It is estimated that one in five or 20% of Australians aged 16-85 years currently have a mental illness.1,2 The highest incidence is experienced by the 16-24 year age group.1,2
These statistics represent people that experience a mental disorder. The effect of mental illness may be even broader. Mental illness may also impact the sufferer’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, friends and colleagues. It is also likely that people in the 16-24 age group will still be at home with their family when they experience a mental illness.
Mental illness is prevalent in our society yet 65% of people with a mental illness do not access treatment.1,2 When scaled to the population it is estimated that 2.1 million adult Australians experience the symptoms of a mental illness and do not access health care for their condition.1,2
If you suspect you are suffering from a mental illness you are not alone. We would encourage you visit your GP to discuss your treatment options.
Validated research shows that psychological counselling is effective at treating the most common mental health conditions. You are welcome to contact Marzano Family Psychology for confidential advice on how you can access a psychologist.
References
1 Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2007). National survey of mental health and wellbeing: summary of results (Cat. No. 4326.0). Retrieved from http://www.abs.gov.au
2 Department of Health and Ageing. (2010). National mental health report 2010. Summary of 15 years of reform in Australia’s Mental Health Services under the National Mental Health Strategy 1993-2008. Canberra, Australia: AGPS. Retrieved from http://www.health.gov.au