Tailored work and study support can improve the mental health of young people and get them into jobs and university, despite concerns related stress has a negative impact.
One in five family members are concerned pressure from work or study has a bad influence on the wellbeing of young people, according to research from national youth mental health foundation Headspace.
But evidence released on Saturday shows those receiving tailored work or study support, alongside mental health care, are more likely to have better outcomes.
Leader of Headspace's work and study program Carolyn Watts said a recent study by the foundation found only half of young Australians felt confident applying for a job.
Pressures include feeling inexperienced or unprepared about working or starting university as well as past negative experiences or caring responsibilities.
"The longer not working or studying goes on, the harder it is to get into it," Ms Watts said.
"Young people feel a sense of purpose and learn new skills, build confidence and self-esteem and provide those crucial social and support networks.
"It can also help with feelings of stress and overwhelm that young people often feel, particularly around crucial moments such as exam time."
Headspace's research involved 2128 young people aged 12-25 and compared outcomes of those in its work and study program compared to those receiving standard mental health care.
It found people who received work and study support were up to a third more likely to achieve significantly improved mental wellbeing.
Four in five of the work and study cohort experienced an improvement on at least one of the three mental health measures – psychological distress, quality of life and psychosocial functioning.
This was compared to 75 per cent of those who received standard care.
Almost two-thirds of surveyed young people receiving work and study support ultimately either secured a job or began studying.
In-person work and study support is free and available for 12-25 year-olds at 50 Headspace centres nationally.
It integrates general mental health support with tailored career advice and helps young people to enrol in study, write resumes and prepare for interviews.
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