Statistics paint startling picture

The results from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), released in July this year, revealed that more than two in five Australians have experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime.

Locally the latest census data shows that in the regional centres of Yarrawonga and Corowa, mental health is the second most common illness residents are suffering with.

In the towns two neighbouring counterparts, the debilitating illness was one run down the ladder as the third most common illness recorded with arthritis and asthma claiming the top two positions.

• A higher proportion of females than males (44.6% compared with 42.7%) had experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime.

• In 2020 alone the ABS reports that 2,384 males died by suicide making it the 10th leading cause of death in males compared to 755 females with suicide the 22nd leading cause of death.

- The age-standardised suicide rate was 12.1 per 100,000 people with all states except Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory recording decreases in the number of suicides between 2019 and 2020.

• Suicide rates are 60% higher in regional and rural areas than rates in major cities.

• 16–24-year-olds were most likely to have experienced symptoms of a mental disorder in the 12 months prior to the survey while those aged 75–85 years were the least likely.

• In Yarrawonga 894 (10.3 %) of the 8661 people surveyed listed suffering with a mental health illness while in Corowa 626 (11.2%) of the 5595 people disclosed their condition.

• In Mulwala 196 (7.7%) of the 2557 people that took part in the census documented suffering with their mental health while in Rutherglen 390 (9.6%) of the 4047 people that took part noted the change in their health.

These statistics are why this National Mental Health month, it is an important time for the Australian community to come together to raise awareness and promote better mental health for all.

Be aware, seek support

From breaking point to ambassador