How common are Mental Health Problems?

Mental illness is very common. According to statistics quoted by Beyond Blue, it is estimated that in Australia, 45 per cent of people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. Surveys quoted by Black Dog Institute, show that, in any year, one in five (20%) Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental illness. Furthermore, in any one year, around 1 million Australian adults are reported to have depression, with over 2 million having anxiety (Beyond Blue).

Depression, anxiety and substance use disorders are the most common mental health problems and they often occur in combination.''