Technology is a key factor behind rising youth suffering, according to Australian Commission

According to Australia’s leading Mental Health Task Force, technology is playing an important role in the deterioration of the mental health of young people in Australia.

Up to 1,200 Australians will participate and share their experiences with the country’s mental health and suicide prevention systems through the ‘Making Connections for Your Mental Health’ programme, launched by the National Health Commission (NHC) in July. shared.

NHC Chief Executive Christine Morgan said one of the key themes of the National Listening Tour is the growing interest in youth well-being.

“Our young people’s resting pulse is much higher in terms of anxiety and psychological distress,” she told AAP.

“If you dig deep into it, there is a lot of debate about the role of technology. There is a way. And we haven’t fully equipped them for that new school playground.

“It means a lot to our young people,” she said.

COVID-19 restrictions exacerbate loneliness

Morgan also said Australians have experienced more loneliness and isolation as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown that began in early 2020 and into 2021.

She said the pandemic has seen an increased presence of suicidal ideation, rising levels of domestic violence, and the presence of more severely ill people in emergency departments.

NHC chief executive says one reason Australia’s suicide prevention system is ‘not working’ is because addressing suicide risk is ‘relational’ rather than ‘transactional’ He added that

But since the lockdown was lifted, Australians’ mental health has improved. His COVID-19 impact monitoring conducted by the Australian National University in August 2022 found Australians have higher life satisfaction and lower levels of psychological distress and loneliness compared to early 2022 . Most lockdowns have been lifted by September 2021 for him.

Compared to the same period in 2021, Australians are more likely to feel more optimistic about their future, feel less stressed and have better quality relationships.

“Importantly, much of this improvement was seen among young Australians hit hardest by the pandemic in terms of mental health and well-being,” the report said.

“Older Australians, especially those aged 65 and over, have seen relative improvements in their stress levels over the past 12 months.”

Other issues investigated in the NHC Connections program were associations between mental health problems and trauma, drug and alcohol abuse, and social determinants.

The US listening tour concludes next month in rural NSW. Australians are encouraged to contribute through online surveys.

AAP contributed to this article.