'Concerning' data reveals spike in suicide attempts and abuse in young people

Duty of care interventions to protect young people were up 99 per cent nationally from December 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021, compared to the same period the year before.

Headspace Bendigo manager Lindsay Rose said the data was quite concerning and said he had seen a similar trend locally.

"We are seeing more young people in Bendigo presenting with self-harm thoughts and an increased number of young people seeking crisis support as well," he said.

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Mr Rose said over the past 18 months there had been an increase in the number of young people seeking mental health support.

"As the pandemic continues, young people and their mental health is worsening and our services are trying to respond as best as we can," he said.

"We would welcome the commitments of the government at all levels to increase funding in the mental health sphere and we are waiting to see how that plays out over the coming financial year."

The data revealed over the past six months, 38 per cent of interventions related to suicide attempts while 35 per cent related to child abuse.

It also revealed Victoria had an increase of 184 per cent in duty of care interventions enacted by Kids Helpline on behalf of children and young people.

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Yourtown chief executive officer Tracy Adams said said it was clear the pandemic was taking a toll on the lives of children and young people.

"Since the pandemic Kids Helpline has employed an additional 100 counsellors to assist us in dealing with the increased demand on Kids Helpline counselling service arising from COVID-19, through funding support from the Commonwealth, State Governments and Community," said Ms Adams.

La Trobe University student council interim char and psychological science student Jenna Boyd said there had been a number of issues around mental health and wellbeing for young people and university students.

"From a mental health perspective this is a systemic problem across all mental health regions, it's hard enough for students to gain access to mental health services not only on campus at the moment but also in the private and public centers," she said.

"It's been difficult enough, however the university has done all it can to provide extra services but in the regional campuses, they are very limited to what they can do because of the availability of regional professionals."

Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or use email or web counselling services. www.kidshelpline.com.au

If you or a loved one need support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

If you are looking for a mental health service, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au

If life is in danger, phone Triple Zero (000).

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