Now in its 16th year, the Mission Australia Youth Survey 2017 had a record 24,055 young people aged 15 to 19 participate, including 7,208 from NSW.

Mental health topped the list of issues of national concern for the first time in the survey’s history, with almost four in 10 young people from NSW identifying it as a top issue in Australia today. The other top national concerns were alcohol and drugs, and equity and discrimination.

Notably, the most common personal concerns reported by young people in NSW are related to their own mental health, including coping with stress, body image and depression, while mental health was also identified as a common barrier to achieving work or study goals after school.

Important work is already happening to destigmatise mental health issues here in Goulburn and across Australia. Young people are becoming more aware of the impacts mental illness can have on their lives and those around them. But it’s clear that much more needs to be done.

Young people need a coordinated and comprehensive national response to ensure they have access the right mental health supports when they need them.

Mission Australia shares the results of the Youth Survey each year to inform the development of policies, services and programs that have the needs of young people at their core.

If we better understand the aspirations, concerns and everyday realities that young people face, we will be better placed to celebrate their achievements with them and support them through difficult times.