What on earth happened to our mental and physical health? Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows mental health disorders among young people soared 47 per cent in the 15 years to 2023. Our diagnosed rates of autism are among the highest in the world at one in 25 children, and the number of adults on ADHD medication has surged more than 450 per cent in the space of 10 years.
Equally startling figures can be found in other western countries. So, is this proof that we really are neurologically troubled? Or have doctors just become more adept at identifying these conditions and more inclined to pathologise our emotions?
