Mental Health In Australia

Throughout the world, Mental Health issues and awareness are increasing. With more discussion around Mental Health, the stigma associated with it is starting to decrease. It is important to keep up this momentum and ensure that mental health remains a prominent topic so that, as a nation, we can begin to help those who are experiencing it and lessen its effects.

Mental Health And Wellbeing

Mental health and wellbeing can take many forms, and it is important to take notice of our wellbeing so that we can reduce our chances of mental illness and its effects if we experience it. Since the outbreak of the covid pandemic, it has become ever more important, and situations such as isolation have exacerbated some people’s already low mental health. If you are currently in isolation or quarantine and you want to improve your overall wellbeing, see the tips below.

Taking care of your wellbeing can be doing something as simple as calling a friend or family member, doing a hobby you love, such as dancing or working out at home, reading a book, and practising mindfulness. You can practice mindfulness by journaling or meditating.

Mental Health Services

Australia is home to a variety of services that can assist yourself or a loved one with depression or feelings of anxiety, substance use disorders, and general questions about your mental health.

Lifeline

Lifeline is a prominent Australian Charity that provides help to an Australian person in need every 30 seconds. Offering 24-hour support and suicide prevention services, this charity is open to all Australians regardless of age.

They also offer incredible resources for what to do if you are not feeling yourself or are worried about someone else.

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue offers “Support. Advice. Action”. You can call, chat with them online or access their resources on Anxiety, Depression and Suicide. Information is tailored to different demographics so that you can find resources that relate to your situation.

Kids Helpline

Specialising in young people ages 5 – 25 years old, Kids Helpline offers help anytime for any reason. Their resources are split into categories of:

5 to 12
13 to 17
18 to 25
Parents and Carers
Schools and Teachers

So there is something to help everyone. Their phone counselling service operates 24 hours a day, and there is an online chat tool available if you do not wish to talk on the phone.

Mensline Australia

Mensline Australia offers assistance online or via telephone to men across Australia. Free help, support and referrals mean that you can access their services without payment and get the help you need as soon as possible.

Mental Health Statistics

In 2020, Australia’s Health Report was released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This included three national surveys that helped to indicate the prevalence of various mental health issues within the wider Australian community. The National Survey of Health and Wellbeing Surveys focused on various demographics and were taken in different years to piece together a bigger picture of the wellbeing of Australia’s mental health.

As shown in the infographic below, a staggering 45% of Australians reported that they had experienced mental health issues when the survey was recorded, and this consisted of 48% males and 43% females. The majority of recorded mental health problems were also related to anxiety. The next largest issue reported was substance abuse.

How Can I Help?

You can learn how to help those around you with a Mental Health First Aid Course.

Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to recognise the signs that someone around you is struggling and what steps you can take to help. Over the course of two six-hour sessions learn how to help others and potentially save a life. To learn more about the course click here.