Damon Mcknight
Mental health conditions, including depression, are a significant concern in Australia. According to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-2022, approximately 16% of Australians aged 16-85 (equivalent to 3.2 million people) had experienced an affective disorder such as a depressive episode in their lifetime. The study also revealed that 7.5% (or 1.5 million people) had a 12-month affective disorder, indicating a substantial number of people dealing with depression concurrently. Furthermore, the HILDA survey in 2021 showed that of those who reported having depression in 2017, 61% of males and 71% of females still had the condition four years later, highlighting the persistent nature of the illness. These statistics underscore the impact of depression on the Australian population and the need for ongoing awareness, support, and treatment options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Australians aged 16-85 with a mental disorder | 42.9% (8.5 million people) |
| Percentage of Australians with an Anxiety disorder | 28.8% (5.7 million people) |
| Percentage of Australians with an Affective disorder | 16.0% (3.2 million people) |
| Percentage of Australians with a Substance Use disorder | 19.6% (3.9 million people) |
| Percentage of Australians aged 16-85 who experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress | 17% |
| Percentage of younger Australians aged 16-24 who experienced psychological distress | Females: 34%, Males: 18% |
| Percentage of Australians with a 12-month mental disorder | 21.5% (4.3 million people) |
| Percentage of Australians with a 12-month Anxiety disorder | 17.2% (3.4 million people) |
| Percentage of Australians with a 12-month Affective disorder | 7.5% (1.5 million people) |
| Percentage of Australians with a 12-month Substance Use disorder | 3.3% (647,900 people) |
| Percentage of females with a 12-month mental disorder | 24.6% |
| Percentage of males with a 12-month mental disorder | 18.3% |
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What You'll Learn
Depression and anxiety are the most prevalent serious illnesses in Australia
Mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, are among the most prevalent serious illnesses in Australia. According to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-2022, around 8.5 million Australians aged 16-85 had experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lives. Of these, 5.7 million had experienced an anxiety disorder such as social phobia or post-traumatic stress disorder, and 3.2 million had experienced a depressive episode.
The impact of mental health conditions on individuals can vary, with most cases being mild or moderate. However, it is estimated that around 7% of Australians suffer from severe mental illnesses. Mental and substance use disorders, which include depression and anxiety, are responsible for a significant portion of overall disability and morbidity in Australia. They contribute to 15% of the total disease burden, second only to cancer at 17%.
Depression and anxiety have the highest prevalence rates among all serious illnesses in Australia, according to the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey in 2020 and 2021. The persistence of these conditions is notable, with a high percentage of individuals still experiencing them four years later. Specifically, 61% of males and 71% of females with depression or anxiety in 2017 continued to have these conditions in 2021.
The 2020-2022 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing also revealed that one in five Australians (21.5%) experienced a 12-month mental disorder. Anxiety disorders were the most common, affecting 17.2% of the population, while 7.5% experienced affective disorders, which include depression. Furthermore, psychological distress, which can be indicative of underlying mental health issues, was experienced by 17% of Australians aged 16-85, with higher rates among females (34%) compared to males (18%) in the younger age group of 16-24.
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Females experience higher rates of affective disorders
According to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-2022, 7.5% of Australians aged 16-85 years (or 1.5 million people) had a 12-month affective disorder. Affective disorders refer to conditions that disturb a person's mood to the point where it becomes difficult to function in relationships or at work. People with these disorders may withdraw from social contact, lose interest in important things in their lives, and find enjoyable activities too much effort.
Females experience higher rates of 12-month affective disorders than males, with rates of 8.6% and 6.5% respectively. This gender disparity is not unique to Australia, as worldwide, women have consistently higher prevalence rates of anxiety disorders. The National Comorbidity Survey (NCS) (conducted from 1990 to 1992) found that lifetime prevalence rates for any anxiety disorder were 30.5% for women and 19.2% for men. Prevalence rates were also higher for women than men across various types of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder (PD), agoraphobia (AG), specific phobia, social anxiety disorder (SAD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
The reasons for the higher rates of affective disorders among females are multifaceted and not fully understood. However, several factors have been proposed to contribute to this disparity. One factor is hormonal differences between males and females. Fluctuations in hormone levels throughout a woman's life, such as during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can impact brain chemistry and increase the risk of developing affective disorders. Additionally, societal and cultural factors may play a role. Women often face unique challenges and pressures, such as gender inequality, discrimination, and balancing work and family responsibilities, which can contribute to higher levels of stress and anxiety.
Furthermore, gender-specific traumatic experiences, such as sexual assault or domestic violence, can also increase the risk of developing affective disorders in women. Additionally, women are more likely to seek help and be diagnosed with mental health disorders, which may contribute to the higher reported rates of affective disorders among females. It is important to recognize that while these factors may contribute to the higher rates of affective disorders in females, they do not diminish the significance of male mental health issues. Both genders experience mental health challenges, and it is crucial to address and support the mental well-being of all individuals.
