Young minds, the highs and lowsYoung minds, the highs and lows
All In The Mind
Adolescence and young adulthood is a time of life dominated by highs and lows – it’s part of normal development, but it’s also the time when people are at greatest risk of developing mental illness. We hear about some new approaches to assisting young people when they are at the most vulnerable.
28:49•10 Jun 2012
Young Minds, Big Highs and Deep Lows
Episode Overview
- Youth-specific services such as headspace aim to catch problems early, before issues like family conflict or relationship breakdown escalate into crises such as homelessness.
- Young people often find it intimidating to talk to strangers about their struggles, so reducing anxiety and creating a welcoming environment is central to effective support.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy and re-engaging in social and educational life are key strategies for treating youth depression, with medication used carefully and under ongoing review.
- Youth participation and peer involvement help services stay relevant, bringing enthusiasm, optimism and honest criticism of what isn’t working in existing systems.
- Experts argue for reform of diagnostic systems to avoid harmful labels and over-medication, focusing instead on practical concepts that guide treatment and support recovery.
“"It’s absolutely the last thing on their minds. And so in lots of ways, what we need to do with the community is raise awareness of these issues."”
Understand the complexities of addiction and youth mental health with insights from clinicians and young people who’ve lived through the roller coaster of adolescence. All In The Mind brings together raw stories and expert voices to show just how vulnerable young minds can be — and what’s starting to change.
You’ll hear from Eric Barker, who remembers staring at the ceiling at 3am and feeling there was "no point" going to school, and from Marky, who describes hearing "very, very horrible things" in his mind that led to self-harm. Both talk candidly about the fear of opening up, and the relief that came once they found youth-focused services such as headspace and Orygen Youth Health.
Psychiatrist Christopher Davey breaks down why depression is "without a doubt the most common chronic illness of youth", explaining how late-developing brain systems leave young people exposed to intense emotions and social pressures. He outlines cognitive behavioural therapy, social re-engagement and carefully considered medication as the core tools currently on offer, while admitting that "the number one clinical question" is how useful antidepressants really are for young people.
Professor Patrick McGorry zooms out to the bigger picture, arguing that mental and substance use disorders now make up more than half the health burden for young people. He criticises traditional child–adult service structures and praises youth-specific models like headspace, with early intervention designed to head off spirals into homelessness or long-term illness. McGorry also talks about emerging biological treatments, from omega-3s to anti-inflammatory drugs, and calls for diagnostic reform that avoids harmful labels and focuses on recovery.
Headspace CEO Chris Tanty highlights how youth participation and peer involvement keep services grounded in real needs, celebrating a generation that is "very committed to each other" and optimistic about change. The episode balances difficult realities with hopeful notes, as young people move from feeling "there was no point" to finding ways to help others.
If you or someone you care about is in those teenage highs and lows, could this kind of youth-centred support be the bridge to something better?
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