A new report from headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Survey, has shed light on the effects of climate change on the mental health and well-being of young people, particularly in the wake of catastrophic events of recent years including the floods in Southern Queensland.
The new research released recently from headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation reveals that over half of Australian young people (53 per cent) surveyed feel fearful about the future due to the impacts of climate change – a view that is shared by many young people living in disaster-hit communities like Gympie.
The headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey found that anxiety about climate change is affecting the daily lives of 18 to 25-year-olds (22 per cent) as well as their decisions about the future.
Two in five (42 per cent) of young people surveyed were worried that they won’t have access to the same opportunities their parents had as a result of climate change, and one third (34 per cent) cited climate change as the reason they are hesitant to have children.
While almost half (46 per cent) of young people were worried whether they’re doing enough to have an impact on climate change, many felt that their own individual actions might not be enough to make a difference anyway (50 per cent).
headspace recently launched a video series that shares the stories of young people in Lismore and Northern New South Wales who experienced the devastating 2022 floods.
By sharing their journeys publicly, young people, their parents and caregivers are hoping to shed light on the experiences of young people impacted by extreme weather events, while also demonstrating their resilience and ability to get through tough times.
One of the young people who features in the series, 24-year-old Sereena Zanuso, was born and raised in Lismore.
Sereena shares how she is looking after herself following the experience of the 2022 Floods and overcoming the anxiety relating to extreme weather events fuelled by climate change.
“Waking up Monday morning and hearing that the water was two metres higher than the 2017 levels… it was really hard to comprehend. It was far more extreme that it ever has been, or what we thought it could be.
“I think that the general feeling in the community was one of gut-wrenching pain. Not on just a physical and mental level, but also a spiritual level. It was our whole community – tens of thousands of people – impacted.
“Even today in 2023, there are houses that are empty, and it plays on your mind. There were people living in those homes once, and there are no longer people there. It hits very close to home.”
These thoughts are no doubt echoed by people here in Gympie.
Sereena believes it is important for young people impacted by extreme weather events to take the time to look after themselves.
“My piece of advice for young people going through natural disasters is acknowledging that it is going to be hard. It is hard, and it will be for a long time. It is a year on, and it is still something I’m dealing with. But that’s okay. It’s a very real issue.
“Brush your hair, clean your teeth, make your bed. Take these smalls steps to make something bigger for you.”
She added: “I feel that everyone in the community has contributed in some way to the recovery effort, whether this be through giving up their time volunteering, providing donations where needed or supporting local businesses when they were back up and running.”
Watch headspace’s After the Floods series at headspace.org.au/floods
Young people aged 12 to 25, as well as their family and friends can visit headspace for support.
Help is also available via phone and online counselling service, eheadspace, 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) and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) are available to talk 24/7.
