It is the first time data has been available on the nation’s mental health with more than 2 million Australians living with a long-term mental illness.
In the Federation Council area, 1275 people reported themselves as having a mental health condition while in Indigo Shire, the figure was higher with 1604 people reporting the illness.
Local counsellor Tracey Flynn of Kismet Counselling Corowa said the figures are alarming but not surprising and could even be higher because of underreporting.
“My main concern is what are these people doing to get support and do we have enough resources available locally,” Ms Flynn said.
“The trend I’ve noticed in our area is that young people and children are really suffering, particularly as a result of the pandemic, lockdowns and now learning to transition back into some kind of normality. However, the world still isn’t how it was pre-covid.
“We don’t have the data from before the pandemic to see whether these mental health concerns are predominantly pandemic related, however mental health, anxiety and depression have always been a concern in adolescents, particularly males who have a higher suicide rate.
“What covid did with isolation is hinder emotional and social development. We are now seeing an increase in anxiety in kids.”
Ms Flynn said greater support was needed from all levels of government to address the issue of the growing mental health crisis.
“Unfortunately, support is limited locally,” she said.
“The medical centre had funding to deliver a resilience program for children up to 18 years of age which provided access to free counselling. That was great.
“Sheryl Connell a psychologist in Rutherglen and myself delivered the program for three years and when the funding ended, we really advocated with our local politicians to continue it, but we weren’t successful. That’s left a huge gap in our region.
“For older, single people in our region, again the support is inadequate. I see older residents at my clinic, however there is a cost attached to it. While I keep my fees low, it doesn’t mean it’s accessible to everyone.
“The pandemic really disrupted the routine of elderly people who liked to get out with Probus or bingo. One thing older people need is stability and security and when we take those things away, they are the ones who are most impacted.”
The Census date revealed chronic mental health is the number one condition in Western Australia, ACT, Queensland and Victoria, and in the top three for the remaining states and territories.
“The ABS figures show both the prevalence of formally-diagnosed mental illnesses in our community and the need to continue to prioritise investment in prevention, awareness and treatment,” Suicide Prevention Australia CEO Nieves Murray said.
“What we’re seeing is high rates of mental illness which is causing distress in our community. But this is only part of the puzzle. Couple that with rising pressures on other suicide risk factors such as cost of living, housing insecurity and relationship breakdown. This combination of risk factors reinforces the urgent need for continued focus on suicide prevention.
“Mental illness is one of many factors that can contribute to a person’s decision to take their own life but is rarely the only reason. Suicide is complex human behaviour with many varied risk factors.
“With rising cost of living and mortgages set to increase financial, housing and relationship stress, it’s critical the federal government urgently focuses on suicide prevention to keep suicide rates from rising during this challenging time.
“There is no easy fix and major systemic reform is required to make significant progress. This is why Suicide Prevention Australia is calling for the Australian Government to pass a National Suicide Prevention Act.
“An Act would ensure that every government department, whether it’s housing, education or health, must look at their policies and priorities through a suicide prevention lens. This is a critical step in protecting our community at time when it’s needed most.
“We are at a critical time for suicide prevention. We need a whole-of-government, not just a mental health approach to suicide prevention.
“We know the risk of suicide rates are often highest two to three years after a crisis, pandemic or natural disaster. We know there’s record levels of distress across our community.
“Fortunately, suicide rates haven’t increased since the pandemic and now is a critical time to make decisions that will reduce distress in our communities.
“It’s important to remember help is always available no matter who you are or what situation you are in. You do not have to go this alone. If you are feeling distressed, please reach out and access the various support services that are available.”
Crisis support services
24 hours, 7 days
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
