Globally, 1 in 7 children aged 10-17 struggle with mental health disorders like anxiety, depression and behavioural disorders. In Australia, 2 in 5 teenagers have experienced mental health issues in the last 12 months. These numbers have increased 50% in the last 15 years – why?

Consider how much pressure there is to perform well academically, deal with social dynamics and relationship conflicts and attend to family matters all while navigating the issues of social media. As adolescents are in a sensitive time of transformation and growing up, the challenges they encounter during this time can profoundly impact them causing stress, pain, trauma and insecurity. This culminates in mental health and wellbeing illnesses like anxiety, depression and OCD. 

Furthermore, if you experienced difficult things as a child, it may stay with you. It’s like a never-ending rollercoaster. Not to mention the stigma associated with discussing mental health issues or the reality that getting the support you need to talk to someone or find a listener is not always simple. Adolescents might not feel comfortable talking to someone about what they are feeling and many may hesitate to open up about what they’re going through due to fear of judgment or being labelled.

This is where ReachOut comes in.ReachOut is an anonymous and confidential space where young people can openly express themselves, gain a deeper understanding and perspective on what is going on in their lives, connect with people who will provide judgement-free support, and develop the resilience to deal with current and future challenges.

ReachOut, created with and for young people, is entirely online, anonymous, and confidential, allowing them to interact on their own terms. Nowadays, the internet is the number 1 place young people turn to for information and support, so they are likelier to access help if they see it on Instagram or TikTok. 

ReachOut provides a variety of support alternatives, including one-on-one peer support and moderated online groups, plus advice, stories and resources, allowing young people to participate when and how they wish.  

Anita K
Age – 14 years