Did you know…?

Figure: Map of Suicide Rates (source: World Health Organization – http://www.who.int/)

The following Global and Australian statistics on Mental Health outline the importance of counselling and appropriate mental health care/support in our communities:

(Yes, these statistics are frightening – but together we can change them!)

• Every year, almost one million people die from suicide; a “global” mortality rate of 16 per 100,000, or one death every 40 seconds.
• WHO has estimated that by year 2020, depression will be the second leading disability causing disease in the world.
• In the last 45 years suicide rates have increased by 60% worldwide.
• Mental disorders (particularly depression and alcohol use disorders) are a major risk factor for suicide in Europe and North America.
• 45% of adult Australians will experience a mental illness. 1 in 5 will experience a mental disorder in any 12-month period.
• In Australia, mental illness is the leading cause of ‘healthy life’ lost.
• 3 million Australians will experience a major depressive illness.
• An astounding 26% of 16-24 year olds have experienced a mental disorder in the last 12-months.
• Mental disorders are the leading contributor to the total burden of disease among young Australians – accounting for 49% of that total.
• 12% of 13-17 year olds have reported having thought about suicide.
• Mental illness is the 3rd largest contributor to the total national (AUS) health burden (13.2%), yet only receives 6% of the health expenditure.
• Almost all of the national (AUS) mental health expenditure is on clinical service provision, not early intervention.

There’s a very good chance that right now someone close to you is secretly and silently suffering. That’s why we’re on a mission to improve the state of mental health care in Australia. If you know anyone who has suffered from a mental illness and would like to see improvement in overall mental health care – please share this post on Facebook, Twitter and/or Google+ (using the buttons above), or via Email and any other social media you have access to.

In upcoming weeks we’ll provide more information on how YOU and YOUR COMMUNITY can help change the face of mental health care in Australia. Stay tuned for updates!

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