Mental health in Australia has been through a significant shift in the last 50 years, with 20% of Australians experiencing one or more mental health episodes in their lifetimes. [1] Australia runs on a mixed health care system, with both public and private health care. The public system includes a government run insurance scheme called Medicare, which aids mental health schemes. Each state within Australia has its own management plans for mental health treatment. However, the overarching system and spending remains the same. [2]
Australia has instituted a British system of managing mental health since the first fleet arrived in 1788. Australia had its first psychiatric facility in 1811. Previously individuals with mental illnesses were placed together with convicts and criminals. [3]
One of the key moments in Australia’s history of mental health care, was its so-called deinstitutionalisation in New South Wales (NSW). This came about after the Richmond Report was released in 1983. This report investigated the rumours of abuse and injustices towards the patients of psychiatric institutions. Controversies over whether or not the report did any good remain. [4]
The first National Mental Health Care Plan was introduced in 1992. There have been six national mental health care plans. The Sixth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan (Fifth Plan) was published in May 2021.
Despite the fact that Australia has been celebrated for its sophisticated mental health management systems, there are still are a wide range of issues. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) reported in the 2018 mental health review that “Currently Australia lacks an overarching mental health ‘architecture’. There is no agreed national design or structure that facilitates prevention or proper care for people with mental illness.” [5] While the organisation noted that youth mental health care was fairly successful, it believed that the status of treatment for adults was severely lacking. The AMA argued that the Australian government lacked a structural plan for mental health management and that the future of mental health treatment in Australia was in a dangerous position.
The Australian government spent $9.1 billion on mental health related services in 2017. This averaged out to $375 per person, a rise from $359 in the year prior. In 2016-2017, 7.4% of the Australian government's health expenditure went towards mental health services. Critics have requested an increase in funding, claiming that the mental health budget is far too small. In 2015, mental health accounted for 5.2% of the overall yearly health budgeting, although mental health equated to 12% of the total burden of disease. [6]
It is estimated that 45% of Australian, roughly 8.6 million, adults will experience a mental disorder within their lives. Additionally, 3.2 million Australians have had a mental disorder that has lasted for more than 12 months. The most prevalent mental disorders were: anxiety disorders, affective disorders and substance use disorders. 14.4% of Australia’s population suffered from anxiety disorders which were more common in females. Affective disorders followed with 6.2% of the population with an equally distributed gender balance. Substance use disorders affected 5.1% of the population, with men being significantly higher (7.7% for males and 3.3% for females). [1] The Australian Health and Wellbeing Institute reported in 2015 that 14% (560,000) of children and adolescents experienced mental health disorders. [7]
In terms of other mental disorders, Bipolar 1 Disorder has been estimated to affect about 1% of the general public and Bipolar 11 Disorder affects roughly 5% of the population. Bipolar Disorder affects 33% of men in their lifetime. However, experts estimate the number is far higher due to a large portion of undiagnosed cases. [8] Mood disorders have been noted to affect females more than men, with 7.1% and 5.3% respectively. [1]
The Mental Health Services 2018 Report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare produced a wide spectrum of new statistics about the Australian population. Four point two million people or 16.5% of the population received mental health related prescriptions during 2017-2018, Seventy per cent of the prescriptions were for antidepressant medications. Tasmania had the highest proportion of those prescriptions at 22%; the smallest proportion was the Northern Territory at 9%.
