Mental health experts anticipate another rise in reports in census

Mental health experts in Australia are bracing for an anticipated rise in reported mental health conditions within the nation's latest census data. This upcoming data is expected to offer a more comprehensive picture of community well-being and allow for crucial comparisons with previous health statistics. The census, which recently asked Australians to report long-term health issues, marks only the second time such detailed information on chronic conditions has been collected. In the 2021 census, approximately one in 11 Australians reported a long-term mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, making it more prevalent than arthritis or asthma at the time. Biostatistician Tim Slade from the University of Sydney's Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use anticipates the new data will reflect a persistent challenge. "We have seen an increase in the general population, the whole adult population, in mental health problems," he stated, noting that recent research outside the census also indicates these conditions remain prevalent. The 2021 census was conducted during COVID-19 lockdowns, but Slade emphasized that mental health concerns were rising even before the pandemic. "COVID has had an impact on the mental health of the population and particularly among some subgroups," he added. While this year's survey occurred amidst ongoing social challenges, the focus has shifted from lockdowns to economic pressures like housing affordability and the cost of living. Georgie Harman, CEO of mental health service provider Beyond Blue, confirmed an increased demand for services nationwide. "We know from our own data that psychological distress relating to financial pressure has been increasing over the past four years," Harman said, highlighting the interconnectedness of financial worries and mental health. Beyond Blue is also observing a rise in demand for immediate support, with indications of increasing anxiety and depression.

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It provides really important information at an Australian population level for the prevalence of these conditions, and obviously tracking whether things have changed over time.