A Snapshot of Australia’s Mental Health & Wellbeing

Good mental health is fundamental to our overall life satisfaction and wellbeing.   Over the last three years, the number of Australians experiencing a mental or behavioural condition has increased by over 1 million people – with over 4 million Australians (17.5%) now reporting this.  Anxiety related problems and mood (affective) disorders are the most commonly experienced for both males and females.

While more than 1 in 10 (11.7%) of Australians aged over 18 report that they experience high or very high psychological distress, this is most pronounced amongst younger Australians, rising to 15.4% of those aged 18-24.  Females are more likely to experience these high or very high levels of psychological distress, impacting 13.5% of females, and 1 in 5 females (20%) aged 18-24. The issues of greatest concern for young Australians are coping with stress, school or study problems, body image and depression.

Greater complexity occurs for those with a co-existing mental and behavioural condition.  Over 1 in 8 (13.3%) experience a co-existing mental health condition with two or more physical conditions.  These Australians face further challenges, as they are also more likely to be unemployed, live in a lone person household and have a lower educational attainment level, compared with those who just experience physical health conditions.

Nicholas Marks, CEO of Australian Institute of Family Counselling says…

“There are numerous factors contributing to rise of mental health conditions being experienced by Australians – constant demands on people’s time, busier lifestyles, cost of living pressures, breakdown of family units, screen addiction and substance abuse are likely contributors”.

5 Keys to Mental Health & Wellbeing:

Keeping a balanced and healthy lifestyle across all areas of life will impact a person’s mental health and wellbeing. Here are a few factors to consider:

1. Regular exercise and recreation – evidence shows that physical activity can help to alleviate mild depression and anxiety. Find exercise and recreation activities that you enjoy and that suit your interests.
2. Good sleep – maintaining a regular bedtime and practicing sleep hygiene helps to restore and refresh both mind and body.
3. Meaningful relationships – healthy relationships provide nurture and opportunities to grow, and can also reduce stress, while poor relationships and loneliness may negatively impact both physical and mental wellbeing.
4. Contributing to others – studies have shown that altruistic and social interest activities can enhance subjective wellbeing, while those with higher wellbeing are also more likely to be involved in contributing to others.
5. Gratitude – gratitude towards others, as well as regularly focusing on and appreciating positive aspects of a person’s life have been shown to enhance mental health and wellbeing.

Get equipped to help others:

Supportive relationships and a positive community make a great difference to our wellbeing.  Getting equipped with counselling skills can more effectively help others navigate towards better mental health and wellbeing. Australian Institute of Family Counselling is a leading, accredited, national education provider in Christian counselling education.  Find out more at aifc.com.au.

Where to get help:

If you or someone you know needs help there are several ways you can get it.

• Seek the help of your doctor.
• Search for a professional counsellor near you www.theaca.net.au
• Lifeline A 24 hour counselling services for those in crisis 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline Counselling service 1800 551 800
• Men’s Helpline – 24/7 Counselling 1300 789 978
• 91.9 Fresh FM Careline 1800 CARELINE

Originally Posted on 91.9 Fresh FM – Permission attained.

For enquiries or media commentary please contact:

Nicholas Marks
CEO, aifc
M: 0400 478 977
P: 02 6242 5111

Sources:

ABS, 4329.0.00.004 – National Health Survey: Mental Health and co-existing physical health conditions, Australia, 2014 – 15
ABS, 4364.0.55.001 – National Health Survey: First Results, 2014-15
Mission Australia 2015 Youth Survey Report