Mental Health in Australia: Understanding the Challenges and Moving Towards Change
The Problem
Mental health is one of the most pressing health challenges facing Australians today. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 2 in 5 Australians aged 16–85 have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their life. That’s around 8.6 million people. Depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders are the most common conditions, but they are only part of a much larger, more complex picture.
Despite growing awareness, many Australians still face barriers to seeking help—whether due to stigma, cost, long waiting lists, or lack of access to mental health services in regional and remote communities.
The consequences of untreated mental health conditions are significant. Poor mental health can lead to social isolation, chronic physical conditions, reduced productivity, and in the most tragic cases, suicide. Australia loses over 3,000 people to suicide each year—around eight every day—with men accounting for three-quarters of these deaths.
Statistics highlight the urgent need to prioritise mental health in Australia:
Prevalence of Mental Illness:
More than 2 in 5 Australians aged 16–85 have experienced a mental health condition in their lifetime, and over 1 in 5 (21%) had a mental disorder in the past 12 months (ABS, 2022).
Youth Mental Health:
Mental health conditions are the leading burden of disease for young Australians aged 15–24, with almost 1 in 4 experiencing a mental illness in the previous year.
Suicide Rates:
Suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15–44. In 2022, 3,249 people died by suicide—an average of 9 lives lost every day (ABS, 2023).
Economic Impact:
Mental ill-health and suicide cost the Australian economy up to $70 billion annually, when accounting for healthcare, lost productivity, and informal care (Productivity Commission, 2020).
The Impact
Mental health doesn’t discriminate—it affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. But some groups are particularly vulnerable. Young people, for example, are experiencing rising rates of anxiety and depression, with one in four Australians aged 16–24 reporting a mental disorder in the previous 12 months.
People living in rural and remote areas are also at greater risk, with limited access to mental health services and increased rates of suicide compared to those in metropolitan areas. First Nations Australians experience disproportionately high rates of psychological distress and are twice as likely to die by suicide than non-Indigenous Australians.
The economic impact is also considerable. The Productivity Commission estimates that mental illness and suicide cost the Australian economy up to $70 billion every year in direct and indirect costs, including lost productivity, healthcare, and informal care.
The Response
In recent years, there’s been a growing recognition that mental health needs to be prioritised at all levels—from individual awareness to national policy. Public campaigns have helped reduce stigma and start conversations, especially among young people.
Governments at both federal and state levels have made mental health reform a focus, with increased funding, expanded Medicare access for psychological services, and new programs targeting suicide prevention and youth mental health.
Hospitals, too, are playing a vital role. Across the PA Campus and beyond, mental health clinicians, emergency teams, and specialist units provide vital care and support. At the PA Hospital, integrated mental health teams work across acute inpatient services, community outreach, and consultation-liaison psychiatry—ensuring patients receive support tailored to their individual needs.
Research in Focus
The PA Foundation is helping drive breakthrough mental health research, including a world-first study into new treatment options for schizophrenia.
Led by Professor Dan Siskind and co-funded by the Foundation, the CanCloz Study is testing whether cannabidiol (CBD)—a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis—can help reduce psychotic symptoms in people with clozapine-refractory schizophrenia. These are patients who don’t respond to the most effective antipsychotic available and are often left with few other options. Early studies overseas have shown promising results, and this Brisbane-based trial is the first of its kind globally.
Professor Siskind is also investigating ways to reduce the serious physical side effects of antipsychotic medications, including diabetes and weight gain. His team is trialling a new class of diabetes medications that could help people on clozapine maintain healthier blood sugar levels and reduce long-term health risks.
In a separate project with Professor Steve Kisely, he is examining why people with schizophrenia and cancer are more likely to die than other cancer patients. Their research is identifying barriers to screening, diagnosis and treatment—especially for conditions like bowel cancer.
These projects are just some of the innovative studies made possible by early support from the PA Foundation, whose donors help give promising research a strong start—and real impact.
- Facilitate multiple staff education events/conferences related to mental health.
- Administer grant and scholarship funding received for multiple clinician researcher projects related to mental health.
- Funding to support mental health in First Nations people.
- Installed high speed wi-fi in the mental health unit so patients can have access to free high speed wi-fi.
Funded research project:
"The prevalence of mental health conditions among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients attending an urban Indigenous Primary Health Care Service Population in 2022." Dr Gemma Hayman with MSAMHS - Inala Indigenous Health Service.
Funded research project:
Reward Learning as a potential mechanism for improvement in Schizophrenia spectrum disorders following cognitive remediation: A pre-post pilot trial (RL-COGREM)." Dr Frances Dark.
The Future
The future of mental health care in Australia lies in early intervention, integration, and innovation. We know that the earlier someone receives support, the better their outcomes—so improving access to care and reducing wait times must remain a priority.
We also need to view mental health holistically—as something that intersects with physical health, social connection, and life circumstances. The move towards integrated care models, where mental health is addressed alongside chronic disease, drug and alcohol use, and social support, is a promising shift.
Research and innovation are equally vital. Through partnerships between clinicians, researchers, and organisations like The PA Foundation, we’re supporting cutting-edge mental health research that focuses on prevention, lived experience, and practical care improvements.
How You Can Help
Mental health is everyone’s business. Whether you’re reaching out to a friend, donating to a cause, or advocating for better services—every action helps to build a stronger, more compassionate system.
At The PA Foundation, we’re proud to support the people, programs and research that are driving mental health care forward. With your support, we can continue to invest in solutions that save lives, support recovery, and make mental health care accessible to all.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available.
📞 Lifeline: 13 11 14
📞 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
📞 Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Sources
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020–2022
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) – Causes of Death, Australia 2022
Suicide data (Registered Deaths)
Productivity Commission – Mental Health Inquiry Report (2020)
Volume 1 & 2 Summary: Economic cost of mental ill-health
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
Mental Health Services in Australia (2024 update)
Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation
Mental health in young people
Beyond Blue
Facts and stats on mental health in Australia
Lifeline Australia
Suicide prevention and support services
