The Tidal Wave of Mental Distress Among Young Australians — A Naturopath’s View
Back in 2013, I wrote a blog titled Is All That Screen Time Really Healthy for Our Kids? after noticing early signs of what I feared might grow into a wellbeing crisis. Sadly, more than a decade later, we are in the thick of it.
Today, Australia is facing what can only be described as a mental health avalanche among young people with rising rates of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm, and attention difficulties.
The smartphone and screen revolution, which took hold around 2010, has reshaped the way children grow up, connect, and regulate their emotions. Then came the COVID-19 lockdowns, which pushed kids even further into screens. While the virus has passed, the mental health impact remains.
Teen Mental Health in Australia: The Alarming Statistics
The numbers speak for themselves:
• Almost 40% of Australians aged 16–24 experienced a mental disorder in the past 12 months (ABS, 2023).
• 45.5% of young women now report anxiety or depression compared with 30% just a decade ago.
• 1 in 4 adolescents experience high or very high levels of psychological distress (Mission Australia & Black Dog Institute, 2023).
• Self-harm and emergency admissions have surged since 2015, particularly among girls aged 10–19.
Behind every statistic is a child, a family, and a story.
Why Resilience Isn’t Enough
For years, parents and professionals alike have emphasised building resilience. While resilience matters, it’s no longer enough. Why? Because our children are growing up in a world where their neural wiring is shaped from the start by smartphones and screens.
As adults, our brains were formed before the digital age, but our kids don’t have that buffer. Their brains are developing under constant digital stimulation, which makes the impact far more profound.
What I See in My Naturopathic Clinic
In practice, the shift is undeniable:
• Children unable to focus without stimulant medication.
• Girls caught in a cycle of perfectionism across academics, sport, and body image.
• Teens using food through binge eating or restriction as a form of emotional control.
• A disturbing rise in self-harm, starting at younger ages and with greater severity.
• Screen dependency, with mood crashes and panic when devices are unavailable.
These patterns reflect deep changes in brain function and emotional resilience, not just “teenage phases.”
How Screen Time and Lockdowns Rewired Young Brains
1. Dopamine and Addiction Pathways
Notifications and “likes” stimulate the brain’s reward system. Over time, normal life feels flat without constant digital hits.
2. Prefrontal Cortex (Executive Thinking) Stunted
Multitasking on devices weakens self-regulation, planning, and focus.
3. Amygdala Overdrive (Fear and Anxiety Centre)
Constant stress and comparison fuel anxiety and reactivity.
4. HPA Axis Dysregulation (Stress Hormones Out of Balance)
Disrupted sleep and stress alter the body’s stress-response system, leading to issues like insomnia, poor immunity, weight changes, high blood pressure, and hormonal imbalance, especially dangerous in adolescence.
5. Social Isolation Despite “Connection”
Lockdowns made teens reliant on virtual friendships. Many never returned to real-world connection, leaving social skills fragmented and fragile.
Warning Signs Parents Shouldn’t Ignore
Be aware if your teen:
• Panics when separated from their phone.
• Sleeps late due to social media use.
• Withdraws from family to connect online.
• Shows rage when asked to disconnect.
• Relies on constant reassurance via messaging.
These are not normal teenage behaviours. They are red flags of dependency and distress.
A Naturopath’s Approach to Teen Mental Health
As a naturopath, I view each young person as a whole—mind, body, and environment. Over the years, I’ve seen the basics of health become more important than ever for mental wellbeing.
1. Nutrition for Mood and Focus
A wholefood diet stabilises blood sugar, fuels the brain, and supports neurotransmitter balance. Processed food and excess sugar can worsen anxiety and mood swings.
2. Movement and Exercise Balance
Both too little and too much exercise can dysregulate mood. The goal is steady, balanced activity that supports resilience without adding pressure.
3. Nervous System Reset
Quiet time away from screens teaches the nervous system to self-regulate. Practices like meditation, journalling, or simple downtime are vital.
4. Nature Exposure
Time outdoors reduces stress hormones, improves sleep, and supports attention span.
5. Gut Health and the Gut-Brain Connection
Many struggling teens also have poor digestion and blood sugar dysregulation. The gut-brain axis means an unhealthy gut can directly affect mood, anxiety, and focus. Correcting digestion helps restore balance and supports healthy neurotransmitter production.
Practising What We Preach
As parents and adults, we must also model healthy behaviour. That means setting tech boundaries, putting our own phones down, and strengthening our own attention “muscles.” Our kids are watching us more than we realise.
Final Thoughts
We are facing a mental health crisis among young Australians. But there is hope. By returning to the basics, nutrition, movement, gut health, nature, and nervous system balance we can help our children build the foundation for mental strength and agility.
As a naturopath, I believe in supporting teens holistically, so they can not only survive but soar in this digital age.
If you’re concerned about your child’s anxiety, or gut issues, Naturopathy can help. Get in touch to book a consultation and we will make a personalised, holistic plan to support their wellbeing.