Australians wait an average of 12 years to seek treatment for mental health and substance use disorders

Australians are waiting an average of 12 years to seek treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, according to new research. While many of us are proactive in looking after our physical health, we appear to be seriously neglecting our mental health, suffering for many years before reaching out for help.

Some key findings

Our research used national data from the 2020–22 Australian National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, a nationally representative survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Among the information collected in this survey, respondents were asked about their history of mental health and substance use problems, and when they first sought help from a medical doctor or other professional regarding their symptoms (if at all).

The survey asked about the most common types of mental health and substance use problems in the general population under three broad categories: mood disorders (for example, depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders (such as social anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder) and substance use disorders.

People with mood disorders waited an average of three years before seeking treatment, those with substance use disorders waited an average of eight, and people with anxiety disorders waited the longest to seek treatment – 11 years on average.

Why do people delay reaching out for help?

There are a range of reasons someone may delay seeking help. Services are not always available and many carry high out-of-pocket costs. Fear and stigma play a significant role, while many people simply may not know where to seek support or what might help.

Finding the right treatment can be hard and while some people recover without help, for many these delays come at a huge cost. Delays mean problems can become more complex and difficult to treat.

How can we reduce delays?

We need to actively encourage early help-seeking, as well as continue efforts to reduce the stigma associated with poor mental health. Expanding anti-stigma campaigns and education to encourage people to seek help early could assist with this.

Alongside these efforts, it’s essential that effective treatment services are accessible when people do reach out for help. There has been chronic underinvestment in the mental health treatment system over many decades, while prevalence rates have increased. We need continued and increased investment in mental health treatment, prevention and early intervention.

Conclusion

Ultimately, by empowering future generations to be proactive about their mental health, we hope we can make going to the doctor for anxiety as normal as doing so for the flu.

FAQs

What is the average delay in seeking treatment for mental health and substance use disorders? The average delay is 12 years.

What are the most common types of mental health and substance use problems? The most common types include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders.

Why do people delay seeking help? People may delay seeking help due to lack of services, high out-of-pocket costs, fear and stigma, and lack of knowledge about where to seek support.

How can we reduce delays? We can reduce delays by encouraging early help-seeking, reducing stigma, and increasing investment in mental health treatment, prevention, and early intervention.