Tracey, a dedicated Mental Health Nurse in Adelaide, South Australia, has spent 15 years working in the mental health sector. At just 36, she finds her role rewarding yet increasingly challenging as she witnesses a troubling rise in mental health issues among Australians, particularly the youth.

Mental health nurses play a vital role in supporting individuals facing a range of mental health challenges. Their responsibilities vary by organisation but generally include providing care for patients of all ages, from adolescents to older adults. They work in diverse settings such as inpatient wards, rehabilitation facilities, and community teams, employing specialised communication skills to foster therapeutic relationships and promote wellbeing.

Tracey works in a Mental Health Intensive Care Unit (MHICU) where she manages complex cases involving patients with severe mental health needs. This environment requires a small nurse-to-patient ratio to provide intensive support. The role demands not only clinical expertise but also compassion, patience, and the ability to advocate for patients.

Each day in the MHICU presents new challenges. Tracey starts her shift by receiving a handover from the previous team, then participates in various tasks such as medication administration and providing support during meals. Engaging with patients is central to her role—she spends time getting to know them, understanding their experiences, and facilitating therapeutic activities like art, games, and outdoor exercises.

“Every day is different; there's never a dull moment,” Tracey explains.

The unpredictability of her work keeps her engaged, but it also comes with the weight of responsibility, especially when patients are admitted involuntarily due to severe distress or crisis.

Tracey’s concerns about rising mental health issues in Australia resonate with recent findings from The Lancet Psychiatry Commission on youth mental health. The report highlights a significant increase in mental ill health among young people, driven by factors such as intergenerational inequality, unregulated social media, and insecure employment. It notes that mental health issues account for at least 45% of the disease burden among those aged 10 to 24, yet only 2% of global health budgets are allocated to mental healthcare.

Professor Patrick McGorry, leading the commission, emphasises the urgent need for systemic changes, arguing that the deterioration in youth mental health should prompt dramatic governmental action similar to what would occur in other health crises. The report highlights the importance of addressing root causes, including economic disparities and the impacts of a competitive society on young people's mental well-being.

Tracey, along with other mental health professionals, recognises that addressing mental health effectively requires more than just clinical interventions. Building a community-based workforce that includes school counsellors and peer support can enhance access to care, particularly in low-resource settings where unmet needs can be staggering.

Dr. Paul Denborough, a child and youth psychiatrist, echoes this sentiment, advocating for a focus on systemic issues like housing and employment insecurity that contribute to mental health distress.

“If society does not address the root causes, we’re just applying Band-Aids to deeper issues,” he says.

As Tracey continues her work, she remains hopeful that increased awareness and advocacy will lead to meaningful changes that prioritise the mental health of future generations.

“Seeing a patient improve and move towards recovery is what keeps me motivated,” she concludes. “We need to ensure that every young person has the support they need to thrive.”