From Phone Addiction to Men’s Mental Health: A National Picture of Distress

Reflections on the challenges shaping modern family life - from teen wellbeing to men’s mental health - and how we can better support each other.

Different Faces of the Same Problem

In recent years I’ve contributed to conversations about the changing face of psychological distress in Australia. While the headlines differ - teenage screen addiction, men’s mental health struggles, parenting pressures - the core issue remains the same: our wellbeing is under pressure, and we need better ways to cope.

Men’s Mental Health in Focus

During the early waves of the pandemic, I spoke to The Daily Telegraph about the surge in men seeking psychological help. Many were struggling with isolation, financial pressures, and shifting roles within the family. Problems that were once bottled up started spilling out - sometimes in ways that were destructive, other times in quiet moments of crisis.

Teenagers and Digital Overload

Fast forward to 2025, and the story has shifted to young people. In The Courier-Mail, I discussed how teens are now staying up late doom-scrolling, with emotional fallout that can be profound - and sometimes deadly. Exhaustion, disconnection, and feelings of hopelessness are becoming too common in therapy rooms across the country.

Common Ground: What Families Need

Despite the differences between a struggling father and an overwhelmed teen, the remedies often overlap:
- Connection - whether through friendships, family, or community belonging.
- Healthy routines - balancing technology use with sleep, exercise, and meaningful engagement.
- Access to care - timely psychological support, from preventative conversations to structured therapy.
The lesson from these stories is clear: distress may look different at 15 than it does at 45, but the human need for connection, rest, and purpose remains the same.

Final Thoughts

The media stories are vital because they shine a light on what many families are experiencing behind closed doors. But real change happens when families take steps toward healthier daily habits and seek support early.

➡️ If your family is struggling - whether with phone use, stress, or deeper mental health challenges - EmbedPsych is here to help. Together, we can find strategies that bring calm, resilience, and lasting wellbeing.