Mental Health in Australia: Why Rising Concerns Demand Stronger Support

The Rising Need for Support

Common Mental Health Conditions in Australia

Understanding the mental health challenges people face is key to building meaningful support. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the most common mental health conditions among Australians include:

• Anxiety Disorders – Affecting around 1 in 7 Australians annually, this group includes Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic disorder, PTSD, phobias, and social anxiety. Often, anxiety coexists with depression.
• Depressive Disorders – These include major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder. Depression impacts over a million Australians each year and is a leading contributor to disability.
• Substance Use Disorders – These involve harmful or dependent use of alcohol, nicotine, or drugs, and frequently co-occur with other mental health disorders.
• Bipolar Affective Disorder – Characterised by alternating episodes of depression and mania, this condition affects nearly 2% of Australians over their lifetime.
• Psychotic Disorders – Schizophrenia and related conditions are less common but often require more intensive long-term care.
• Eating Disorders – Conditions like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder are rising, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Involving distressing obsessions and compulsive behaviours, OCD can significantly impact daily functioning.

Recognising these conditions and understanding their symptoms is the first step in creating a more responsive and inclusive system of care.



Increased demand is being driven by:

• Post-pandemic stress and trauma
• Workplace burnout and financial pressures
• Social isolation among older Australians
• Youth mental health concerns are tied to identity, bullying, and screen time
• Caregiver stress in aged and community care settings

These pressures are being felt across every sector, from schools and families to corporate workplaces and retirement villages.

The Role of Round-the-Clock Mental Health Support

While psychologists and GP’s provide essential clinical care, many people also need immediate emotional reassurance and reliable personal safety support. That’s where INS LifeGuard’s 24/7 personal and medical alarm monitoring service becomes a vital resource.

Whether someone is feeling anxious, confused, or unwell, they can reach out through our in-home units, smartphone app, or connected wearable. Users are connected to our response centre at the press of a button, where qualified nurses are ready to listen, assess, and take action if needed.

This service isn’t just for emergencies. With access to a free 24/7 chat line, users can talk to a real person anytime they need support, offering comfort, connection, and peace of mind during vulnerable moments.



What You Can Do

• Check in on loved ones. Don’t assume silence means everything is fine.
  
  
• Know the signs. Watch for mood changes, withdrawal, sleep issues, or loss of interest.
  
  
• Encourage conversation. Let people know it's safe to talk about their mental health.
  
  
• Use trusted services. For immediate support, reach out to organisations like Lifeline, Beyond Blue, or INS LifeGuard for those using our personal and medical alarm systems.



Building a More Supportive Future

As mental health needs continue to rise, integrated support systems — including 24/7 response centres, digital monitoring, and TeleHealth care coordination — will be crucial.

INS LifeGuard is proud to be part of that solution. By pairing clinical-grade monitoring with compassionate human response, we help ensure that no one falls through the cracks.

Let’s keep the conversation and support available, day or night.



For more on how INS LifeGuard supports mental health through personal safety monitoring and 24/7 care, call 1800 636 040 or visit our website to learn more.