Australia is facing a growing mental health crisis among young people, and girls in particular, are bearing the brunt. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics nearly 2 in 5 16–24-year-olds reported symptoms of a mental disorder in the previous 12 months, with girls and gender diverse youth disproportionately impacted. Despite how common these struggles are becoming, many girls are not getting the support they need and are left trying to navigate school, friendships, social pressures, and the challenges of growing up, whilst battling unchecked mental health issues. Sadly, even when they do speak up and ask for help, systemic issues like long waitlists, lack of specialised care, or dismissive responses mean they often still fall through the cracks. 

Recent research published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health shows just how widespread this issue is. The 2025 longitudinal study, which followed more than 6,500 Australian students from Year 7 to Year 10, found that symptoms of probable depression jumped from 17% to 28% amongst girls. This sharp increase over just 3 years is a clear warning sign that we need to understand and address the unseen health battles that many girls face every day. 

Why Girls Are Especially at Risk

The reasons why girls are especially at risk is far from straight-forward, with a number of factors coming into play. Girls face unique challenges that can make them particularly vulnerable to mental health issues. Biological changes during puberty and hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can intensify emotional responses. Unfortunately, these signs can be all too easily dismissed by parents, teachers and even health professionals as typical ‘teenage moodiness.’  Add in the pressure to look a certain way, do well at school, and fit in socially (teenage girls’ friendship dynamics are notoriously intense and complicated) and it’s easy to see why so many girls are struggling. Whilst social media use and ‘doom-scrolling’ is common across both genders, girls are more likely than their male counterparts to engage with ‘appearance-driven’ platforms like Tik-Tok and Instagram which pose additional self-esteem issues. A recent study from Griffith University found that just 7 minutes of consuming so-called ‘beauty-content’ was enough to trigger shame or anxiety in young women about their appearance. Moreover, studies have shown that girls are more likely to internalise stress such as conflicts in the home, financial stress, unrealistic expectations or emotional neglect, which can lead to anxiety and depression. 

The Importance of Early Intervention

If you’re concerned about a teen’s mental health, connecting with teen psychologists Melbourne or other qualified mental health professionals can be an important first step. Melbourne psychiatrists and psychologists can offer specialised support tailored to the unique needs of teenagers and help them to build resilience, process challenges and get the care and support they need. Unmanaged mental health struggles can affect concentration, relationships, motivation and behaviour. Getting help early can support improvements in school performance, social connections, and family dynamics as they navigate the characteristically turbulent teenage years.

This article provides general information only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are concerned about your mental health, please seek advice from a qualified health professional. If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, call 000. For 24/7 support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.