Public Health Condition in Australia

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Public Health Condition in Australia

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Mental Health as a public health concern
Mental illness, or mental disorders are one of the major public health concerns in Australia.
Since issues with mental health issues are extremely common in Australian population, one in
every five Australians which means about 4.8 million people suffer from mental health issues as
in surveyed in the year 2017-18. The most prevalent mental health conditions are anxiety,
depression and substance use disorders (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2018).
The impact of mental health issues
Australia has been facing the risk of mental health disorders and its associated risks from a
prolonged period of time. It has been observed that 20% of adults and 14% of children and
young people are likely to experience mental illness in any given year (Australian Government,
2018a). The issues related to mental health not only affects individuals, families and carers, but
has influenced the society as a whole. The increasing numbers of Mental Health issues indicate
that nearly half of Australians experience issues related to mental illness. Mental health illness
can range from mild disorders prolonged illness that may lead to serious disability. The impact of
Mental Health issues can affect people's behavior, thoughts and their perception of the world
around them. Untreated and prolonged mental illness can increase the risk of distress by
affecting the person's ability to function in their daily lives (Australian Government, 2018b). The
current mental health system in Australia is characterized by gaps in services which requires
adequate funding for number of Mental Health programs to support the issue.
Figure 1: Mental health issues scenario

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Source: (Mental Health Australia, 2018)
Mental health issues in adults and youth
The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing of 2007 has identified that 45% adults
between the age 16 to 85 means nearly 8.6 million people experience common mental health
issues (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2018b). Anxiety disorders contribute to a common type
of mental illness which has engulfed about 14.4% of Australian adults. The immediate effects
such as depression and use of alcohol and tobacco have taken a toll Australians in the last few
years. Young people are more prone to mental illness leading to 13.9% young people between
the ages 4 to 17 facing the issue. Since the first National Child and Adolescent survey of Mental
Health and Wellbeing was conducted has shown a rise in prevalence of major depressive
disorders among young people. Approximately 47% of the population has been diagnosed with
Schizophrenia and other psychotic illness were people below the age of 25 suffered more.
Mental health issues have contributed to the burden of disease in Australia leading to issues like
Comorbid illness impacting least one adult out of 11.7% of adults facing mental disorders.
Figure 2: Mental Health issues in Australians
Source: (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2018b)