What is mental health?
- What is mental illness or ill-health?
- How common is mental illness?
- Some common myths about mental illness
What is mental illness or ill-health?
A mental illness significantly affects how a person thinks, behaves and interacts with others. It will impact on a person's ability to perform normal activities like work and study. A mental illness is diagnosed according to standardised criteria.
One in five Australians will suffer from a mental illness at some point in their lives. Mental ill-health affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves, but to a lesser extent than a mental illness. It's important to be aware of your mental health as it can change over time. Noticing the signs early means it can be treated before it gets worse. It's also important to be aware of those around you and notice changes to their mental health.
Mental illnesses and ill-health come in many different forms and degrees of severity. The three most common mental illnesses in Australia are:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Substance use disorder
Less common mental illnesses include:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar mood disorder
- Personality disorders
- Eating disorders
How common is mental illness?
One in five Australians aged 16-85 will suffer from some form of common mental illness in any one year. This is equal to 3.2 million people each year.
Did you know?
- Mental illness is the third biggest health concern in Australia
- Many people with common mental illnesses do not seek any professional help.
| Type of illness | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety disorder | 11% | 18% | 14.4% |
| Depressive disorder | 5.3% | 7.1% | 6.2% |
| Substance use disorder | 7% | 3.3% | 5.1% |
| Any common mental disorder | 18% | 22% | 20% |
Some common myths about mental illness
- Myth: Mental illness only affects a few people.
Fact: Mental illness is common. One in five Australians will experience a mental illness. It affects people of all educational and income levels, ages and cultures. - Myth: Mental illness is caused by a personal weakness.
Fact: A mental illness is not a character flaw. It is caused by genetic, biological, social and environmental factors. Seeking and accepting help is a sign of strength. - Myth: People with a mental illness never get better.
Fact: With the right kind of help most people do recover and lead healthy, productive and satisfying lives. - Myth: People with a mental illness can ‘pull themselves out of it’.
Fact: A mental illness is not caused by personal weakness and is not ‘cured’ by personal strength. - Myth: People with a mental illness are violent.
Fact: People with a mental illness are not more violent or dangerous than other people. People with a mental illness are more likely to harm themselves – or to be harmed – than they are to hurt other people. - Myth: People with a mental illness should be kept in hospital.
Fact: With appropriate treatment and support, people with a mental illness can live successfully in the community. The majority of people with a mental illness live independently in the community.
