What is mental illness?
“A mental illness is a health problem that significantly affects how a person feels, thinks, behaves and interacts with other people.” – Australian Government Department of Health
Whether it is family or friends, neighbours or work colleagues, the chances are we all know someone who is affected by mental illness. Here is a snapshot of mental illness in Australia.
Helpful links
Mental illness in Australia
Suicide in Australia
Mental illness and gender
- Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety disorders (18% compared with 11%) and affective disorders (7.1% compared with 5.3%).
- Men were more than twice as likely as women to have substance abuse disorders (7% compared with 3.3%), with alcohol use disorders more common than drug use disorders.
- One in five recent mothers will experience a mild, moderate or severe form of post-natal depression.
Mental health: the bigger picture
Mental illness can affect anyone. In Australia, almost half (45 per cent) of us will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Learn more about mental health and related issues from our research reports.
2015: Financial stress and the planning avoidance cycle
2015: Financial stress and the planning avoidance cycle
2015: Financial stress and the planning avoidance cycle
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