Saurabh Goyal (s4024903)
2025-06-07
Mental health outcomes are shaped by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social determinants. The Social Determinants of Health framework suggests that disparities in mental health can arise due to systemic and structural factors. Economic inequality, limited access to healthcare, fragile social support systems, and exposure to chronic stress or trauma significantly contribute to mental health challenges. To address these issues, public health responses must emphasize prevention, timely intervention, accessibility, and community-level awareness initiatives.
One in five Australians will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic further intensified public awareness and the need for adequate mental health services. In this presentation, we explore key insights from national mental health data, identifying trends, disparities, and policy implications. Our approach uses a storytelling format grounded in national datasets from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Women report a higher prevalence of most mental health disorders when compared to men. This is especially evident in anxiety-related conditions such as PTSD, generalised anxiety disorder, and social phobia. These findings align with global trends and emphasize the importance of gender-specific approaches to mental health care and outreach.
Access to mental health services varies significantly across age groups. Young adults (16–34) often have higher levels of mental health need, but may face barriers such as stigma, lack of awareness, or limited service availability. Older adults may underutilize services due to generational perceptions or systemic gaps. Understanding these age-specific trends is essential for designing responsive and inclusive mental health systems.
The pharmaceutical dimension of Australia’s mental health response has grown significantly. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics form a core component of treatment, with prescriptions increasing markedly over the past decade. This rise reflects both improved diagnosis and a reliance on pharmacological treatment within mental healthcare.
Despite increased awareness and services, many Australians still face unmet mental health needs. Barriers such as affordability, service availability, stigma, and geographic isolation can prevent individuals from receiving adequate care. The distinction between those who sought help and those who did not reveals stark contrasts in perceived need and actual service delivery.
Mental health service access and disorder prevalence vary across Australian states. Urban regions such as New South Wales and Victoria show higher lifetime disorder rates, potentially due to greater diagnostic infrastructure or urban stressors. Meanwhile, regional and remote areas often face limited access, underreporting, and workforce shortages. Addressing these spatial disparities is critical for national mental health equity.
Women experience a higher prevalence of mental health disorders across almost all categories, particularly anxiety and depression. Anxiety-related disorders are the most widespread across the population. Young adults are more likely to seek consultations, yet many still experience unmet needs. Australia’s response continues to be heavily reliant on medication. Regional disparities highlight the uneven landscape of mental health care, emphasizing the need for targeted, inclusive interventions.