2021 is the first-time census data has been available on the nation’s mental health with more than two million Australians living with a long-term mental illness.
In the Moira Shire area, 3315 people reported themselves as having a mental health condition while in Federation, the figure was substantially lower with 1275 people reporting the illness.
Closer to home in Yarrawonga 894 of the 8661 residents reported suffering with a mental health diagnosis while 196 residents of the 2557 population of Mulwala also listed a mental health condition on their census data.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Psychology Director and Principal Psychologist Dr Leah Brennan said the pandemic has had a considerable impact on individuals’ mental health with the illness not easing as we return to a ‘normal’ existence.
“These figures are concerning. However, I am surprised that the numbers are not higher,” Dr Brennan said.
“Mental health problems have actually increased post-lockdown. There are a range of reasons for this.
“People are still dealing with the social and emotional impacts of lockdown on themselves and those around them.
“Now, post-lockdown, people are dealing with the anxiety associated with "living with COVID" (do I wear a mask? do I go to this indoor venue? do I risk exposing grandparents etc).
“They are also dealing with the impacts of them or family members having COVID, trying to juggle work etc.
“As well as the impacts of others around them having COVID (staff/colleagues being away creating extra work, difficulties accessing health care etc), and the recent increased cost of living on top of all of this!
“Understandably some people are doing it really tough out there.
“The National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (2020-2021) found that 20% of Australians over 16 years had experienced a mental health condition in the past 12-months.
“Rates of mental health conditions, and/or the consequences of mental illness are consistently higher in rural areas, most likely due to different pressures (e.g. drought, housing etc) and differences in the availability of mental health care in rural areas.
“The pandemic has impacted on mental health. Importantly, the pandemic has also increased awareness of mental health conditions, people's willingness to talk about mental health and their willingness to seek treatment. And this is a good thing.”
The Census data revealed chronic mental health is the number one condition in Western Australia, ACT, Queensland and Victoria, and in the top three for the remaining states and territories.
Locally it was in the top three for all regions including Shepparton and Albury Wodonga.
Dr Brennan said recently more men are coming forward for help while parents, teachers and psychologists are working hard to seek early intervention for children and young adults.
“We are seeing increased awareness of mental health, the need to seek treatment, and awareness that effective help is available,” Dr Brennan said.
“We see clients of all ages and all genders. We have seen more male clients in recent times. As more men are speaking openly about mental health, other men are seeking treatment.
“Parents are also more likely to seek treatment for their children, and this is important as early intervention is most effective.
“There is also an increased awareness of mental health in the older members of our community.
“I encourage anyone who is having a difficult time to reach out for help.”
With mental health illnesses becoming more relevant nationwide Dr Brennan said greater support was needed from all levels of government to address the issue of the growing mental health crisis.
“The government is increasingly recognising the prevalence and impact of mental health and they are increasing the funding available to support mental health. But one of the biggest limiting factors is the lack of highly trained mental health clinicians,” Dr Brennan said.
“This has long been a problem in rural areas but is now a problem in metro areas as well. Many mental health positions, particularly in rural areas, are unfilled or are filled by clinicians with minimal training.
“Governments need to invest in training of highly qualified mental health clinicians so those needing mental health support can access safe and effective treatment.
“If you are looking for mental health support for yourself or your family, please ensure your mental health clinician is appropriately trained and registered with the appropriate governing body (e.g., Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority AHPRA).”
Further recent ABS data has also showed the level of suicidal behaviours in the community including an updated measure of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
The data revealed:
- 3.3 million Australians have thought about taking their own life at some stage in their life, and 669,000 people have thought about taking their own life in the last 12 months.
- 1.5 million Australians made a plan to take their own life at some stage during their life, and a quarter of a million made a plan to take their own life in the last 12 months.
- 7.5 million Australians have been close to someone who had taken or attempted to take their own life at some stage during their life, while 1.2 million had been close to someone who had taken or attempted to take their own life in the last 12 months.
Suicide Prevention Australia CEO Nieves Murray, said this new data clearly shows distress in the community is high as we emerge from the pandemic and compounding natural disasters.
“It’s important to remember that every statistic represents a life lost or an individual in distress that has a cascading impact among families, friends, colleagues and community groups,” Ms Murray said.
“Every life lost to suicide is heartbreaking and we must speak safely and compassionately about any data around suicidal behaviours.
“My message is clear when it comes to preventing suicide. There is hope, there is help available and there is no harm done by asking someone directly about suicide.
“We know from our own research that connection with support networks, like clinical or community services, is critical in shaping someone’s ability to get help.”
For anybody that is suffering with their mental health, are feeling lonely or isolated, having suicidal thoughts or just need somebody to speak to, there are a number of local and telephone resources
available.
“Often people think they are "not unwell enough" or "too unwell" to use mental health services but this is not the case. There are services available for a range of problems, severities and individuals,” Dr Brennan said.
“I encourage anyone who has any concerns about their own or their loved one's mental health to seek treatment.
“’Head to Health’ has been set up to help connect people to mental health support. Our local GPs are a great resource and can provide mental health support themselves, and or facilitate access to other services.
“Our psychologists at Yarrawonga Mulwala Psychology are available to provide psychological assessment and treatment either face to face or via telehealth.
“There are also some very good online resources available such as This Way Up (https://thiswayup.org.au/) and telephone counselling services such as Beyond Blue.”
October is mental health month with the issue to feature heavily throughout the month in both the Yarrawonga Chronicle and Corowa Free Press.
Crisis support services
24 hours, 7 days
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
