Mental Health in Australia
Australia's Mental Health Landscape: Insights from the 2020-22 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing
Written by Aimee Oliveri (Clinical Psychologist & Mental Health Content Creator) in Collaboration with Clarity Health Care
A Historical Picture of Mental Health
In the not-so-distant past, mental health issues were often stigmatised, misunderstood and dismissed. Individuals grappling with psychological challenges found themselves marginalised by society, their struggles hidden, and their needs unmet. This approach not only prolonged their suffering but hindered societal progress in addressing mental health effectively.
But times have changed, and so has the narrative around mental health. Today, mental health is prominently featured in social media, our workplaces, and within educational institutions. We've seen a rise in awareness initiatives such as 'R U OK Day' and better access to mental health support through telehealth and online chat. These changes have been crucial in raising awareness and dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health.
At Clarity Health Care, we are inspired by these strides and are committed to bolstering this growth. Our mission is to support the recovery of 100,000 individuals within our community by 2030. As part of our mission, we're passionate about keeping you in the know regarding the state of mental health in Australia. In this blog post, we'll dissect the latest findings from the 2020-2022 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, conducted by The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Understanding Mental Health Disorders: What You Need to Know
In a world where phrases like 'I'm feeling anxious' or 'I need a mental health day' roll off the tongue, understanding the distinction between our daily emotional experiences and mental health disorders is crucial. We often confuse everyday emotions like feeling anxious or sad, with mental health conditions such as an anxiety or depressive disorder.
Our daily emotional experiences sit on a spectrum, and therefore, we may find that at any given day or week we experience moments when we feel anxious, sad, stressed, or even more complex emotional states like grief. This is all a part of what makes us human. The defining point is when these states persist beyond what is typical and affect our daily functioning. At that juncture, a mental health professional may diagnose a condition or disorder.
Unveiling Australia's Most Prevalent Mental Health Conditions
On October 5, 2023, The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the results of the 2020-22 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, offering the most current insights into mental health in Australia since 2007.
Here’s What They Found:
Approximately 2 in 5 (42.9%) Australians aged 16-85 years have experienced a mental disorder at some stage in their lives
Approximately 1 in 5 Australians (21.5%) experienced a mental disorder in 2020-22.
The Most Prevalent Mental Health Conditions in Australia
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders affect approximately 17.2% of Australians. Examples of anxiety disorders include social anxiety disorder and generalised anxiety disorder. Individuals with anxiety disorders may experience:
Physical Symptoms:
Muscle Tension
Increased Heart Rate
Breathing problems
Stomach issues
Sweating
Dizziness
Headaches
Emotional Symptoms:
Excessive Worry
Irritability
Restlessness
Fatigue
Trouble Concentrating
Sleep Disturbances
Behavioural Symptoms:
Avoidance
Compulsions
Excessive Checking
Procrastination
Social Withdrawal
Substance Use
Affective Disorders
Affective disorders, encompassing depressive and bipolar disorders, impact around 7.5% of Australians. People experiencing these disorders may face:
Depressive Disorders:
Sadness, hopelessness
Loss of interest
Changes in appetite and weight
Sleep problems
Constant fatigue
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Restlessness or slowed movements
Thoughts of death or suicide
Bipolar Disorders:
Depressive episodes with periods of:
Inflated self-esteem
Talkativeness
Increased energy or activity
Elevated or Irritable Mood
Impulsivity or risk-taking
Racing thoughts
Sleeping less
DistractibilityIn cases of mania, severe impairment in functioning and/or hospitalisation
Substance Use disorders
Substance use disorders, affecting approximately 3.3% of Australians, encompass alcohol and drug-related issues. Individuals experiencing these disorders may exhibit:
Psychological Symptoms:
Strong cravings
Difficulty cutting down
Needing more for effect (Tolerance)
Withdrawal symptoms
Behavioural Symptoms:
Increased use
Significant time spent on the substance
Neglecting responsibilities
Relationship problems
Withdrawal from activities
Risky use
Using despite harm
More People are Seeking Help
The study also revealed a noteworthy increase in the percentage of Australians accessing mental health services, with the rate rising from 12% in 2007 to 17.4% in 2020-22.
What Does This Mean for Me?
Imagine you're in a room with ten of your fellow Australians. Statistics show that, in this group, approximately five of you are likely to experience mental health challenges at some point in your life. And of those five, most will encounter common mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders. This is why it's crucial to prioritise our mental health and support one another. Together, we can take strides towards a mentally healthier Australia.
How Australia Can Continue Making Strides in Mental Health
Australia has made significant progress in recognising and addressing mental health challenges, but there's always room for improvement. Here's how we can continue moving forward, and how you can play your part:
Promote Awareness: Take time to learn about and educate others on mental health
End Stigma: Talk openly about mental health and challenge stereotypes.
Be Supportive: Offer a listening ear to those in need and guide them to professional supports where necessary.
Seek Help: If you’re struggling with your mental health, seek professional help.
Volunteer and Donate: Help out your local mental health organisations.
Key Takeaways
The 2020-22 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing highlighted some of the most common mental health disorders in Australia, including anxiety disorders, affective disorders, and substance use disorders. Australia has made significant progress in recognising and addressing mental health challenges, and the landscape is changing for the better. However, it's important to remember that there is still work to be done.
Together, we can work towards a mentally healthier Australia. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, don't hesitate to reach out for help. We have some of the best Psychologists and Clinical Psychologists in Australia. Please contact Clarity Health Care here for guidance on booking an appointment with one of our mental health clinicians. Your well-being matters, and support is available.
The key interventions our Psychologists and Clinical Psychologists are trained in include:
Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR Therapy)
Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Schema Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Family and Couples Therapy
In case of emergencies, please call 000 for immediate assistance or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)