"It's not about saying we need more money, we need to be smarter with how we're investing it," the 22-year-old Brisbane resident said.
"We also need to improve general social inequalities that are causing these problems."
Berry, who has lived experience of mental illness, disability and neurodivergence, is one of a surging number of young Australians with mental health challenges.
More than a third of young Australians (36 per cent) met criteria for anxiety, mood or substance disorders, up from 23 per cent in 2007, according to a report led by Sydney University researchers.
Those in the 16-24 age cohort suffering severe disorders rose from 14.7 per cent to 24 per cent, according to the study examining national survey data to 2022.
Co-lead author Tim Slade said the problems facing young people go beyond simply feeling more stressed.
"We are seeing higher rates of severe mental disorders that can profoundly disrupt daily functioning, and have lasting consequences for wellbeing," the professor from the university's Matilda Centre for Mental Health and Substance Use.
''A mental health condition can often begin in a person's early years and, without the right support and treatment, become entrenched throughout their life."
The report meshed with data from Kids Helpline, run by the charity Yourtown, which showed a dramatic spike in calls.
The free service has fielded 2965 crisis calls from those at risk so far in 2026, up 26 per cent on the same period in 2025.
Chief executive Tracy Adams said the helpline was increasingly hearing from young people after situations hit crisis point
"The really concerning part is the elevation we continue to see in crisis presentation, where that really is a young person presenting in significant distress, often in times when they're in harms way," Ms Adams told AAP.
The data matched wider evidence showing young people are experiencing higher rates of mental health concerns, he said.
"There's growing pressure around cost of living, housing and uncertainty about the future," Ms Adams said.
Berry, who grew up with limited mental health services available in country Tasmania, also cited precarious work and housing - as well as digital media - as factors.
"If young people feel there's no hope for them and they have severe climate anxiety, and think they're never going to be able to own a house, of course they're going to have mental health challenges," they said.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
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