Townsville Bulletin

Push to address suicides

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ADVOCATES have pleaded with Australia to address the concerning epidemic of depression among youths after a new UNICEF report found it had some of the worst rates of mental struggles in the world.

More than 21 per cent of boys aged between 10 and 19 were living with mental disorders, with the data finding children and young people were greatly burdened even before the Covid-19 pandemic.

For girls, the figure is lower at 19.5 per cent.

Suicide is among the top five causes of death in adolescent­s globally, along with road accidents, interperso­nal violence and diseases such as tuberculos­is.

“When we ignore the mental health of children, we undercut their capacity to learn, work, build meaningful relationsh­ips and contribute to the world,” UNICEF executive director Henrietta Fore said.

“When we ignore the mental health of parents and caregivers, we fail to support them to nurture and care for their children to the best of their ability.

“And when we ignore mental health issues in our societies, we close off conversati­on, reinforce stigma and prevent children and caregivers from seeking the help they need.”

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