Mental health, the foundation of a well-balanced life should be given utmost importance in our daily activity. In this fast-paced world, we undergo extreme stress in our professional or personal lives. Addiction to scrolling, social media, seeking constant peer validation, and comparing ourselves to their fabulous lifestyles became the new normal.
Navigating mental health can be overwhelming but understanding where to start will help. In Australia, many organisations provide mental health support for various concerns and people. Whether you are experiencing workplace stress, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), post-natal depression, or any other mental health challenge, Australia has a plethora of services to help you on your path to recovery.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), 43% of Australians have experienced a mental health disorder at some point in their life. Current data indicates a rising trend in mental health challenges, partly due to increased awareness and reporting. Here are some more statistics on the mental health issues rampant in Australia:
Seeking help for mental health in Australia is a courageous step. Whether you start by talking to someone you trust, visiting your GP, or reaching out to a support service, know that you’re not alone. Australia’s mental health system is designed to support you at every stage of your journey, offering a wide range of resources tailored to your needs. Remember, taking the first step is often the hardest, but it's also the most important. Your mental health matters and help is available.
Mental health landscape in Australia
Australia with its diverse population and geological landscape, often leads to the high prevalence of mental health issues. Some of the factors contributing to this are:- Australian location and geography: Many people in Australia live in rural or remote areas. They tend to undergo social isolation and limited access to mental health care. With Indigenous populations facing mental health crises, It’s worth noting that urban areas also face significant challenges, including high stress and mental health issues related to the fast-paced lifestyle.
- Natural disasters: Australia is prone to bushfires, floods, and other such natural disasters which leave a lasting impact on the mental health of people who experience them. It's important to acknowledge the role of community support and disaster recovery services in mitigating these effects.
- Substance abuse and the stigma surrounding mental health can make problems worse and make it harder for people to seek the help they need.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), 43% of Australians have experienced a mental health disorder at some point in their life. Current data indicates a rising trend in mental health challenges, partly due to increased awareness and reporting. Here are some more statistics on the mental health issues rampant in Australia:
- The most common mental illnesses in Australia in the past 12 months are anxiety disorders, mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse disorder.
- 1 in 7 children or adolescents experienced a mental health disorder
Can a virtual doctor’s appointment help in addressing mental health concerns?
Yes, a virtual doctor’s appointment will help deal with the stigma of mental health faced by patients. Telehealth is paving the way for on-demand healthcare in Australia. Connecting with a doctor online at the click of a button seems to attract most Australians who want instant access to various health services such as online medical certificates, online doctor consultations, referrals online, pharmacy online, instant scripts, and more. Telehealth provides 24/7 access to online doctors ensuring help is available when required. Virtual mental health consultations can be booked easily from any reputed telehealth platform. Some telehealth platforms such as Hola offer mental health care plans which are 100% Medicare bulk billed. These mental health care plans are delivered by medical practitioners who are trained in mental health issues.What is a mental health care plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan is created by a doctor (GP). This plan outlines your mental health needs and the support you require. It allows you to access to free or subsidised mental health sessions. According to Services Australia, you can claim 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions per calendar year. There is no expiry for the mental health care plan. Also, so that you know, a GP plan may not be required for an appointment with a therapist or Mental health practitioner.How do I get a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) online in Australia?
To obtain an MHCP online, here are some steps:- Choose a reputed telehealth platform and click on their “Mental Health Treatment Plans” page
- Book an appointment with a GP or psychiatrist who can create the plan.
- Provide your details and any required information.
- Payment details may be needed, but the MHCP is 100% Medicare bulk billed. Any charge by the telehealth platform would typically be for administrative purposes and is not related to the Medicare rebate.
- Schedule an appointment based on available timeslots.
- Once approved, you will receive the mental health care plan, often by email or through the telehealth platform.
Urgent mental health helplines and support organisations in Australia
Mental health strategy in Australia is guided by the National Mental Health Strategy which was first released in 1992. This plan seeks to establish a national approach to mental health in Australia. It gives preference to regional planning, suicide prevention, improving the mental health of Indigenous tribes, reducing stigma through educating patients, and coordinated treatment for people with severe mental illness. Here’s a summary of each mental health organisation in Australia:- Mental health Australia: Focuses on reducing stigma and educating the public about mental illness. Website
- WayAhead – Mental Health Association NSW: Promotes mental health education and a stigma-free society in NSW. Website
- Sane Australia: Provides online support and resources for mental health awareness and assistance. Call 1800 18 7263. Website
- Beyond Blue: A well-known non-profit aiming to increase awareness and support for depression and anxiety. Call 1300 22 4636. Website
- Head to Health: An Australian Government website providing digital mental health resources. Call 1800 595 212. Website
- Black Dog Institute: Focuses on research and treatment for depression and other mental health disorders. Website
- Headspace: Provides mental health services for young people aged 12-25, including support for substance abuse. Website
- Mental Health Carers Australia: Advocates for the well-being of mental health carers and their families. Website
- Lifeline: Offers 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14. Website
- Open Minds: Offers personalised mental health services to help individuals achieve recovery. Website
- Healing Foundation: Supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in healing from trauma. Website
- Suicide Call Back Service — for anyone thinking about suicide, call 1300 659 467.
- Qlife — For mental health issues related to their sexuality or gender identity (LGBTIQA+), call 1800 184 527.
Seeking help for mental health in Australia is a courageous step. Whether you start by talking to someone you trust, visiting your GP, or reaching out to a support service, know that you’re not alone. Australia’s mental health system is designed to support you at every stage of your journey, offering a wide range of resources tailored to your needs. Remember, taking the first step is often the hardest, but it's also the most important. Your mental health matters and help is available.
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Disclaimer
This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.
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