Data and statistics

When discussing, portraying or reporting on mental health concerns, data and statistics serve a purpose in providing context and insight into the complex nature of mental health concerns.

It is important to note that there are a number of considerations when it comes to using and referencing statistics around mental health concerns.

In order to use data and statistics accurately please:

• Use caution when comparing numbers between states or population groups
• Be aware that comparisons with international suicide statistics can be difficult due to differences in coronial reporting, classification of deaths, definitions and time periods
• Keep statistics within context
• Be aware that the reliability of statistics can be affected by a number of factors

Key data

• Each year, approximately one in every five Australians will experience a mental illness
• It is estimated about 45% of Australians may experience mental illness at some point in their lives
• Mental illnesses are the third leading cause of disability burden in Australia, accounting for an estimated 27% of the total years lost due to disability
• About 4% of people will experience a major depressive episode in a 12-month period, with 5% of women and 3% of men affected
• Anxiety affects over 2 million Australians each year, with approximately 14% of the population experiencing anxiety
• About 3% of Australians are affected by psychotic illnesses, such as schizophrenia
• About 4% of the population is affected by an eating disorder at any one time
• Prevalence of mental illness decreases with age, with prevalence greatest among 18-24 year olds
• People unemployed or not in the paid workforce generally have higher rates of mental illness that people who are employed
• Limited research suggests Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples may experience higher levels of psychological distress
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex people experience higher levels of psychological distress than other Australians, which can increase their risk of mental illness and suicide
• In Australia, the prevalence of mental or behavioural disorders among people born overseas appears to be similar to those born in Australia, but research is very limited
• Limited research suggests Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience mental disorders at least as often as other Australians
• Many violent people have no history of mental disorder and most people with mental illness (90%) have no history of violence.