One in five Generation Z Australians say they have no friends or family they can rely on when they need support, according to new research released ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October.
The nationally representative Essential Research survey, commissioned by Mental Health Australia, found 20 per cent of Gen Z respondents reported having nobody they could count on for support. This compares with 13 per cent of Gen X and just 8 per cent of Baby Boomers.
The research also highlights a broader connection gap among younger Australians. Almost one in three Gen Zs (32 per cent) said they feel either not very connected or not connected at all to friends, family, neighbours and their community.
By comparison, 26 per cent of Gen X and 20 per cent of Baby Boomers reported similar levels of disconnection.
Only 65 per cent of Gen Z respondents said they feel connected to others, compared with 71 per cent of Millennials and 80 per cent of Baby Boomers.
Australia facing a growing connection gap
The research found that disconnection is being felt across generations, with 47 per cent of Australians saying they feel less connected to others than they did 10 years ago.
Almost two-thirds (64 per cent) believe Australia is becoming more disconnected.
Mental Health Australia CEO Carolyn Nikoloski said the findings were particularly concerning for younger Australians.
“The fact that one in five Gen Zs say they have no one they can count on for support should be a wake-up call,” Nikoloski said.
“We all need people we can rely on. When those relationships are missing, the impact on mental health and wellbeing can be profound.”
Nikoloski said young people could not address the growing connection gap alone and called for stronger relationships, opportunities and communities that help them feel supported and connected.
Cost-of-living and social pressures
ReachOut CEO Gary Groves said the findings reflected what the youth mental health organisation was hearing from young people.
“Many young people are navigating a complex world shaped by cost-of-living pressures, uncertainty, study, work and social expectations,” Groves said.
He said these pressures were leaving some young people increasingly disconnected, isolated and lonely.
“Connection is a really strong protective factor for mental health, which is why it’s so important that young people have safe, accessible places to turn for support,” he said.
Groves highlighted peer support as an important part of ReachOut’s services and encouraged young people to seek connection through trusted friends, people who understand their experiences or online support.
World Mental Health Day
The findings have been released ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, which is led nationally by Mental Health Australia.
This year’s national theme is Together We Thrive, focusing on connection, belonging and community as foundations for mental health and wellbeing.
Mental Health Australia coordinates the national Mental Health Month campaign throughout October, encouraging Australians to start conversations, share their experiences and strengthen the connections that support wellbeing.
ReachOut provides free and anonymous online mental health support for young people, including peer support, information, stories and practical resources.
The organisation also operates ReachOut Parents and ReachOut Schools, providing information and resources for parents, carers and educators supporting young people.
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