MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Stress

One In 5 Young Australian Women Are Living With Anxiety Or Depression

It's a sharp increase from previous years - by Arielle Tsoukatos
  • 31 Jul 2019
One In 5 Young Australian Women Are Living With Anxiety Or Depression

Just in: Diagnoses of depression and anxiety disorders have surged dramatically among young women. That's according to new data from the Housing Income and Labour Dynamics (HILDA) Survey - which tracks the lives of 17,500 Australians each year.

Most alarmingly, just over 20% of women between the ages of 15 and 34 have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders as reported by the nationwide survey. 

While the climb spans across all age groups, it is most notable in the younger demographic with these conditions increasing from 12.8% in 2009 to 20.1% in 2017.

"We've seen particularly large increases amongst young women. For example, amongst women aged 15 to 34, we had approximately 13 per cent reporting being diagnosed with depression or anxiety in 2009," Professor Roger Wilkins, co-author of the HILDA report told the ABC. "In 2017, that was up to 20 per cent. So one in five women in that age range has actually been diagnosed with the condition."

Experts have noted that there could be a link between the rise and our ever-increasing time spent online. "Some of the discussion between experts in the field is the rising use of social media and the role that might be playing," Professor Wilkins added. "Particularly as the growth has been strongest amongst younger people, who tend to be more actively engaged with social media."

20.1% of young women are battling with depression or anxiety

HILDA

Percentage of women diagnosed with depression or anxiety, by age group; 2009, 2013 and 2017.

HILDA

The state of affairs is similarly grim when it comes to young men's mental health, with the biggest increase from 6.1% to 11.2% among 15 to 34 year-olds. 

HILDA surveys collate data on the “reported diagnosis” of depression and anxiety disorders so, it might just reflect an increase of people seeking professional help. Yet, many sufferers don't seek help from a healthcare practitioner or remained undiagnosed. To get a clearer picture of whether there is a real increase, the National Health Survey surveys a sample of Australians about their symptoms rather than ask about whether they have been diagnosed. According to the NHS data; the percentage of the population reporting very high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms has been steady from 2001-2018.  

If you or anyone you know needs help or advice, please call Lifeline (131 114) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636). If you need help immediately, please call 000.

  • News
  • Stress
  • Health
  • Sleep
Arielle Tsoukatos
Arielle Tsoukatos
Arielle is a contributor to marie claire Australia. A few career highlights include; lunch with Kim Cattrall, interviewing Naomi Watts and swapping make-up tips with Margot Robbie on the red carpet. You can find her words on InStyle, marie claire and Women's Health.

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

Women Often Put Others Before Themselves—But There's A Cost

Women Often Put Others Before Themselves—But There's A Cost

Women Are More Likely To Suffer A Heart Attack From Stress

Women Are More Likely To Suffer A Heart Attack From Stress

This Woman’s Powerful Facebook Post Captures What Suffering From Anxiety Is Like

This Woman’s Powerful Facebook Post Captures What Suffering From Anxiety Is Like

Three Women Explain Their Battle With Australia's Biggest Health Epidemic

Three Women Explain Their Battle With Australia's Biggest Health Epidemic

{headline}

{headline}

Celebrities Get Real About Living With Anxiety

Celebrities Get Real About Living With Anxiety

Survey Finds 40 Percent Of Australian Women Diagnosed With Anxiety Or Depression

Survey Finds 40 Percent Of Australian Women Diagnosed With Anxiety Or Depression

7 Things That Might Not Seem Like Depression, But Could Be

7 Things That Might Not Seem Like Depression, But Could Be

{headline}

{headline}

Rebecca Gibney On Dealing With Anxiety

Rebecca Gibney On Dealing With Anxiety

Kirsten Dunst Reveals That She Checked Herself Into Rehab At Age 25 For Depression

Kirsten Dunst Reveals That She Checked Herself Into Rehab At Age 25 For Depression

Michelle Obama Opens Up About Her 'Low-Grade Depression' During Quarantine And How She's Managing It

Michelle Obama Opens Up About Her 'Low-Grade Depression' During Quarantine And How She's Managing It

24 Celebrities Who Have Revealed Their Battles With Mental Health

24 Celebrities Who Have Revealed Their Battles With Mental Health

How A Young Lawyer Worried Herself Into A Psychiatric Hospital

How A Young Lawyer Worried Herself Into A Psychiatric Hospital

Anxious People Make Better Employees According To Science

Anxious People Make Better Employees According To Science

When Did We All Become So Incredibly Impatient?

When Did We All Become So Incredibly Impatient?

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
MarieClaire Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Elle
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • beautyheaven
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Marie Claire