A new Australian report says children should be screened for mental illnesses before they enter preschool for signs of anxiety or depression.
The Productivity Commission, the Australian government's review and advisory body on social regulation, looked closely at mental health and recommended a number of reforms, including treating it early.
The commission found that while many teachers could identify atypical behaviour, their training didn't equip them to identify or respond to mental health risks effectively.
Their suggestion is for teacher training to include child and adolescent social and emotional development.
The report also proposes the introduction of 'wellbeing leaders' in schools who will oversee wellbeing policies and assist teachers and students in finding support.
In larger schools, they recommend this position is full-time.
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Productivity Commission chair Michael Brennan said 75 per cent of people who develop a mental illness first experience symptoms before they turn 25.
"Mental ill-health in critical schooling and employment years has long-lasting effects for not only your job prospects but many aspects of your life. Getting help early is key to prevention and better outcomes," he said.
"Too many people still avoid treatment because of stigma, and too many people fall through the gaps in the system because the services they need are not available or suitable."
The report found mental health currently costs Australia up to $A180 billion ($NZ194 billion) per year because treatment and services are not meeting community expectations.
Newshub.
