Medicinal cannabis approvals for people aged 25 and under have risen sharply in Australia, according to Therapeutic Goods Administration data. More than 50,000 approvals were issued between 2016 and 2024, with most going to people aged 20 to 25. Anxiety and chronic pain were the leading reasons given. University of Melbourne researcher Christine Hallinan warned that THC, the most commonly prescribed compound for these age groups, can affect mental health and motivation. She also raised concerns about online clinics and prescribers linked to suppliers.
Psychotherapist Hope Rosenberg says rising stress and anxiety are increasingly common among her patients, and that many do not know how to manage them. She has developed One-5 Pops, a lollipop designed to support sensory grounding techniques. The Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Centre says sour lollies can provide a temporary distraction by drawing attention back to the present moment. It also says this is only a temporary tool, and that the root cause of anxiety often needs more intensive treatment. Disability support worker Billie-May Duckworth, 26, says she keeps a lollipop in her bag to help manage restlessness.
Eating one extra serve of fruit a day is linked to a 13 per cent lower risk of depression symptoms in teenagers, a University of Sydney study has found. The same extra serve was linked to a seven per cent lower risk of anxiety symptoms. Higher intake of sugary drinks, such as soft drinks, cordials and sports drinks, was linked to a higher risk of both conditions, with a stronger link in male teenagers, particularly for anxiety. The study followed 6537 adolescents from 71 secondary schools across NSW, Queensland and Western Australia from Year 7 to Year 10.
Year 12 exams can trigger anxiety, with one in six students experiencing extreme stress. This stress response, involving physical symptoms like increased heart rate and sweating, can impair academic performance. Clinical psychologists suggest challenging negative thoughts, focusing on breathing, and planning the exam to manage anxiety. Mild to moderate stress can actually improve performance, and exercise after the exam can help reduce stress hormones.
