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Young people are experiencing higher levels of disconnection than any other generation, according to new data released by Mental Health Australia ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October. One in five Gen Zs (20%) say they have no friends or family they can count on when they need support, compared with 13% of Gen X and 8% of Baby Boomers.The nationally representative Essential research also found almost one in three Gen Zs (32%) feel either not very connected or not connected at all to friends, family, neighbours and their community, compared with 26% of Gen X and 20% of Baby Boomers.The findings highlight a growing "connection gap" in Australia, with young people being the least connected generation despite widespread recognition that connection plays a vital role in mental health and wellbeing.Only 65% of Gen Zs say they feel connected, compared with 71% of Millennials and 80% of Baby Boomers.Overall, nearly half (47%) of all people say they feel less connected to others than they did 10 years ago, while 64% believe Australia is becoming more disconnected. These findings are similar across generations.The findings come on World Mental Health Day on 10 October, which is led nationally by mental health peak body Mental Health Australia. This year's national theme, Together We Thrive, recognises connection, belonging and community as essential foundations for good mental health.Mental Health Australia CEO Carolyn Nikoloski said the findings paint a concerning picture of growing disconnection, particularly among younger people."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," Ms 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."Young people can't solve this growing connection gap on their own. We all have a role to play in creating the relationships, opportunities and communities that help young people feel connected, supported and able to thrive."Youth mental health organisation ReachOut CEO Gary Groves said the findings reflect what ReachOut is hearing from young people."Many young people are navigating a complex world shaped by cost-of-living pressures, uncertainty, study, work and social expectations, and as this new data shows it's leaving some feeling increasingly disconnected, isolated and lonely," Mr Groves said."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. And it’s one of the reasons why peer support plays such a key role in the support we provide to young people via ReachOut."Young people shouldn't have to face challenges on their own. Whether it's talking to a trusted friend, connecting with people who understand what you're going through, or reaching out for support online, those connections can make a profound difference."-ENDS-Media contact:Caroline Illingworth, Mental Health Australia Senior Communications Manager – 0417037595 \ caroline.illingworth@mentalhealthaustralia.org.auTess Mithieux - ReachOut Senior Manager – Media and Government Relations – 0411 708 587 / tessa@reachout.com One in five Gen Zs have nobody to turn to for support, new data reveals ahead of World Mental Health Day Young people are experiencing higher levels of disconnection than any other generation, according to new data released by Mental Health Australia ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October. One in five Gen Zs (20%) say they have no friends or family they can count on when they need support, compared with 13% of Gen X and 8% of Baby Boomers.The nationally representative Essential research also found almost one in three Gen Zs (32%) feel either not very connected or not connected at all to friends, family, neighbours and their community, compared with 26% of Gen X and 20% of Baby Boomers.The findings highlight a growing "connection gap" in Australia, with young people being the least connected generation despite widespread recognition that connection plays a vital role in mental health and wellbeing.Only 65% of Gen Zs say they feel connected, compared with 71% of Millennials and 80% of Baby Boomers.Overall, nearly half (47%) of all people say they feel less connected to others than they did 10 years ago, while 64% believe Australia is becoming more disconnected. These findings are similar across generations.The findings come on World Mental Health Day on 10 October, which is led nationally by mental health peak body Mental Health Australia. This year's national theme, Together We Thrive, recognises connection, belonging and community as essential foundations for good mental health.Mental Health Australia CEO Carolyn Nikoloski said the findings paint a concerning picture of growing disconnection, particularly among younger people."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," Ms 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."Young people can't solve this growing connection gap on their own. We all have a role to play in creating the relationships, opportunities and communities that help young people feel connected, supported and able to thrive."Youth mental health organisation ReachOut CEO Gary Groves said the findings reflect what ReachOut is hearing from young people."Many young people are navigating a complex world shaped by cost-of-living pressures, uncertainty, study, work and social expectations, and as this new data shows it's leaving some feeling increasingly disconnected, isolated and lonely," Mr Groves said."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. And it’s one of the reasons why peer support plays such a key role in the support we provide to young people via ReachOut."Young people shouldn't have to face challenges on their own. Whether it's talking to a trusted friend, connecting with people who understand what you're going through, or reaching out for support online, those connections can make a profound difference."-ENDS-Media contact:Caroline Illingworth, Mental Health Australia Senior Communications Manager – 0417037595 \ caroline.illingworth@mentalhealthaustralia.org.auTess Mithieux - ReachOut Senior Manager – Media and Government Relations – 0411 708 587 / tessa@reachout.com About Mental Health AustraliaMental Health Australia the national, independent peak body for the mental health sector. We unite the sector and advocate for policies that improve mental health. We also lead the national campaign for Mental Health Month and World Mental Health Day. About ReachOutReachOut is the leading online mental health service in Australia supporting young people during tough times.ReachOut helps young people feel better about today and the future, no matter what challenge they’re facing. They provide a safe place where young people can openly express themselves, explore what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who understand their situation, and find the resources to help them manage their challenges now and in the future.Anonymous, free and 100% online, ReachOut has been designed specifically for – and with – young people. From one-to-one support from experienced peer workers, to tips, stories and resources, ReachOut offers a wide range of support options that allow young people to engage in the ways they want to, when they want to, and has been doing so for more than 20 years.And, ReachOut Parents and ReachOut Schools provide valuable information, resources and advice to help parents, carers and educators to better understand the young people in their lives and to play an active role in their wellbeing.Safe reporting on mental healthPlease follow the Mindframe Guidelines.

