One in five Gen Zs have nobody to turn to for support, new data reveals ahead of World Mental Health Day
8 October 2026Young 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.au
Tess 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.au
Tess Mithieux - ReachOut Senior Manager – Media and Government Relations – 0411 708 587 / tessa@reachout.com
About Mental Health Australia
Mental 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 ReachOut
ReachOut 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 health
Please follow the Mindframe Guidelines.