About Mental Illness

Prevalence of mental disorders

Almost half of Australians have a mental illness at some point in their lives
20% of Australians have a mental disorder each year
This includes 14% of Australians with anxiety disorders, 4% depressive disorders, 1.8% bipolar disorder and 5% substance abuse
Whilst women have higher rates of anxiety and depressive disorders, men have higher rates of substance abuse disorders
People in younger age groups experience higher rates of mental health disorders
Anxiety disorders include post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobias, agoraphobia, panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder
People may be more or less likely to develop a mental disorder, depending on their life experiences
People who had never been married experience almost twice the prevalence of mental disorders
People who are homeless and people who have been incarcerated have higher levels of prevalence of mental disorders