Mental health in WA

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What is happening with mental health in Western Australia and why does it matter?
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Mental health in Western Australia

Mental health affects people in every community across Western Australia. 

It touches families, friendships, workplaces, schools, sporting clubs and communities. At some point in our lives, many of us will experience mental health challenges ourselves or support someone who is going through a difficult time. 

While experiences vary from person to person, one thing is clear: mental health is part of everyday life and plays an important role in the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities across our state. 

Mental health is more common than many people realise

Mental health challenges are a common part of the human experience. 

Research and community data show that many Western Australians will experience mental health challenges themselves or know someone close to them who has. These experiences can affect people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life. 

Mental health challenges do not discriminate. They can affect people living in metropolitan, regional and remote communities, as well as people at different stages of life and facing different circumstances. 

Why this matters

Mental health challenges can affect many areas of a person’s life. 

People may find it harder to cope with everyday pressures, maintain relationships, stay connected to work, study or community activities, or do the things that are important to them. 

The impact is not limited to individuals. Families, friends, carers, colleagues and communities are often affected too. 

This is why early support, connection and understanding matter. 

What the numbers tell us

Behind every statistic is a person, a family and a story. 

The figures below help us understand the scale of mental health challenges across Western Australia, but they do not define individual experiences. Every person’s experience is unique. 

 

 

  • Nearly
    1 in 2
    Western Australians
    45.3% of Western Australians aged 16-85 have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lifetime.
  • Almost
    1 in 4
    in a single year
    23.1% of Western Australians experienced a mental disorder in a 12-month period.
  • Almost
    40%
    of young people
    Young people are disproportionately affected, 38.8% of people aged 16-24 experienced a mental disorder within a 12-month period.
  • Less than
    50%
    seek professional help
    Less than half (46.5%) of adults experiencing a mental disorder sought treatment, meaning many people do not receive professional support.

These figures remind us that mental health challenges are common. They affect people of all ages, backgrounds and life circumstances across Western Australia. They also highlight the importance of early support, strong relationships and communities where people feel safe to reach out when they need help. 

Community has a role to play

Professional support is important, but communities play an important role too. 

Many people experiencing mental health challenges first turn to someone they know and trust. A family member. A friend. A colleague. A neighbour. A coach. 

Often, people want to help but are unsure what to say or do. 

Building confidence, understanding and connection can help create communities where people feel more comfortable reaching out for support and supporting one another. 

Some communities face additional challenges

While mental health affects people from all walks of life, some communities experience higher rates of mental health challenges or face additional barriers when seeking support. 

This can include young people, people living in regional and remote communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQA+ communities, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people experiencing disadvantage, and others facing social, economic or health challenges. 

Recognising these differences can help us build more inclusive communities and ensure support is available where it is needed most. 

Every conversation matters

You do not need to be an expert to support someone. 

Small actions such as checking in, listening without judgement and helping someone feel heard can make a meaningful difference. 

Support does not always start with a service. Sometimes it starts with a conversation, a relationship or knowing that someone cares. 

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