new data reveals cost of living, study pressure and job uncertainty among top concerns for young people

Key points 
•    New data shows cost of living, study pressure and job uncertainty are among the biggest concerns for young Australians.
•    The findings are highlighted during headspace Work and Study Month in March 2026, celebrating 10 years of supporting young people with education and employment goals.

New findings from the headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey reveal that three of the top four concerns impacting young people’s mental health relate to financial stress and future employment.

Based on a survey of more than 3,000 young people, nearly half (49%) of young people surveyed ranked cost of living among their top five concerns—significantly higher than any other concern. 

Other major stressors include study pressure (38%), future job opportunities (34%) and housing affordability (34%). Forty-two per cent said they felt hesitant to have children due to financial pressures.

Usha Makenna, headspace Youth National Reference Group member, said financial pressures are shaping how young people make decisions about their futures.

“Cost of living, study pressure and uncertainty about future employment are constant sources of stress for young people. What strikes me most is how normalised that stress has become,” Usha said.

“All young people are feeling the pinch in the cost-of-living crisis, regardless of whether they’re study, training, working, or transitioning through stages. And that pressure shapes the decisions on what we prioritise and our decisions for the future.”

The findings emphasise the importance of the headspace Work and Study support program, which provides tailored job and education services for young people.

The service, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, combines general mental health care with tailored career advice, recognising that mental health challenges can be a barrier to achieving education and employment goals.

Carolyn Watts, headspace Head of Work and Study, said the work and study program helps young people achieve their work and study goals, all while supporting their mental health.

“headspace Work and Study is an incredible program that helps young people build confidence, resilience and hope for the future while supporting their mental health. It empowers young people to set goals and develop skills that support both their career and mental health,” Watts said.

“We know that working or studying provides purpose and connection. That’s why we have been working for the last 10 years to empower young people to navigate challenges across education and employment so they can thrive in life and work.”

More information about the headspace Work and Study support program is available here.