How many people Aussies talk to about their mental health revealed

The number of people Australians feel they can open up to about their mental health has been revealed.

Ending Loneliness Together’s Michelle Lim. Supplied

Australians can count on just one hand the people they can rely on in tough times, new

research has found.

The survey reveals that while the average Aussie has just over four people to lean on, the happiest among us have at least five.

But when it comes to sharing challenges about our mental health, we only feel safe opening up to around three people.

Experts warn the gap highlights a persistent stigma surrounding the topic, even within our inner circles.

Partners and close friends topped the list of our most trusted allies, with Aussies more likely to turn to them than family members.

The research, as part of News Corp’s Can We Talk? campaign in partnership with Medibank, also revealed that people with eight or more people in their support networks were vastly more open about their struggles in life.

The latest phase of the campaign, launching today, is focusing on relationships.

Australian Psychological Society president Dr Sara Quinn said it was evident there was “more work to be done” to tear down barriers to mental health conversations.

“It’s clear there’s still some stigma or concern attached to disclosing your mental health concerns to those you would consider a support,” she said.

Dr Sara Quinn, president of the Australian Psychological Society. Picture: Alexandra Orme Photography

“I think education and making this part of our normal vernacular is a crucial part of reducing that stigma.

“Strong and caring friendships are not just nice to have – they are vital for our health, longevity and mental wellbeing, especially when we are experiencing challenges.”

She said the best way to help those close to us was to empathise and validate their feelings without judgement.

“Trying to fix the problem can complicate the situation because the person can feel judged, like you’re not necessarily listening, or that you think that you might know better,” she said.

“You can start by asking what they need right now … and gently guiding them towards support such as a psychologist.”

The research, by News Corp’s Growth Distillery with Medibank, found nearly half of Australians spoke about their mental wellbeing with their partner at least once a week, with one in five opening up daily.

This rose significantly for younger generations, with 68 per cent of Gen Z and 61 per cent of millennials confiding in their partners weekly or more.

Millennials reported the lowest number of people that had their back, while Baby Boomers had the most.

Worryingly, despite growing up in an era with better mental health literacy, Gen Z and millennials had the most trouble expressing their emotions.

Ending Loneliness Together Scientific Chair Associate Professor Michelle Lim. Supplied

Ending Loneliness Together chief executive Michelle Lim said young people were a big concern, as separate research showed 18-25 year olds were the most socially disconnected.

Lonely people were seven times more likely to experience psychological distress, she said.

No matter how many followers people had on social media, it was “high-quality” relationships that mattered.

“Social media platforms are based on quantity as opposed to quality, but when it comes to mental health and who we turn to it’s very much about those relationships that feel safe, and people who you can be vulnerable with,” Associate Professor Lim said.

“It’s about how we use them, and whether it’s to our benefit or not, as there are people who feel safer to reach out to people on digital platforms.”

On the flip side, conflict in relationships is a major form of stress, with nearly a quarter (23 per cent) saying this impacted their mental health.

Can We Talk? is a News Corp awareness campaign, in partnership with Medibank, helping Australian families better tackle mental wellbeing. To follow the series and access all stories, tips and advice, visit our new Health section.

Originally published as How many people Aussies talk to about their mental health revealed