Orygen

Concerning findings from one of Australia's largest, most comprehensive generational analyses of suicide-related behaviours have revealed Gen Z are experiencing these thoughts and behaviours at significantly higher rates – and earlier ages – than previous generations. The research, led by Dr Katrina Witt alongside other Orygen co-authors including Prof. Patrick McGorry, analysed data from over 14,700 Australians and found those aged 16 to 25 were: - over 4x more likely to report suicidal thoughts - up to 5x more likely to report suicidal plans - almost 3x more likely to report attempting suicide. "This is why the field of youth mental health was established – because we know adolescence and early adulthood are high-risk periods for the emergence of mental ill-health, as well as self-harm and suicidal ideation, so we need to intervene early," Dr Witt said. For more key findings and to access the paper in the Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry: https://bit.ly/3KySFI3

Early – and more rapid – exposure to the hormone oestradiol (E2) during puberty can lead to faster brain maturation and a greater risk of mental ill-health. That's the key finding of a study led by Orygen PhD student Muskan khetan, which is the first to explore the impact of these hormone changes on girls' brain development and risk of mental ill-health. Published recently in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, it tracked almost 3,000 girls across three years, measuring their hormones, mental health symptoms and brain development, with important implications for early intervention. "Better understanding the impacts of hormone changes – particularly the timing of E2 exposure and the pace at which levels increase during early adolescence – may help identify risk of mental ill-health sooner, meaning we can intervene earlier and support girls before serious conditions develop," Khetan said. More details: https://bit.ly/4pyX3Wm

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is the most effective evidence-based supported employment program used in mental health services worldwide. Through the co-location and collaboration of vocational specialists and mental health teams, IPS aims to support young people experiencing mental ill-health into meaningful work and study – and it's this same goal that drives Orygen's Youth IPS Centre of Excellence. Find more via our dedicated Youth IPS Centre of Excellence website here: https://ips.orygen.org.au/ Gina Chinnery

We've just completed a major piece of work that we hope will have a significant impact on the future of youth mental health care in Australia. Earlier this year, Orygen was commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to lead a consortium of youth mental health organisations that was asked to provide advice to the federal government on the current system of services for young people aged 12 to 25, as well as potential new or refined youth mental health models of care. The consortium (listed below) consulted with hundreds of stakeholders nationwide, including 146 young people with lived experience, ensuring that the voices of those most affected helped shape the recommendations. This work sets out a clear and achievable path forward: one that recognises the urgency of reform, centres young people, and strengthens the capacity of our mental health system to respond earlier and more effectively. Read a summary + access the full reports 👉 https://bit.ly/3LPI6Rd batyr Brain and Mind Centre headspace Mission Australia ReachOut Australia SANE yourtown Youth Focus dandolopartners IPS Management Consultants Department of General Practice and Primary Care (Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences) Monash University Health Economic Group.

3 days left to apply for the ASEAN-Pacific Youth Mental Health Fellowship! This innovative program aims to build the capacity of young people to champion and scale change in mental health, through developing their skills to contribute to community and health services, community development and policy making. Applications are open to people aged 18 to 30, from Australia, ASEAN member states or the Pacific Islands, who are passionate about promoting mental wellbeing in their communities and around the world. For more details and to apply, visit: https://bit.ly/4hDNWRt

While marking 20 years of Youth IPS at Orygen this month, we've celebrated the impact of research that showed work, training and education can have a powerful impact on a young person's recovery from mental ill-health. But how do we know it works? Because of stories like these – beautifully shared by Lindsay and Josh, alongside Eóin Killackey (Chief of Research and Knowledge Translation) and Gina Chinnery (Director, Employment and Education Partnerships). Learn more about our Youth IPS Centre of Excellence: https://bit.ly/49shXSp More Orygen Research Spotlight videos: https://bit.ly/47Lbh0p

We’re excited to launch ScrollSafe – a new suite of resources designed to help young people, parents, educators and clinicians navigate social media safely and confidently.   With around 97% of Australian teens using social media every day, digital platforms play a huge role in how young people connect, learn and express themselves. But they can also have an impact on mood, wellbeing and self-esteem. ScrollSafe, created with the support of the Victorian Government and input from each key audience, brings together tailored, evidence-informed advice – including practical tips, conversation starters and a video directly from young people to parents! Explore the full suite of ScrollSafe resources today 👉 https://bit.ly/4hV0Ryu

Some big news from us, and great news for young people.    All young people in Australia aged 15-25 can now access free, personalised mental health support thanks to the nationwide expansion of groundbreaking digital platform MOST.    MOST offers one-on-one professional support, as well as access to peer workers, self-directed therapy and a safe, online community – and anyone aged 15 and over can now download the app and sign up straight away.     While referrals from mental health professionals remain a vital pathway for young people to connect with MOST’s services, Chief of Orygen Digital, Professor Mario Alvarez-Jimenez, said the expansion of MOST was filling a substantial gap in an overstretched system, where young people often struggled to find mental health support when and where they needed it.    “MOST is not just any mental health app,” Professor Alvarez-Jimenez said.    “MOST is backed by over fifteen years of research, and it’s proven to be both engaging and effective in supporting young people’s mental health."   Learn more about MOST and this exciting development 👉 https://bit.ly/4p7fn8R

So grateful to senator Charlotte Walker for highlighting Orygen's work in Parliament today, and for shining a light on the importance of investing in youth mental health. With growing support across all parties — and the government’s ongoing commitment to young people’s mental health — we have real momentum to make meaningful progress in addressing Australia’s youth mental health crisis.

Orygen joins Australia’s medical research institutes to call for the release of the full Medical Research Future Fund. Half the funding means half the future – for young people, mental health, and health research across the country. The Medical Research Future Fund was intended to provide $1 billion each year to support vital research. Currently, only $650 million is reaching researchers, limiting the potential for breakthroughs that improve lives and support the next generation. We stand with our colleagues nationwide in urging the federal government to #ReleaseTheFullMRFF and fully invest in Australia’s future health.