The term ‘mental illness’ commonly applied to a wide range of conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder.
Each year, around 20% of adults living in Australia experience some form of mental health issue.
Every person’s lived experience is unique and symptoms may vary. Some people experience only intermittent effects while for others, the impact can be more disruptive and long term.
Mental health facts Australia
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare:
- 45% of Australians will experience a mental health challenge in their lifetime.
- Annually, 3.8 million which is 1 in 5 Australians will experience a mental health challenge.
- Of these, 730,000 Australians experience a mental health challenge which is constant and has major life-limiting impacts.
- People who have received a diagnosis of psychosis and are being treated, are likely to have poor health outcomes. They are 3 times more likely to have diabetes and 1.5 times as likely to have a heart condition.
- Poverty, unemployment and homelessness are commonly associated with a constant mental health challenge.
- People with a constant mental health challenge often experience social isolation, discrimination and stigma.