Hidden stat in Aussie census paints bleak picture for mental health

The census provided a snapshot of what Australia looks like, but there was one stat that painted a bleak figure.

According to the latest census results, approximately one in 10 Australians have been diagnosed with a mental illness, and the number was much higher among women and young people.

“We saw about double the number of women reporting they had a long-term mental health condition, compared with men,” The Australian’s health editor Natasha Robinson told Sky News.

'The mental healthcare system in this country in the wake of the pandemic is at crisis point.' Picture: iStock

“We also saw those numbers reflected across the age groups. There were really concerning numbers of young people saying that they had been suffering with mental health distress.”

“In [the] 22 to 24 age group, it was about 22 per cent of people who said they suffered a mental health condition.”

These mental health conditions were not broken down further, but they are only including people with long term, recurring symptoms.

While this was the first time a census has specifically asked questions on diagnosed medical conditions, experts have reported seeing a rise in numbers of people having a problem with their mental health since the pandemic.

Lysn psychologist Veronica West told news.com.au that she had noticed an obvious increase since the pandemic.

“There has been an increase in anxiety in people,” she said. “In my profession I have particularly seen an increase in mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety and depression) in individuals who have not had any previous experience of mental health concerns.”

It’s no secret that while the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns took a toll on everyone, it hit young people the hardest.

'There has been an increase in anxiety in people.' Picture: iStock

Besides social isolation, missing out on key opportunities and missing school, the work industries that suffered the most from lockdowns — like retail and hospitality — are typically staffed with younger, casual workers who are already at an economic disadvantage.

When you consider this alongside the fact that psychology services are stretched thin while demand for more mental health resources are at their highest, it paints a fairly bleak picture.

Chris Raine — founder of Australians for Mental Health — spoke earlier this year about the dire situation of mental health services in the country.

“The mental healthcare system in this country in the wake of the pandemic is at crisis point,” he said.

“Inquiry after inquiry has found that Australia’s mental health system is deficient. We miss opportunities to provide help, and when people look for support, they’re not adequately guided through where to go or what to look for,” he continued.

“Worse yet, some are frequently turned away altogether … As we emerge from the pandemic, our government needs to make actual commitments to safeguard Australians’ mental health into the future.”

Originally published as Hidden stat in Aussie census paints bleak picture for mental health