New research released from headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation has revealed that while families are concerned about the impact of work and study stress on their young people, tailored work and study support can actually enhance mental health.

The organisation's recent National Family Mental Health Survey found that stress from work or studying was in the top five perceived negative influences on young people’s mental health and wellbeing, with one in five (21 per cent) family members concerned.

However, new evidence showed that young people receiving tailored work or study support alongside mental health care experience even greater improvement in their mental health and wellbeing than those who receive standard care.

Head of headspace’s Work and Study program, Carolyn Watts, says the impacts of mental health challenges can be a barrier to young people achieving their job and education goals.

“We know that for young people, mental health challenges in adolescence and young adulthood can impact their preparedness to enter the workforce or higher education,” she said.

“There are many reasons why someone might not be engaged with the worlds of work or study, such as feeling inexperienced or unprepared to enter the workforce or go to university or TAFE, past negative experiences or having caring responsibilities.”

Ms Watts said that extended periods of unemployment and no study can in fact exacerbate mental ill-health, with just over half of young Australians feeling confident in applying for a job.

“On the flip side, our research shows that receiving work or study support can have a hugely positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, helping young people feel a sense of purpose and learn new skills, build confidence and self-esteem, and provide those crucial social and support networks,” she said.

“It can also help with feelings of stress and overwhelm that young people often feel, particularly around crucial moments such as exam time – and families are often the ones who see the impact of this stress the most.”

In-person work and study support is free and available for 12-25 year-olds at 50 headspace centres nationally. It integrates general mental health support with tailored career advice and helps young people to enrol in study, write resumes and prepare for interviews.

General support for young people aged 12 to 25 who are struggling with their mental health is also available via phone and online counselling service headspace seven days a week between 9am–1am (AEST). The number is 1800 650 890.

If you’re looking for someone to talk to immediately, Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), and 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) are available to talk 24/7.