While the focus here is on females, it is important to acknowledge that males also experience mental health issues, including affective disorders. The manifestation and expression of these disorders can differ between genders, and males may face unique challenges in recognizing and seeking help for mental health concerns. Understanding these gender differences is crucial for developing effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for affective disorders in both males and females.
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One in five Australians had a 12-month mental disorder in 2020-2022
According to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-2022, one in five Australians (21.5% or 4.3 million people) had a 12-month mental disorder. This figure includes Australians aged 16-85 years. Among those with a 12-month mental disorder, 17.2% (3.4 million people) had a 12-month anxiety disorder, 7.5% (1.5 million people) had a 12-month affective disorder, and 3.3% (647,900 people) had a 12-month substance use disorder.
The study also revealed gender differences in the prevalence of mental disorders. One in four females (24.6%) experienced a 12-month mental disorder, compared to almost one in five males (18.3%). Females had higher rates of anxiety disorders (21.1% vs. 13.3%) and affective disorders (8.6% vs. 6.5%). On the other hand, males had a higher rate of substance use disorders (4.4% vs. 2.1%).
The impact of mental disorders can vary, with most cases resulting in mild (7%) or moderate (9%) impacts. However, it is estimated that around 7% of Australians suffer from severe mental illnesses. Mental health conditions and substance use disorders are significant contributors to overall disability and morbidity in Australia. These disorders are estimated to account for 15% of the total disease burden, second only to cancer at 17%.
Depression and anxiety have the highest prevalence rates among all serious illnesses in Australia, according to the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, 2021. The persistence of these conditions is evident, with 61% of males and 71% of females still experiencing depression or anxiety four years after their initial report in 2017.
The 2020-2022 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing also estimated that 17% of Australians aged 16-85 experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress. This included 34% of females and 18% of males aged 16-24, indicating a higher prevalence of distress among younger females. While psychological distress does not always indicate the presence of mental illness, there is a strong correlation between high distress levels and depressive symptoms.
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Psychological distress is common among young people
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2020-2022, 16% of Australians aged 16-85 (3.2 million people) had experienced an affective disorder such as a depressive episode at some point in their lives. The same study found that 7.5% (1.5 million people) had experienced a 12-month affective disorder.
The Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey results from 2021 shed light on the persistence of depression over time. Of those who reported having depression in 2017, 61% of males and 71% of females still had the condition four years later. The persistence rate was even higher among younger people aged 15-34, with 70% reporting that they still had depression four years later.
The high prevalence of psychological distress among young people in Australia underscores the importance of promoting mental health awareness and providing accessible mental health services and support for this vulnerable demographic.
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Mental illness and substance use are linked
According to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-2022, 42.9% of Australians aged 16-85 (approximately 8.5 million people) had experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lives. Of these, 16% (3.2 million people) had experienced an affective disorder such as depression.
Mental illness and substance use are closely linked. Substance use disorders are a type of mental illness and are the third most prevalent category of mental disorder among Australian adults. An estimated 3.3% of Australians (approximately 650,000 people) aged 16-85 experienced a substance use disorder in the 12 months preceding the 2020-2022 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing.
The relationship between mental illness and substance use is complex. People with mental health conditions are more likely to engage in substance use as a form of self-medication to manage their symptoms. For example, the National Drug Strategy Household Survey found that compared to adults without a mental illness, those with a mental illness were more likely to engage in risky drinking behaviours (37% vs 32%) and daily smoking (15% vs 7.4%). Similarly, the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing found that 30.9% of those who exceeded single-occasion risky drinking levels and 21.3% of those who exceeded lifetime risk had a self-reported mental health condition.
Comorbidity between substance use disorders and other mental illnesses is common. The National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing also revealed that while 9% of people who met the criteria for an anxiety or affective disorder also met the criteria for a substance use disorder, a staggering 46% of those who met the criteria for a substance use disorder met the criteria for an anxiety or affective disorder. Furthermore, among individuals entering alcohol and drug treatment programs in Australia, 50-76% meet the diagnostic criteria for at least one comorbid mental illness.
It is important to address both conditions simultaneously when treating individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental illnesses. Treatment options for substance use disorders include counselling, hospital treatment, detoxification, medication to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-2022, 16% of Australians aged 16-85 (3.2 million people) had experienced an Affective disorder such as depression in their lifetime.
In 2021, 61% of males who reported having depression or anxiety in 2017 still had the condition four years later.
In 2021, 71% of females who reported having depression or anxiety in 2017 still had the condition four years later.
People aged 15-34, with 70% of those who reported having depression or anxiety in 2017 still dealing with the condition four years later.
Depression and anxiety have the highest prevalence rate in Australia among all serious illnesses included in the HILDA survey in 2020 and 2021.
