‘I am enough’: Young people tell us how mental illness affects them

Their comfort in sharing some of their darkest, most private moments was nothing short of inspiring. Many Australians don’t know what it’s like to have a panic attack, feel suicidal or battle disordered eating, but the young people we spoke to managed to articulate those experiences with a rawness that had the power to break away lingering stigmas.

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Across six weekly episodes from today, Enough delves into depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, eating disorders as well as the mental health of more vulnerable young Australians, including the LGBTQI+ and Indigenous communities and disadvantaged youths.

There was 18-year-old Alex, who is transgender and dealt with depression and self-harm while seeking acceptance of his identity. We met 19-year-old Molli, who found herself being haunted by her eating disorder during COVID-19 lockdowns. We heard from Anita, who emphasised the preciousness of life after surviving two suicide attempts. And for all their hardships, they still shone with energy and even humour.

The OECD has warned that the COVID-19 crisis has turned into a mental health crisis for young people. And as we were reminded over and over, young people’s mental health is not about to have a snap recovery.

Support is available from Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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