The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ national study of mental health and wellbeing recently released highlights the prevalence of mental ill-health and distress. This study showed almost half (44%) of Australian adults – 8.6 million people – have experienced a mental health condition at some point in their life. Further insights from the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing found that in 2020-21:
15% of Australians reported experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress – with females (19%) more likely to experience this than males (12%)
one in five people (20%) aged 16-34 years experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress – more than twice the rate of those aged 65-85 years
one in six Australians (17%) aged 16-85 years had experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviours in their life
3.4 million Australians saw a health professional for their mental health
of people experiencing a mental health condition who saw a health professional, nearly 30% reported not have their need for counselling fully met, and 26% not having their need for information fully met.
These results indicate that unfortunately the rates of mental ill-health have not seen enough change since the last survey undertaken in 2007, which found 45% of Australian adults experienced a mental health condition in their lifetime and 20% in any given year. The National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing paints a clear picture – fundamental reform is required to reverse the trend and improve Australian’s mental health and wellbeing. If you require support contact your EAP Assist counsellor.
