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People affected with mental health problems often have high levels
of mortality and experience other health problems. The burden of mental illness is rising quickly.
It is estimated that depression will constitute one of the greatest health problems
worldwide by the year 2020 (Murray and Lopez, 1996).
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A study conducted by the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing
found that 14% of children and young people in Australia (half a million in total)
have mental health problems. The survey also indicated that children/young people living
in sole parent, step/blended or low income families were more likely to have mental health
problems.
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11% of children and adolescents suffer depression. Untreated depression
is the number one cause of suicide.
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5% of adolescent girls and young women suffer from Anorexia Nervosa. 3-5%
of adolescent girls and young women suffer from Bulimia Nervosa. Anorexia is ten times as common
as diabetes in adolescents.
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Young people with a mental illness are often poorly served by the general
practice system.
Access to psychiatric services can be difficult for young people. Those
who use illicit drugs or alcohol to try to manage their mental health problems
may develop concurrent disabilities which can further reduce access to services.
Inhalant use is on the increase. A Victorian study found that in 1989,
15% of Year 7 students were using inhalants compared to 24% in 1992.
Alcohol, tobacco and cannabis are the most prevalent substances used by
students at secondary school.
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The Centre for Adolescent Health research indicates that 76% of females and
78% of males stated that bullying occurs sometimes or often in their schools.
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Young people face greater pressure and competition for school and tertiary
education places and for limited employment opportunities than ever before.
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Young people are more likely to be perpetrators and victims of violence
than other members of the community.
