Mental health in Australia - statistics & facts
Australia ranks among the world's happiest countries. Known colloquially as the ‘Lucky Country’, Australia is world-renowned for its laidback lifestyle, natural wonders, and warm climate. Nonetheless, the Australian population is not immune to mental health problems. In 2022, around 44 percent of adults in Australia stated that mental health is the biggest health problem facing the country. Approximately 40 percent of the adult population in Australia has suffered a mental disorder throughout their lifetime. Mental health is described as the state of one’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. According to the World Health Organization, good mental health is underpinned by a person’s ability to cope with everyday stress, realize their potential, work, and contribute productively to society.
Mental health is a global issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite positive steps made towards the destigmatization and treatment of mental health disorders in recent years, ongoing work is required to improve mental health in Australia and globally. Awareness campaigns to address the stigma of mental illness, specialized prevention and treatment services, and addressing contributing factors such as social isolation, stress, and past trauma are some ways that the incidence and prevalence of mental health may be reduced in the future.
Young people and mental health
In 2021, approximately four in 10 young people aged 16-24 living in Australia had a 12-month mental disorder, exceeding rates of mental disorders across all other adult age groups in the country. Young people are vulnerable to factors such as academic pressure, social isolation, family problems, and bullying, all of which can significantly impact their mental health, overall well-being, and future prospects. Young people in Australia identified coping with stress, mental health, body image, and suicide as some of the leading issues of personal concern in 2022. Promisingly, many young people sought mental health support in Australia that year. However, the stigma and shame associated with mental illness remain a leading barrier preventing young people from accessing mental health support.COVID-19 impact on mental health
The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to people’s lives. While each person’s experience was unique, on a broad scale, there was increased uncertainty, more social isolation through lockdowns and other restrictions, and changes to daily routines. Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the diagnosis of millions of additional cases of anxiety and depression. People spent extended periods of time away from family, friends, and colleagues, which contributed to increased feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression. Feelings of anxiety and stress were also emphasized by the widespread fear of contracting the virus, people worrying about their loved ones becoming unwell, and many people experiencing financial insecurity through job losses and workplace closures.Mental health is a global issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite positive steps made towards the destigmatization and treatment of mental health disorders in recent years, ongoing work is required to improve mental health in Australia and globally. Awareness campaigns to address the stigma of mental illness, specialized prevention and treatment services, and addressing contributing factors such as social isolation, stress, and past trauma are some ways that the incidence and prevalence of mental health may be reduced in the future.
