Australian girls' health is tanking – so what's gone wrong?

We’re at the tipping point 

As expert data and on-ground experience show, the mental health of young women and girls is at an all-time low. Here’s why Aussie girls are suffering more than their male counterparts, and what experts are suggesting we do.

Recently, a study conducted by Murdoch Children's Research Institute revealed young girls who undergo puberty before their peers are at a much higher risk of developing mental health issues later in life.

Similarly, research into the rising rates of early-onset cancer diagnosis in young women indicates a worrying trend, with a rise of almost 4 per cent in breast and uterine cancers. 

Indeed, women of all ages are facing a health crisis. While society’s recognition of women’s pain, diagnosis of illness and treatment methods as a whole have improved substantially compared to the past, the increasing prevalence of health issues impacting young women and girls have experts concerned.

"There is no doubt that an increased willingness to report mental health problems – including by children, adolescents and their parents, and at increasingly younger ages – is one of the reasons for the ever-increasing prevalence rates of mental distress in younger Australians," Professor Ian Hickie, a global expert on mental health, tells the ABC.

And while each emerging generation endures its own trials and tribulations (from World Wars to nationwide famines), experts agree that young Aussies today are undoubtedly doing it tough. 

What is fuelling this scary trend?

According to AIHW data, rates of self-harm almost doubled for girls aged 15 to 19 and tripled for girls aged 14 and under between 2008 to 2022. Furthermore, more than 25 per cent of Australians with an eating disorder (1.1 million) are aged 19 or under, a figure that has exponentially grown from 15 per cent since 2012. 

With statistics as harrowing as this, it’s important to understand some of the major factors influencing the mental health of young Aussies – especially girls. 

Growing up in the age of media has had an immense impact. Image: iStock

#1. Social media

Given the relative ‘newness’ of social media, we’re only just now seeing the first generation of young people emerge who grew up in the presence of the major social platforms. It’s no secret that social media usage and exposure at a young age can promote unhealthy habits, dependency and the spread of misleading information. Studies have linked social media use to higher rates of anxiety, depression, body image issues and bullying – a harrowing cocktail of negativity being thrust upon unprepared young girls.

#2. Loneliness at the hands of the pandemic

Thanks to the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the major developmental stage of many young people’s lives was spent in social isolation, with high rates of health anxiety, fear and loneliness in the air. Global surveys have indicated the long-term effects of the pandemic include increased rates of depression, anxiety, eating disorders and substance addictions in young women. 

A young girl's home environment also play a part. Image: Pexels

#3. Social trauma

In a nutshell, our nation is grappling with unacceptable rates of violence against women, as demonstrated consistently in recent months. Girls who experience trauma of any kind early on in life – such as an unstable or harsh family environment or physical and sexual abuse – have not only a higher chance of encountering trauma later in life but also suffering significant mental health issues. 

#4. Anxiety about the future

In an economy that makes it difficult to do your weekly grocery shop, it’s unsurprising that many young people find it difficult to imagine how they’ll be able to afford their future lifestyles, let alone somewhere to live one day. Additionally, the world is facing great uncertainty and polarisation when it comes to politics, social issues, conflict and environmental concerns. 

Why a new approach is needed

Currently, the mental health concerns of young people – regardless of gender – are addressed in a similar fashion by experts and health professionals. However, given the complex experience of young women in Australia, and the gender-specific issues affecting them, it is clear a more female-focussed approach to mental health treatment is needed. 

Paying homage to the old-school eighteenth-century diagnosis of ‘hysteria’, young women exhibiting extreme symptoms of mental health disorders (such as self-harm) are often labelled as manipulative and attention-seeking. As a result, young women suffering from poor mental health are often stigmatised and met with misunderstanding, driving poor self-esteem, resentment and a diminished desire to reach out for help.

Taking into account the many social, environmental and physical factors that contribute to young girls’ mental health, a more sensitive and empowering treatment program must be developed, with the current gender-blind approach to mental health issues failing young girls. 

Originally published as Australian girls' health is tanking – so what's gone wrong?