In terms of general practice (GP), 12.4% of all consultations were mental health related in 2015-2016. Depression was reported to be the most common mental health related diagnosis, estimated at 1 in 3 people. Medication was the most common treatment recommendation with 61% of encounters. [2]
Additionally, reports released by the Australian Health and Wellbeing Institute found that 1 in 3 Indigenous people experience high or very high levels of psychological distress. Indigenous individuals are managed by general practitioners at a rate of 1.3 times in comparison with other Australian individuals. [9]
The prevalence of both depression and perinatal depression within the population of mothers in Australia has been noted by health organisations as rather high, with depression seen in 20% of mothers with children aged 24 months or less. Perinatal Depression was found in half of that group. These figures equate to 110,000 mothers with depression and 56,000 with perinatal depression. The report found that a majority of mothers went for treatment from a GP or a mental health organisation/treatment provider. [10]
In 2010, the rate of high or very high levels of psychological distress for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults was more than twice that of non-Indigenous Australians. [11] A 2007 study in The Lancet found that the four greatest preventable contributions to the Indigenous mental health burden of disease were: alcohol consumption, illicit drugs, child sexual abuse and intimate partner violence. [12] Up to 15% of the 10 year life expectancy gap compared to non-Indigenous Australians has been attributed to mental health disorders. [13] Mental health should be taken into consideration in the Aboriginal concept of health and well-being. [14] In the incidence of children and the elderly many problems tend to be hidden. Some of the behavioural problems encountered tend to be linked to neurodevelopment delay and a failing education system. [15]
Mental health, suicide and self-harm remain major concerns, with the suicide rate being double that of the non-Indigenous population in 2015, and young people experiencing rising mental health rates. [16]
A 2017 article in The Lancet described the suicide rate among Indigenous Australians as a "catastrophic crisis":
In 2015, more than 150 Indigenous people died by suicide, the highest figure ever recorded nationally and double the rate of non-Indigenous people, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Additionally, Indigenous children make up one in three child suicides despite making up a minuscule percentage of the population. Moreover, in parts of the country such as Kimberley, WA, suicide rates among Indigenous people are among the highest in the world. [17]
The report advocates Indigenous-led national response to the crisis, asserting that suicide prevention programmes have failed this segment of the population. [17] The ex-prisoner population of Australian Aboriginal people is particularly at risk of committing suicide; organisations such as Ngalla Maya have been set up to offer assistance. [18]
There are high incidences of anxiety, depression, PTSD and suicide amongst the Stolen Generations, with this resulting in unstable parenting and family situations. [19]
Some mental health problems are attributed to the inter-generational trauma brought about by the Stolen Generations. [20]
There are known links between mental health and substance abuse. [21] [22] [23] [24]
The 2019 ABS data showed that about 24% of Indigenous people, including children with 23% of males and 25% of females distribution, experienced mental health issues. [25] The survey indicated that anxiety is the most common condition with females suffering at 21% and males at a lower, 12%.In 2015 suicides reached a 13 year high with 3,027 Australians taking their own life. "The male suicide rate ranged from a high of 5.6 times that of females in 1930 to lows of less than twice the female rate in the 1960s and early 1970s—mainly due to the marked rise in female suicide rates at this time. Since then, the male suicide rate has fluctuated around 3–4 times that of the female rate". It is the number one cause of death of people aged 15 to 44. [26] The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that nearly eight people commit suicide in Australia each day. [27]
In the last ten years, Australia has made a range of improvements towards treatment for mental health. In 2006, Medicare adapted the benefits schedule to prioritise mental health treatment, with a large increase in the portion of treatment plans prescribed. There were 1.3 million mental health treatment plans prescribed by general practitioners and 4.95 million by psychologist related services. [2] The proportion of individuals that sought out mental health treatment doubled between 1997 and 2007.
Australia’s key strategy in mental health planning comes down to: first point of contact. Mental health care providers and treaters are focused making the first point of contact the most significant/impactful. Hence, the main recommendation offered by government health organisations, is for the patient to visit their general practitioner. The aim of this is to prevent further harm or damage coming to the patient and to be able to create a personalised mental health treatment plan for the individual patient.
Head to Health is an online and hotline service designed to assist individuals struggling with mental health issues; all responders are trained health professionals. Head to Health also has provided over 408 resources for individuals that are struggling, including websites, online programs, apps, forums and the hotline services. [28]
At Ease is an organisation aimed at helping veterans and families of veterans with mental trauma, providing assistance and resources. At Ease is managed by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and runs a range of online programs to meet different individuals needs. [29]
Beyond Blue is an organisation that works with individuals struggling from a wide range of mental health issues, mainly: substance abuse disorders, depression disorders and anxiety related disorders. Beyond Blue aims to educate the Australian public about mental health and provide the skills to protect it. The mission statement of Beyond Blue is as follows "We're here for everyone in Australia – at work, home, school, university, online, and in communities across the country." [30] Beyond Blue operates their helpline 24/7 and provides a brief 20 minute consultation for anyone.