Nearly two-thirds of people (64%) believe we are becoming more disconnected from each other, despite recognising the positive impact connection and belonging have on their mental health, according to new research released by Mental Health Australia as Mental Health Month begins today.The nationally representative Essential survey found only 21% of people feel very connected to friends, family, neighbours or their community. About a third (30%) say they feel less connected to others than they did 10 years ago, while 65% say feeling disconnected from others can negatively affect their mental health.Many people recognise the importance of social connection for their mental health, with more than half (57%) saying that feeling included and part of something bigger than themselves helps them cope during stressful times, while 64% say feeling connected and having a sense of belonging positively impacts their mental health.The findings come as Mental Health Australia launches the national 2026 Mental Health Month campaign under the theme Together We Thrive, highlighting the critical role that connection, belonging and community play in mental health and wellbeing. Throughout the month, several Mental Health Month ambassadors, including clinical psychologist and regular guest on The Imperfects podcast Dr Emily Musgrove, TV personality and broadcaster Myf Warhurst, performing artist Rob Mills, media personality Brooke Blurton and comedian Dilruk Jayasinha will share personal messages encouraging people to prioritise connection and support one another.The survey also found:Almost one in five people (19%) say they feel disconnected from others.85% have friends or family they can count on when they need support, but one in seven (15%) don’t. Nearly half (47%) believe people in their community look out for one another.Just 29% would feel comfortable telling their employer they were struggling with their mental health, compared with 67% who would feel comfortable telling friends. Mental Health Australia CEO Carolyn Nikoloski said the findings highlight a growing “connection gap” between the value people place on connection and belonging and how connected many feel in their daily lives."People understand the importance of connection and community, yet many feel like we’re drifting further apart. That's concerning, because connection is an important protective factor for our mental health and wellbeing," Ms Nikoloski said."Right now, many people are navigating uncertainty, rising costs and constant change, which can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. Yet our fundamental need to feel connected, safe, understood and valued hasn't changed.""As Mental Health Month begins, it's a timely reminder that even small moments of care, kindness, conversation and connection can help strengthen belonging and support good mental health."“Whether it's reaching out to a friend you haven’t seen in a while, joining a local group, chatting with your local barista or saying hello to a fellow dog walker, simple acts of connection can help foster belonging and community.” The survey findings also suggest many people still feel uncomfortable talking about their mental health challenges, particularly in the workplace."While we've made important progress in reducing stigma around mental health, these results show many people still don't feel comfortable speaking openly at work about mental health challenges," Ms Nikoloski said.Mental Health Australia has developed a range of free campaign resources, including wellbeing calendars, social media tiles, posters and other promotional materials to encourage people to get involved throughout Mental Health Month.“Mental Health Month is an important opportunity to raise awareness of mental health, reduce stigma and encourage people to seek support when they need it. It's also a chance to pause, check in with ourselves and consider the role we can play in helping people feel connected and supported,” Ms Nikoloski said."Together We Thrive is more than a theme. It’s a powerful reminder that strong connections are essential for good mental health, and that when people feel connected, included and supported, individuals, families and communities can thrive.” -ENDS- Media contact: Caroline Illingworth, Mental Health Australia Senior Communications Manager – 0417037595. caroline.illingworth@mentalhealthaustralia.org.au www.worldmentalhealthday.com.aumentalhealthaustralia.org.au