Mental health, News

Study seeks to improve mental health of Australians

new apprentices

A recent study undertaken by Australia’s Mental Health Think Tank has heard directly from the community on the major concerns affecting mental health.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on us all.

Stressed and stretched health and education systems, job losses, rises in the cost of living and problems associated with housing affordability are just some of the drivers for high rates of mental illness experienced by Australians.

This period has been a focus for Australia’s Mental Health Think Tank, established early in 2020 through a partnership between the University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre and the BHP Foundation, which aims to stimulate bold thinking around a national response to mental health.

The think tank exists to empower Australians to create a better mental health system, and to embrace hope and to build on community strengths.

“In this study we wanted to include the voices of those outside the mental health system – the lived experiences of everyday Australians are invaluable in informing targeted policy planning and to improve Australian mental health care,”  lead author Dr Marlee Bower said.

The study found that the COVID-19 pandemic “pressurised” existing triggers for poor mental health by amplifying financial stress and reducing social support and connection. The key findings of the report included:

  • a fifth of the participants said two major factors that affected mental health were the increase in financial hardship and changes in their social support system and structures
  • more than one in five people highlighted COVID-19 increased pressures on an overburdened mental health system
  • almost one in 10 participants described the pandemic as fragmenting their social networks, and worsening feelings of isolation and disconnection
  • many reported how the break on social contact during the pandemic has had a long-term effect and feeling of discomfort on socialising again.

The findings show that mental health care is not just about delivering psychological treatment, but also financial support, employment and social support.

Whole-of-government policies spanning social services and welfare, finance, housing, education, family and community and workforce are needed to achieve tangible impacts on Australians’ mental health.

The voices of these diverse Australians surveyed in the study will help provide clear guidance for the government to build a more resilient and mentally healthy future.

Australia’s Mental Health Think Tank aims to stimulate bold thinking around a national response to mental health.

Send this to a friend