Headspace is aimed at aiding adolescents (12–25 year olds) with issues surrounding mental health. Headspace offers counselling services as the main point of treatment. A key focus is early intervention, to prevent mental illness having a long lasting impact on an individual's life. Headspace is one of Australia’s leading mental health organisations, with over 100 locations across the country, all of which are either free or low cost. Headspace has also launched a further initiative focused on aiding students - Headspace Student Support, . [31]
KidsMatter is a mental health organisation focused on preventing problems and supporting children's mental health. Their vision is as follows "every learning community is positive, inclusive and resilient – a place where every child, young person, educator and family can achieve their best possible mental health." [32]
Lifeline is Australia's main suicide prevention hotline and is a registered charity, providing support services and accepting calls 24/7. Lifeline receives a new call every minute from somewhere in Australia. Individuals call Lifeline about a range of mental health problems including: anxiety, stress, depression and suicidal thoughts. The main Lifeline number is: 13 11 14 [33]
Health Direct serves as a portal providing information about Australia's health services and general information about illnesses. Under the Mental Health disorders sub-category, Health Direct links to a range of other Australian organisations designed to cover a wide range of patient needs. [34]
National Mental Health Commission is an organisation that reports on the current status of Australia's mental health support system. The National Mental Health Commission's mission statement "is to give mental health and suicide prevention national attention, to influence reform and to help people live contributing lives by reporting, advising and collaborating." [35]
OzHelp Foundation is a non-profit organisation aimed at industry and workplaces, focused on preventing mental illness and improving mental wellbeing of employees. The mission of the OzHelp Foundation is: "OzHelp continue to strive towards improving the mental health and wellbeing of people in the workforce and the wider community." [36]
Postpartum depression (PPD), also called postnatal depression, is a mood disorder experienced after childbirth, which can affect both sexes. Symptoms may include extreme sadness, low energy, anxiety, crying episodes, irritability, and changes in sleeping or eating patterns. PPD can also negatively affect the newborn child.
Beyond Blue is an Australian mental health and wellbeing support organisation. They provide support programs to address issues related to depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other related mental illnesses.
Mental health in China is a growing issue. Experts have estimated that about 130 million adults living in China are suffering from a mental disorder. The desire to seek treatment is largely hindered by China's strict social norms, as well as religious and cultural beliefs regarding personal reputation and social harmony.
Men's health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, as experienced by men, and not merely the absence of disease. Differences in men's health compared to women's can be attributed to biological factors, behavioural factors, and social factors.
Gender is correlated with the prevalence of certain mental disorders, including depression, anxiety and somatic complaints. For example, women are more likely to be diagnosed with major depression, while men are more likely to be diagnosed with substance abuse and antisocial personality disorder. There are no marked gender differences in the diagnosis rates of disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Men are at risk to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to past violent experiences such as accidents, wars and witnessing death, and women are diagnosed with PTSD at higher rates due to experiences with sexual assault, rape and child sexual abuse. Nonbinary or genderqueer identification describes people who do not identify as either male or female. People who identify as nonbinary or gender queer show increased risk for depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. People who identify as transgender demonstrate increased risk for depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Suicide risk assessment is a process of estimating the likelihood for a person to attempt or die by suicide. The goal of a thorough risk assessment is to learn about the circumstances of an individual person with regard to suicide, including warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors. Risk for suicide is re-evaluated throughout the course of care to assess the patient's response to personal situational changes and clinical interventions. Accurate and defensible risk assessment requires a clinician to integrate a clinical judgment with the latest evidence-based practice, although accurate prediction of low base rate events, such as suicide, is inherently difficult and prone to false positives.
Global mental health is the international perspective on different aspects of mental health. It is 'the area of study, research and practice that places a priority on improving mental health and achieving equity in mental health for all people worldwide'. There is a growing body of criticism of the global mental health movement, and has been widely criticised as a neo-colonial or "missionary" project and as primarily a front for pharmaceutical companies seeking new clients for psychiatric drugs.
Youth suicide is when a young person, generally categorized as someone below the legal age of majority, deliberately ends their own life. Rates of youth suicide and attempted youth suicide in Western societies and other countries are high. Youth suicide attempts are more common among girls, but adolescent males are the ones who usually carry out suicide. Suicide rates in youths have nearly tripled between the 1960s and 1980s. For example, in Australia suicide is second only to motor vehicle accidents as its leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 25.
Services for mental health disorders provide treatment, support, or advocacy to people who have psychiatric illnesses. These may include medical, behavioral, social, and legal services.
Gender inequality can be defined as the unequal treatment of individuals based on their gender. Individuals can be marginalised and discriminated from society and be restricted to participate in society due to their gender. Australian women, men, and transgender and non-binary people may all experience aspects of gender inequality. In 2017, Australia ranked as the 35th best country for gender equality.
