As the mental health crisis among young Australians intensifies, many are struggling to enter and remain in the workforce. Rising rates of youth experiencing anxiety, depression and stress are creating significant barriers to employment, leaving a generation at risk of long-term financial hardship and social isolation.
According to headspace's recent National Youth Mental Health Survey, only one in two young people (12-25 year olds) feel confident about achieving their current or future career goals1, with just 54% feeling confident about applying for a job and 52% believing they have the necessary skills to succeed2.
With one in four young Australians now at risk of serious mental illness3 – rates that increase with age – mental health is one of the most pressing challenges of today's generation. As part of World Mental Health Day (10 October), and Mental Health Month, employment services provider atWork Australia is highlighting the growing mental health crisis affecting young Australians and its impact on their ability to find and maintain meaningful, quality employment.
Through their specialised programs, atWork Australia offers tailored support, including career counselling, mental health resources and workplace accommodations to help young people overcome mental health challenges. These services are designed to empower young Australians to boost their confidence and equip them with the tools they need to succeed professionally, despite the barriers they may face.
Since January 2024, atWork Australia has supported over 7,500 youth clients (25 years or less) on their employment journey. Of those, a staggering 22.5% of individuals struggle with mental health issues with a greater lean (61%) towards those living in metropolitan areas.
Despite the daily challenge of living with mental health issues, the strength and tenacity of young people is evidenced by the fact that this group is 4% more successful in gaining employment as compared to more mature clients and often in more casual roles in industries including accommodation and food services, retail, construction, transport and warehousing.
atWork Australia offers a wide range of support to clients with access to over 50 psychologists and Allied Health Professionals to assist with mental health issues as part of their transition to sustainable employment.
atWork Australia client, Kiarah, aged 22 from Toowoomba, Queensland, has experienced mental health challenges from a young age. atWork Australia statistics show that as a young female, Kiarah has a higher propensity (54%) to struggle with mental health as compared to youth males. A local study found that 44% of Toowoomba residents reported living with mental health issues, with 82% having received a formal diagnosis4.
Kiarah began working at age 14 to support herself financially, but the rising pressures of work and life soon contributed to a battle with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), making it increasingly difficult for her to maintain stable employment. Despite her determination, Kiarah's mental health eventually declined to the point where she had to leave her job and seek hospital admission.
"I always tried to keep going," Kiarah says. "I didn't want to let my symptoms impact my ability to work because I relied heavily on that income. But the constant stress and overwhelming emotional toll from my mental health struggles became too much to bear, and eventually, I reached a point where I realised I couldn't do it alone."
Kiarah sought help from atWork Australia, where she received both emotional and practical support. Her job coach, Emma, became a vital source of encouragement through regular check-ins and goal setting. "Emma was there for me every step of the way," Kiarah recalls. "We meet in person every fortnight, and that face-to-face interaction has been invaluable. Emma helped me recognise my progress, even when I couldn't see it myself."
In addition to emotional support, atWork Australia provided financial assistance to Kiarah that helped alleviate some of the daily stressors exacerbating her condition. "They gave me grocery and fuel vouchers, which might seem small, but they made a world of difference. Not having to worry about those basics made my illness so much more manageable."
Inspired by the help she received, Kiarah is now studying youth work with the goal of helping other young people who find themselves in similar situations. "I don't want other kids to feel like they have to be so independent at such a young age. The support from atWork Australia made me realise that you don't have to do everything on your own."
Kiarah's story highlights the crucial role of tailored support in helping young people navigate mental health challenges while pursuing meaningful employment. As mental health remains a significant barrier for many young Australians, creating supportive and inclusive workplaces is more important than ever. Prioritising mental health in the workplace ensures all young people have the opportunity to thrive both personally and professionally.
