One in two Australians needed mental health support in the past three months, according to a landmark report released on World Mental Health Day, 10 October 2022.
Report to the Nation is the first in a series of annual, independent benchmark surveys, commissioned by Mental Health Australia (MHA) to address a key gap in the mental health data, provide regular insight on the mental health and wellbeing of Australians, and identify important issues for further advocacy around mental health and wellbeing issues.
Key findings included:
- Australians 18-39 years old self-rate as the least mentally well in age comparisons – 6.2 out of 10, with 10 meaning living with excellent mental health
- First Nations Peoples (5.2) and LBGTQIA+ (5.7) self-rate even lower
- 66 % of Australians have felt happy in the past three-months
- 41% of Australians cite family/partner support, love, and socialising with friends as the top-five things important for their mental health and wellbeing
- When Australians needed mental health support, 55% reached out to family, friends, colleagues, or teachers, 44% went to a GP, doctor, or nurse, and 30% went to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counsellor
MHA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Leanne Beagley, said the inaugural research findings show there are still significant gaps for priority populations and ongoing factors challenging Australia’s mental health, but also opportunities for optimism.
“Released on World Mental Health Day, the Mental Health Australia Report to the Nation is a pulse check on the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians, and, promisingly, the research shows most people will reach out to a range of formal and informal mental health supports when needed – this support is regarded as safe, respectful, and effective in improving mental health,” Dr Beagley said.
“Over the last three months more than half of all Australians (54%) reported needing mental health support and 77% of respondents reported being able to attain it, most commonly from family and friends or health practitioners.”
The report, which examined every age group from age 0 to 80+, also found that nine in 10 Australians who accessed mental health support said it improved their mental health, and nearly all respondents (98%) felt safe and respected in the support they received.
“These findings show people are very willing to help others around them, but many still feel like they should solve their problems on their own perhaps because it’s hard to reach out and ask for help or let people know when you are struggling,” Dr Beagley said.
“Concerningly, the findings also highlight there are significant ongoing factors challenging our nation’s mental health including social disconnection; financial and work insecurity; and global threats – there is much more to do to ensure equitable access to services to improve mental health outcomes.
“The research demonstrates that particular population groups, including First Nations Australians, LGBTQIA+ Australians, regional Australians and carers, continue to experience higher rates of mental ill-health and likely greater barriers to service access.”
Dr Beagley pointed out that even though the results highlighted the importance of social connectedness and support from friends and family, less than half of Australian adults (45%) feel part of a community.
“Quality connections with others is a significant predictor of mental health and wellbeing, with Australians aged 40 – 59 experiencing the highest rates of social disconnection, followed by the 18 – 39 age group,” she said.
“The findings remind us of the importance of being aware of our mental health and that of those close to us, finding a sense of belonging and being connected.”
MHA’s Chair, Matt Berriman, believed that Report to the Nation will be important research which can, over time, measure and track how the mental health and wellbeing of the nation evolves each year, evaluating how effective mental health supports are in meeting Australians’ ongoing needs.
“This research was undertaken to help us understand the size of the problem so that we can continue to advocate for a better mental health system in Australia,” Mr Berriman said.
“And it’s not just about solutions we need right now but also meaningful structural reform that ensures a better future. Solutions that will only result from working together – governments, community, and industry – to drive change.”