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Salina Thapa
Jul 17, 2023
In Journalist Phase-INTERMEDIATE
Recently, in Australia, like in many other parts of the world, young adults are struggling with various mental health issues and problems. According to the National Mental Health Survey, the percentage of young people aged 16 to 24 experiencing mental health issues has dramatically risen. The annual prevalence of mental ill health in this age group has increased from 26 percent in 2007 to 39 percent in 2020-21, representing an unprecedented 50 percent surge over a span of 15 years (McGorry, 2022).This might cause due to the various factors including, personal and family issues, societal issues and pressure, financial problems etc. In a today's fast paced world, there is competition everywhere, in school, to find a good job, as well as even in social media platforms to become famous, have lots of followers and so on (WebMD, 2023). For instance, school and even parents expect their children to achieve a high grade and excel in the school, some children can handle the stress and work under pressure, however, some children struggle to do so, which can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout among the children, and in worse case, this can cause children to drop school, engage in negative behaviours etc. Social media and technology have heightened the mental health problems in young adults as excessive use to social media and different technology make them separated from real world and their social networks, which leads to loneliness, social anxiety and lack of confidence among the young adults. In addition, dur to negative trends and activities in social media, young adults are vulnerable to the cyberbullying, social comparison leading to various issues like, body image issues, anxiety, low self-esteem, etc (WebMD, 2023).
Many young adults struggle with high costs of living, student loan debts and not finding stable job, all of which contribute to stress, demotivation, and hopelessness, that directly impacts on one’s mental and emotional well-being. As young adulthood is a significant transition period for them, moving away from house, starting university, or a new job, forming new relationship, it can be challenging for them and can have serious impact on their wellbeing, as well as they are more likely, to involve in substance and alcohol intake which is a risk factor for health and wellbeing.Mental health problems can have serious impact of young people’s lives. It affects concentration, motivation, and overall productivity, which hinder their academic and professional performance, as they do not feel like going to school and work. Likewise, it also can affect the relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners, as they do not want to spend quality time with them, which makes them isolated and decreased their social support system. Apart from that, it also effects their physical health by causing sleep disturbances, weakens immune system, and make them vulnerable to chronic illness. Furthermore, serious mental health conditions can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour among young adults.
Therefore, it is very important to support and provide intervention to young people, who are experiencing the mental health issues. To help and support young adults, it is very essential to provide education and awareness about mental health and the services available for them in schools and universities to reduce stigma related to mental health and to equip them with the tools to manage their wellbeing. It is necessary to make mental health services like counselling, therapy, and helpline affordable and accessible to young people to access the support from professionals. Peer support programs have significant impacts on improving the mental health wellbeing as it provides a safe and comfortable space for young people to share their experiences, seek advice and receive support from their peers. As mentioned above, we can use different measures, and provide different services to help young people to improve their mental wellbeing, however, if we do not address the social determinants and factors such as financial burdens, societal and family expectations, unemployment issues etc. it is not possible to reduce the mental health problems among young people. Therefore, it requires collaborative approach from educational institutions, healthcare providers, policymakers, individuals, families, and society to improve and address the emerging mental health problems in young adults.
References
WebMD. (n.d.). Causes of mental illness. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-causes-mental-illness#:~:text=Psychological%20factors%20that%20may%20contribute%20to%20mental%20illness,parent.%20Neglect.%20Poor%20ability%20to%20relate%20to%20others.
McGorry, P. (2022, August 4). There’s an illness impacting nearly half of all young Australians. it’s time to do something about it . About 40 per cent of young Australians have experienced mental illness - and it’s high time we do something about it - ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-05/youth-mental-health-crisis-time-to-respond/101295194
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Salina Thapa
Jun 08, 2023
In Journalist Phase-INTERMEDIATE
Transportation is an integral part of our daily lives, facilitating our movement from one place to another. Coming from a country where public transportation was unreliable, I was initially impressed with Australia's well-regulated transportation system. Trains and buses were on time, and there were even announcements if there were any delays. But as time went on, I noticed that the trains and buses started to get crowded, especially during busy times. People had to stand the whole way, and it became harder to find a seat. Traffic congestion on the roads also caused delays and made people late for work, appointments, and other commitments.
The population in Australia has been increasing a lot in recent years, which has made the traffic and transportation problems worse. Trains sometimes get cancelled without much notice, and there aren't enough alternative options like buses. This has affected people in many ways. For instance, the increased travel time and exhaustion from standing for long periods have reduced productivity and overall well-being. Additionally, it has limited people's leisure time and opportunities to spend with loved ones, leading to social isolation and a lower quality of life. Transportation issues in Australia have resulted in individuals missing out on significant opportunities, including job prospects and important appointments. The impact extends to access to healthcare and education, leading to notable implications for mental health, such as increased anxiety and low self-esteem (Australian Institute of family Studies, 2011).
The rising cost of public transportation and fuel has further added to the difficulties faced by individuals. Affordability has become a concern, making it harder for people to manage their transportation expenses. Moreover, inadequate accessibility and limited transportation options have presented challenges for individuals with special needs and the older population, hindering their ability to travel independently and access essential services. This has resulted in feelings of isolation, exclusion, and a negative impact on their independence, well-being, and overall quality of life (Australian Institute of family Studies, 2011).
To resolve transportation issues in Australia, government intervention is very crucial. Government should invest more in transportation infrastructure and promoting alternative modes of transportation such as fast-track rail network and electric vehicles. Likewise, collaborative efforts should be made government agencies, experts, community groups and disability organisations to prioritise accessibility and inclusivity, affordable parking, and transportation options. In my opinion these measure plays significant role in resolving transportation issues, enhancing people’s life, and protecting the rights of individuals with special needs and overall development of country.
Have you ever experienced any kinds of difficulties or inconveniences due to the transportation issues? What are your thoughts on resolving this issue?
References
McIlroy, J. (2018). We can fix the public transport crisis. Green Left. Retrieved from https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/we-can-fix-public-transport-crisis.
Rosier, K., & McDonald, M. (2011). The relationship between transport and disadvantage in Australia. Australian Institute of family Studies. https://aifs.gov.au/sites/default/files/publication-documents/rs4_2.pdf
Sinclair, H. (2015). Report warns of worsening traffic problems in Australia. SBS News. Retrieved from https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/report-warns-of-worsening-traffic-problems-in-australia/on2nw3dnh.
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Salina Thapa
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