Average is not our Standard.

The State of Play: Mental Health in Australia and New Zealand

At The Thick End, we confront the pressing realities of mental health in Australia. The statistics are alarming, and the need for action is immediate.

Mental Health in Australia: A Snapshot

Prevalence: Approximately 43% of Australians aged 16–85 have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lives.

12-Month Prevalence: Around 22% have experienced a mental disorder in the past year.

Service Access: Only 23% of those seeking mental health care received timely and appropriate support. blackdoginstitute.org.au

Women's Mental Health

Women are disproportionately affected by mental health challenges:

Higher Consultation Rates: 21.6% of females saw a health professional for their mental health, compared to 12.9% of males. Australian Bureau of Statistics

Digital Access: Females were almost twice as likely as males to have accessed mental health services via phone, internet, or other digital technologies (6.0% compared with 3.6%). Australian Bureau of Statistics

Youth Concerns: Young women aged 18–28 report significantly worse mental health and lower self-esteem compared to their male counterparts, with systemic issues such as discrimination and societal pressures contributing to distress. The Australian

Men's Mental Health

Men face unique challenges in mental health:

Lower Help-Seeking: Only 12.9% of males saw a health professional for their mental health in the past year. Australian Bureau of Statistics

Stigma and Barriers: Societal expectations and stigma may prevent men from seeking help, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment.

Digital Engagement: Males were less likely to access mental health services via digital technologies compared to females (3.6% compared with 6.0%). Australian Bureau of Statistics

Youth Mental Health

The mental health of young Australians is a growing concern:

High Prevalence: Nearly 39% of individuals aged 16–24 have experienced a mental disorder in the past year, with anxiety being the most common. Australian Bureau of Statistics

Early Onset: About three-quarters of common mental health problems emerge before the age of 25. blackdoginstitute.org.au

Service Access: 22.9% of individuals aged 16–34 had at least one consultation with a health professional for their mental health in the last 12 months. Australian Bureau of Statistics

Our Commitment

At The ThickEnd, we believe in proactive engagement:

Awareness: Promoting open conversations about mental health.

Support: Providing resources and support for those in need.

Advocacy: Championing systemic changes to improve mental health services.

Join the Movement

Be part of the change. Support our mission to address the mental health crisis in Australia.

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