There has never been a tougher time for young Australians navigating adolescence and early adulthood, with eight of out 10 family members fearing for their mental health.
An inaugural survey by national foundation headspace quizzed 2059 family members, including parents, carers, siblings, elders, close friends and step family who care for a young person aged from 12 to 25.
Some 79 per cent of those polled had at least some level of concern about their young person's mental health.
Those who cared for an LGBTQI young person (90 per cent) or one belonging to a multicultural community (85 per cent) were most likely to hold mental heath fears.
Headspace chief executive Jason Trethowan said the results were not surprising in light of challenges facing families, including school refusal, cost-of-living pressures and impacts from extreme climate events.
"What this research shows is that families are paying attention to the young people in their lives and that they understand that it has never been more difficult to navigate adolescence and early adulthood," he said.
"Many young people are having a tough time, and it is very normal for their loved ones to be concerned for them."
Almost half (45 per cent) of respondents discussed mental health and wellbeing with their child at least weekly.
But the more concerned families were, the less likely they were to have conversations about mental health with their youngster.
Almost a third of concerned family members said discussions about mental health were difficult, compared to 11 per cent of those who didn't report concern.
Another fifth of survey participants who reported concern did not feel confident to ask a professional for help.
The release of the findings coincides with headspace day, with federal MPs expected to attend an event at Parliament House on Wednesday to mark the occasion.
Geelong woman Kim Edgar, who will address the crowd after her 17-year-old son Daniel died by suicide six years ago, said conversations with young people needed to begin before mental health issues emerged.
"These conversations are not easy, and sometimes might not go as planned," she said.
"It can be terrifying to hear something serious from our young person, but it's that information that will prompt us to take the next step towards getting help.
"There also needs to be support for the supporters.
"This means ensuring that families know when and where to look for support for their young person, and that they are included in the care their young person receives."
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
