Whilst awareness of mental illness and the need for support and treatment has been on the rise in recent years, we still as a society have a way to go in reducing stigma and creating communities in which mental health and wellbeing is prioritized. Unlike physical illness or injury that is visible and easily spotted, mental illness can easily be hidden and can often go unnoticed. Approximately 54 percent of Australians experiencing mental illness will not access support. There are many reasons why people with mental health challenges do not voice their struggles or seek help such as fear of being judged, losing employment, distrust, hopelessness, unsure where to seek help and lack of resources available. 

Below are some General Statistics from Beyond Blue website: 

• 1 in 7 Australians will experience depression in their lifetime
• 1 in 7 Australians will experience anxiety in their life time
• 1 in 8 Australians is currently experiencing psychological distress
• 1 in 7 Australian young people aged 4-17 years’ experience a mental health condition in any given year
• Suicide continues to be the biggest killer of youth
• 1 in 5 LGBTQI Australians is currently experiencing depression, triple the rate of heterosexual Aussies
• Indigenous Australians are nearly 3x more likely to experience psychological distress than non-Indigenous Australians
• Every day in Australia approximately 6 men die by suicide
• 1 in 6 Australian women will experience post-natal depression

Whilst the above is just a snapshot of how many Australians are impacted by mental illness, it is evident for the need of more accessible treatment options and developing communities in which discussing mental health and wellbeing is considered common practice. 2020 has indeed had its own unique challenges with the raging bush fires and the global pandemic of COVID-19. The impact this has on families, communities and individuals has been astronomical, with families losing their housing, millions unemployed and mental unwellness skyrocketing. Psychological consequences of devasting bush fires and disease outbreaks include anxiety, panic, depression, confusion, uncertainty about the future and financial stress. 

Environmental factors, social and economic status along with individual attributes and behaviours all contribute to mental illness . International research has shown a close relationship between poverty, financial strain, and mental illness. Without accessing treatment, people experiencing mental illness are at risk for adverse outcomes such as unemployment, becoming marginalized by society, facing homelessness and poor physical health to name a few. With challenges we face ahead as a species such as climate change, it has never been more paramount for human beings to come together to have open conversations regarding our mental health, support each other and work together towards a future in which mental health check ins become the norm. We are stronger together. 

To all of those out there experiencing mental unwellness, battling their own demons or anyone who is struggling, I encourage you to keep going and not be afraid to seek support. You are brave, strong, loved and you are needed . To all the carers of those who are experiencing mental unwellness, thank you for your time, selflessness, courage and heart. It’s ok to take care of you too, in fact it is a necessity! You cannot pour from an empty cup. 

References

Beyond Blue 2020, Mental Health Statistics Australia, viewed 02 October 2020, https://www.beyondblue.org.au/media/statistics 

Blackdog Institute 2020, Facts and Figure about mental health, viewed 02 October 2020 https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/1-facts_figures.pdf

Bitanlhire, B 2014, ‘Mental Health in a Social Context’ Journal of Psychiatry, vol.17, n.6 , retrieved October 2nd 2020, https://www.longdom.org/open-access/mental_health_in_a_social_context_169.pdf

Mental Health Ramifications- The Australian context 2020, Blackdog Institute, viewed 02 October 2020, http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20200319_covid19-evidence-and-reccomendations.pdf