Right now, kids and teens in Australia are facing more mental health challenges than ever. From the pressures of school and social media to uncertainty about the future, there’s a lot to deal with. A single conversation can make all the difference.
Dr Preeya Alexander: How to Speak to Youth About Mental Health
ARTICLE
1 August 2025
3 min read
3 min read
Not sure how your kids are feeling? Here's how to start the conversation.
There’s a lot going on in the world right now
Growing up today can feel overwhelming. Between academic pressure, social media, constant stream of negative global news, and cost of living adding stress on families, it’s no surprise mental health issues are on the rise among young Australians.
Recent reports show that nearly 40% of people aged 16–24 experience a mental health condition1, with suicide remaining the leading cause of death in young people. While a 2022 research study from Headspace found 60% of young people lacked companionship often or some of the time (up from 54% in 2020), these numbers are staggering, but it’s vital that we acknowledge them, talk about them, and take action to support those in our lives. And it all starts with a conversation.
How to start a conversation
You don’t need to have all the answers — just showing up and talking can make a huge difference.
AIA Vitality offers educational content to support members have meaningful conversations about mental health with the teenagers in their life.
Pick the right moment
You don’t have to sit down for a serious talk. Try chatting while driving, walking the dog, or cooking dinner. An activity in relaxed setting can make it easier for kids to open up, without the pressures of eye-contact, face-to-face conversations can stir up.
Listen, don’t rush
Let them speak without jumping in with advice straight away. Sometimes, they just need to feel heard.
Ask open questions
Go beyond “How was your day?” Instead, try “What’s been on your mind lately?” or “How are things with your friends?” ruok.org.au have a range of great conversation guides to help you start and guide these conversations.
Be ok with silence
Not everyone wants to talk straight away – and that’s OK. Simply sitting with them and letting them know you’re there when they’re ready is what really matters.
Get support together
We can’t always know what to say or do, and that’s why professional help matters. Reassure them that seeking help is OK, and offer to support them in finding a GP, psychologist, or counsellor.
Make Moments Matter this Loneliness Awareness Week:
Young people aged 16-25 are feeling increasingly lonely, and it’s impacting their health and wellbeing. Pressures to have a best friend, partner or big group, cost of living, lack of community spaces and major life events are all contributing to young people feeling disconnected.
This Loneliness Awareness Week (4-10 August), AIA partner Ending Loneliness Together is sharing small but meaningful moments that help young people build and strengthen connections, and calling on all Australians to make moments matter at home, work, school and in the community. Hear from young people, download free practical resources and take steps to make moments matter.
Get involved at: www.lonelinessawarenessweek.com.au
Keep the conversation going
Loneliness Awareness Week is a great reminder to check in with the people around us. But mental wellbeing isn’t a one-off event — it’s an ongoing commitment we all should try to maintain with ourselves and those we care about. So, keep talking, keep listening, and let the young people in your life know they’re not alone. Sometimes, it really is as simple as asking, “Are you OK?”
References
Dr Preeya Alexander
Dr Preeya Alexander is a general practitioner based in Melbourne and our resident AIA Vitality Expert. She’s passionate about improving health and wellbeing literacy for all Australians. A prominent expert health educator, Preeya has featured across a range of TV, news and digital media, as well as running her own successful blog, The Wholesome Doctor.
Disclaimer:
Copyright © 2025 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.
Copyright © 2025 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.
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