Two in five. That’s how many young Australians between the ages of 16 and 24 have experienced a mental disorder in the last 12 months (ABS, 2022). Let that sink in. Think of your closest five mates. Odds are that two of them are suffering right now from a crippling mental illness.

According to recent studies conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia is witnessing an unprecedented rise in mental health issues among its youth, leaving them vulnerable and struggling (Headspace, 2020).

While countless strategies have been explored, one often-overlooked factor holds immense potential to address this crisis: sleep. Sleep is the simple solution to the complex beast of mental issues silently devouring the youth of this nation.

The youth mental health crisis is a new pandemic sweeping the globe – and while Australia was one of the lucky ones in the case of COVID, our country is ground zero for the new plague infecting our youths’ minds.

In today's fast-paced and hyperconnected world, the relentless pressures of academic expectations, social interactions, and uncertain futures have created a perfect storm for deteriorating mental well-being. The consequences are debilitating disorders that impair teen’s ability to thrive in school, relationships, and everyday life.

Studies from renowned mental health organisations have pulled the curtain on the crisis, revealing that almost one-fifth of all young people aged 11 to 17 years experience high or very high levels of psychological distress (Beyond Blue, 2021). Shockingly, suicide remains the leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 24 (Black Dog Institute, 2022), highlighting the magnitude of the situation.

Beating the beast of mental health is crucial, as the future of our country hangs in the balance. This crisis is tearing Australia apart at the seams, and desperate measures must be taken to alleviate youths’ suffering and secure a brighter future for Australia's young minds.

Although this seems like an infinitely complex problem, the solution is surprising simple – sleep.

Sufficient and quality sleep, among limitless other benefits, allows the brain to recharge and enhances cognitive function. These benefits are vital to achieving success as a student, boosting performance in every aspect of life – from the classroom to the sporting field.

Countless studies and experts have highlighted the critical connection between sleep and mental health in young people. Dr. Sarah Bell-Booth, a sleep and mental health psychologist, emphasises that inadequate sleep disrupts emotional regulation and impairs decision-making abilities, leading to heightened vulnerability to mental health issues (Bell-Booth, 2017).

By recognising sleep as an essential ingredient in the recipe for well-being and taking steps to promote healthy sleep habits, we can empower our youth to navigate the challenges they face with resilience and strength.

We must awaken to the power of sleep in order to make the dreams of a mentally healthy Australia a reality.

So, is there one thing you can do every day to ensure a better life for yourself? Yeah, keep dreaming.

By Jack Barwick, Year 9 TGS student

List of References:

• Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2020-21). National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing. ABS. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing/2020-21.
• Bell-Booth, S. (2017, March 25). Sleep & Your Mental Health. Retrieved June 01, 2023 from https://www.drsarahbellbooth.com/single-post/2017/03/25/sleep-your-mental-health
• General Statistics. (2021). Beyond Blue. Retrieved June 01, 2023 from https://www.beyondblue.org.au/media/statistics
• Suicide Prevention. (2022, March 07). Black Dog Institute. Retrieved June 01, 2023 from https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/research-areas/suicide-prevention/
• Youth Mental Health Factsheet. (2022). Headspace. Retrieved June 01, 2023 from https://headspace.org.au/professionals-and-educators/educators/resources/research-and-evaluation/