• 31 October 2024
• Siobhan Whalley at pirkx
• 5 minutes read

What does Australia’s Mental Health Landscape look like in 2024?

The mental health landscape of Australia is constantly changing

The mental health landscape of Australia is constantly changing, making it important to stay informed about the prevalence, treatment options, and overall impact of mental health conditions across the country. At pirkx, we prioritise wellbeing and understand how important it is to keep on top of such issues, to ensure the work we do brings a positive and lasting impact on Australia’s current mental health system.

Prevalence of Mental Health Conditions

Around 1 in 5 Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental disorder, highlighting the widespread nature of mental health issues in the country. These conditions vary, but the most common include:

• Affective disorders, such as depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Eating disorders
• Substance use disorders

Of these, anxiety disorders were the most prevalent between 2020-2022. They affect approximately 3.4 million people in Australia, followed closely by affective and substance use disorders.

Impact on the Nation

Given these statistics, it's inevitable that mental health disorders have a significant impact across Australia, affecting individuals, families, communities, and the economy. Mental health issues are often linked to a higher risk of physical health problems, unemployment, and homelessness.

Despite this, there remains a profound lack of mental health support, resources, and services. This stresses the need for comprehensive, nationwide strategies to address this critical issue.

What is the Government Doing to Combat This?

The Australian government has acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and has made substantial investments in recent years to support the mental health system. In the 2023-2024 budget, nearly $600 million was allocated to a wide range of mental health initiatives. This went towards,

• Introduction of more headspace centres in remote communities
• Implementation of wellbeing and suicide prevention programs targeted towards students, parents, and refugees

The Mental Health Landscape, Digitised

In today’s increasingly digital world, mental health services have also seen the same shift towards a more digital nature. This is especially evident in remote areas, including those that have limited access to traditional care. Some of the ways this digitisation has occurred are through:

• Apps and online platforms that provide digital counselling and support
• Crisis support services available 24/7
• Digital tools to help assess, monitor, and manage mental wellbeing

How To Manage Your Mental Health

If you are navigating challenges related to your mental health, know that you are never alone. Some steps you can take to look after your wellbeing include:

• Consulting with your GP or a mental health professional
• Making use of available online resources or support services
• Practicing techniques for self-care such as mindfulness and exercise
• Reaching out to friends, family, or support groups

Workplace Mental Health Support: How Can We Help?

The growing importance of mental health in the workplace is clear, given its direct impact on employee productivity and wellbeing. At pirkx, this is our core focus, which is why we offer a range of benefits, including 24/7 online counselling, access to mental health resources and services, workshops on stress management, and programmes to raise awareness.

These are just a few of the many benefits pirkx provides. Our primary goal is to create a supportive and productive work environment while helping to reduce the stigma around mental health issues in the workplace. By working together, our services and resources will support both individuals and organisations in navigating Australia’s mental health landscape, helping to make the world a happier and healthier place, one step at a time.

• Siobhan Whalley
• MD pirkx Australia