Cost, stigma stop youth mental help access

The cost of treatment and social stigma continues to put off young Australians from seeking help for mental health issues, says new research.

Up to 50 per cent of 12- to 25-year-olds are waiting six months before seeking help, research commissioned by national youth mental health foundation headspace has found.

The research also found in the same age group: 50 per cent said financial cost was a barrier from getting treatment, 45 per cent believed they could not be helped, and more than 50 per cent were afraid what other people would think of them.

Founding headspace board member Patrick McGorry said waiting and worrying had severe and detrimental effects, including social isolation, relationship breakdowns, substance abuse and suicide or self-harm.

Tuesday, October 11, is the inaugural headspace day, created to promote access to mental health services for young people.

The day will be launched at Federation Square in Melbourne.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.