Kids Helpline has received a more-than 100 per cent increase in contacts concerning mental health between 2008 and 2013.
BoysTown's Kids Helpline cannot currently meet demand for its counselling, which includes contacts made over the phone and internet.
Last year, and estimated 156,000 contacts (not only mental health concerns) were unanswered, BoysTown said.
Despite the rise in demand, not every young person will make contact.
Today Tracy Adams, chief executive of BoysTown, spoke at the release of submissions to the National Children's Commissioner’s inquiry into Intentional self-harm and suicidal behaviour in children.
Ms Adams said barriers to young people seeking help included a perception they should deal with their own issues.
Common perceptions included a fear of intervention, hospitalisation and negative consequences of seeking help, she said.
“This one young woman told us, ‘The only place I’d go is Google. I’d be too ashamed to ask anyone else’,” Ms Adams said.
In order to encourage young people to seek help, we needed to talk about it, she said.
“It’s not really the sort of subject that lends itself to conversation,” Ms Adams said.
"We must also be prepared to put the things that are difficult on the agenda."
BoysTown‘s submission to the inquiry said phone and online counselling services needed to be expanded.
Children and youth were more likely to seek help from services they knew were focussed on them, the submission said.
One in every 20,677
In 2012, for every 20,677 people aged 19 years old or younger, one committed suicide.
That represents .0048 per cent - 143 people - of people 19 years old or younger for 2012, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
If you are distressed, support is available by calling Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14.
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