It is not unknown that people worldwide are struggling with mental health issues. However, the more number of cases is a result of more people reaching out for help. However, Australia's data show something concerning, teens, especially girls are struggling. As per a recent national survey from the Australian Bureau of Statistics found nearly 2 in 5, which makes it 38.8% of individuals, between the age of 16 to 24 years old experienced symptoms of a mental disorder in the previous 12 months. This has been higher than the last survey which was conducted in 2007. Back then, the number was at 26%. Another recent study published in Science Direct, titled: All things being equal? Longitudinal patterns of mental disorder symptoms and associations with key social determinants in a large cohort of Australian adolescents, revealed that mental health problems were especially higher in Australian high school students. It was found that 1 in 4 high school students had mental health problems by Year 10. The study also pointed that it was severe among girls. Tracking Teen's Mental HealthThe study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health has revealed a steady and concerning rise in mental health symptoms among Australian teenagers, particularly among girls and gender diverse youth. The research tracked more than 6,500 students from 71 schools across New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia from Year 7 (ages 12–13) to Year 10 (ages 15–16).Mental health problems rising with ageResearchers found a significant increase in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress over the four years:Depression: 17% of students met the threshold for probable depression in Year 7, rising to 28% by Year 10.Psychological distress: A similar trend was observed, with 14% of students reporting high distress in Year 7, increasing to 24% by Year 10.Anxiety: The proportion of students experiencing moderate-to-severe anxiety grew from 16% to 24% across the same period.Girls and gender diverse teens most affectedThe study found that certain groups were disproportionately affected by poor mental health outcomes. Girls and gender diverse teens not only began with higher symptom levels in Year 7 but also saw a steeper increase in distress over time.By Year 10:Girls had 88% higher depression, 34% higher anxiety, and 55% higher psychological distress than boys.Gender diverse teens had 121% higher depression, 55% higher anxiety, and 89% higher distress than their male peers.The study also highlighted the cumulative effect of gender and socio-economic disadvantage. Girls from the least affluent families experienced especially high levels of depression and anxiety—beyond what would be expected from either factor alone.Family income and school advantage also matterTeens from less affluent families showed a 7% higher rate of depressive symptoms than those from wealthier households. Meanwhile, students attending schools in lower socio-economic areas reported 9% higher anxiety than those at more advantaged schools.Broader context and comparison with past dataThe findings reflect a growing global concern. Although recent national-level data is limited, a 2015 Australian study (Young Minds Matter) reported 14.4% of 12- to 17-year-olds had a mental disorder. The higher rates in the current study suggest a worsening trend across generations—a phenomenon also noted in international research.While the exact causes are still being explored, contributing factors likely include social media use, climate anxiety, academic pressure, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Importantly, the gender gap in mental health is not unique to Australia but part of a wider global pattern.Addressing the gender mental health divideReducing gender inequities in mental health requires a multilayered and systemic approach. Research points to multiple underlying causes for poorer mental health among girls and gender diverse teens, including:Gender-based violencePressure from unrealistic beauty standardsHormonal changes and menstruationDifferences in family dynamics and social expectationsLifestyle factors such as screen time and dietWhile some of these issues are recognized in the National Women’s Health Strategy, meaningful investment and policy action are still needed. Moreover, solutions must also prioritize gender diverse teens, who face even starker disparities.Designing support with teens, not just for themExperts stress the importance of co-designing mental health strategies with young people, especially those from priority groups like girls, gender diverse individuals, and economically disadvantaged teens. Creating culturally safe, inclusive, and affirming support systems is key to helping teens feel understood and empowered—and improving their mental health outcomes in the long run.