Substance use disorder (SUD) is the persistent use of drugs despite the substantial harm and adverse consequences to one's own self and others, as a result of their use. In perspective, the effects of the wrong use of substances that are capable of causing harm to the user or others, have been extensively described in different studies using a variety of terms such as substance use problems, problematic drugs or alcohol use, and substance use disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that "Substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable mental disorder that affects a person's brain and behavior, leading to their inability to control their use of substances like legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. Symptoms can be moderate to severe, with addiction being the most severe form of SUD". Substance use disorders (SUD) are considered to be a serious mental illness that fluctuates with the age that symptoms first start appearing in an individual, the time during which it exists and the type of substance that is used. It is not uncommon for those who have SUD to also have other mental health disorders. Substance use disorders are characterized by an array of mental/emotional, physical, and behavioral problems such as chronic guilt; an inability to reduce or stop consuming the substance(s) despite repeated attempts; operating vehicles while intoxicated; and physiological withdrawal symptoms. Drug classes that are commonly involved in SUD include: alcohol (alcoholism); cannabis; opioids; stimulants such as nicotine, cocaine and amphetamines; benzodiazepines; barbiturates; and other substances.
headspace, formally the headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation, is an Australian non-profit organisation for youth mental health established by the Australian Government in 2006. The project is funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care under the Youth Mental Health Initiative Program, and indirectly supported through the Better Access Scheme.
Indigenous health in Australia examines health and wellbeing indicators of Indigenous Australians compared with the rest of the population. Statistics indicate that Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders are much less healthy than other Australians. Various government strategies have been put into place to try to remediate the problem; there has been some improvement in several areas, but statistics between Indigenous Australians and the rest of the Australian population still show unacceptable levels of difference.
The effects of climate change on mental health and wellbeing are documented. This is especially the case for vulnerable populations and those with pre-existing serious mental illness. There are three broad pathways by which these effects can take place: directly, indirectly or via awareness. The direct pathway includes stress-related conditions caused by exposure to extreme weather events. These include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Scientific studies have linked mental health to several climate-related exposures. These include heat, humidity, rainfall, drought, wildfires and floods. The indirect pathway can be disruption to economic and social activities. An example is when an area of farmland is less able to produce food. The third pathway can be of mere awareness of the climate change threat, even by individuals who are not otherwise affected by it.
Males make up just under half of the total Australian population of 23 million. On average Australian males live to around 78 years of age, with the life expectancy of an Indigenous Australian male in 2009 being around 67 years of age and non indigenous men in remote areas living to around 70. On average female mortality rates are lower than males across the entire age spectrum.
MindSpot Clinic (MindSpot) is Australia's first free national online mental health clinic which launched in December 2012. It provides screening assessments and internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) courses for Australians troubled by stress, worry, anxiety and depression.
Over the past few decades, mental health has become an increasingly serious issue in health in South Korea. A 2021 survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare found that 32.7% of males and 22.9% of females in South Korea developed symptoms of mental illness at least one time in their lives. Suicide in South Korea is the most frequent cause of death for people aged 9 to 24. Mental health issues are most common among the elderly and adolescents.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of people across the globe. The pandemic has caused widespread anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. According to the UN health agency WHO, in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, prevalence of common mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, went up by more than 25 percent. The pandemic has damaged social relationships, trust in institutions and in other people, has caused changes in work and income, and has imposed a substantial burden of anxiety and worry on the population. Women and young people face the greatest risk of depression and anxiety. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study of Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic, "63 percent of young people reported experiencing substantial symptoms of anxiety and depression".
Suicide and trauma is the increased risk of suicide that is caused by psychological trauma.
The social determinants of mental health (SDOMH) are societal problems that disrupt mental health, increase risk of mental illness among certain groups, and worsen outcomes for individuals with mental illnesses. Much like the social determinants of health (SDOH), SDOMH include the non-medical factors that play a role in the likelihood and severity of health outcomes, such as income levels, education attainment, access to housing, and social inclusion. Disparities in mental health outcomes are a result of a multitude of factors and social determinants, including fixed characteristics on an individual level – such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation – and environmental factors that stem from social and economic inequalities – such as inadequate access to proper food, housing, and transportation, and exposure to pollution.