish the woes.
The AGE suggests that we need to help our young people build resilience when they encounter difficulties and a discussion between young people and their parents about how growing up in today's world might differ from earlier times can be valuable and insightful.
Compared to the past, our awareness of mental health has increased and the stigma that for so long has unduly been associated with mental health problems has significantly diminished.
The paper says young people are currently suffering from a mental health issue and they are especially in need of support.
A national survey conducted by the national youth mental health foundation Headspace and National Union of Students suggests Australia's university and TAFE students are in the midst of a mental-health crisis.
The survey of 2,600 students between ages 17 and 25, from 70 institutions, found more than one in three had experienced thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Two-thirds of respondents reported "high" or "very high" psychological distress in the past 12 months.
The AGE argues that adolescence will always be a potentially tough time, but awareness, discussion, early intervention and follow-up treatment can foster the joys and diminish the woes. Mental ill-health is treatable. Help is available.
