Why is Mental Health Among Women Declining in Australia Despite Prosperity?

" Disappointing picture of the world regarding failure to provide a better mental health services people need. " highlights W.H.O

Among 35 developed nations, Sweden leads in mental well-being, followed closely by Luxembourg and Norway 

What makes it so amazing that Australia with a 2023 population of around 27 million and a GDP per capita, of $ 61340.71 paradoxically struggles with widespread mental issues among women, and in the mental well - being Australia finds itself in the 31st position.

The irony is that it has slipped from 10th to 31st position which is hard to understand.

This decline is both surprising and concerning. A survey of 65 countries, for instance, showed that Australia had the fourth-highest percentage of distressed and struggling individuals

The 2021 census reports that 2.2 million Australians are facing long-term mental health issues. Additionally, a report from  2020- 22 indicated that one in five Australians had experienced a 12-month mental disorder i.e equivalent to 4.3 million people

This unexpected spike in mental health issues is a growing concern for Australia.

Mental illness is like a silent storm often unnoticed and unspoken brews, in the minds of women and robs them of their peace and joy. Many women silently struggle and battle with mental health issues but they feel they cannot speak about.

The Liptember Foundation's 2024 report reveals alarming statistics about the mental health problems prevalent among women in Australia. Depression affects 46% of women, anxiety and generalised anxiety disorders impact 41% and body image issues are prevalent among  29%. Additionally, 16% of women suffer from psychological disorders, while 14% experience post-traumatic disorders. These figures speak volumes about the mental health struggles of women in Australia.

The concern is why women are dealing with such mental conditions. Why are we witnessing such high numbers of women with mental health issues, particularly in a prosperous, developed nation Australia? We are not discussing a poor or underdeveloped country where the circumstances are entirely distinct.

Findings say that adult women of working age have to deal with a lot of problems while balancing education, work, and family. On top of this, women need to manage social commitments, finances, and household duties all of which contribute to their mental burden.

The most terrifying ordeal women face in their lives is domestic and sexual violence which mentally breaks them down entirely.

About 1 in 3 women experience violence in their lifetime in Australia

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1 in 5 have endured sexual violence

Domestic violence in Australia is very common .

Nearly one woman per week is murdered in Australia by a current or former male partner

Data says that nearly 2369 women were killed by intimate partners or other family members in Australia between 1989 and 2022-2023.

It is seen that violence against women in Australia is experienced at all ages.

Do these numbers make the government realize the gravity of the situation? Is the global community genuinely concerned? If we observe the global perspective the truth will naturally come to light.?

A Lancet report says that only 2% of the global health budget is allocated to mental health, despite mental health issues accounting for 45% of health problems in people aged 10 to 24.

The picture becomes even clearer when we examine budget allocations across different nations. 

According to the report, France dedicates a substantial 12.91% of its health budget to mental health.

Despite increased cases in Australia,  the  2024-2025 budget allocates just $2.9 billion to mental health services out of a total health spending of   $ 112.7 billion

Expert says only $ 361 million in new mental health funding over four years has disappointed the Austalia's current mental health care system

" However, the funding announced in the Budget does not come close to the amount required to fix Australia's mental health care system, "says Professor Samuel Harvey, Executive Director at the Black Dog Institute.

Data says that the Productivity Commission estimates an additional $ 2.4 billion is required each year to meet the mental health needs in Australia.

The government has committed a $ 2.3 billion budget towards implementing the national plan and other women's safety initiatives . But the real impact will only be known with time.

"While the plans are positive steps, domestic and family violence should not be left to the government to solve," says experts.

According to experts lessons on respectful relationships in educational institutions, coupled with having conversations with children about staying positive will shift the current narrative.

In addition, practicing yoga and meditation proves to be a powerful blessing.