batyr Chair, Ellen Derrick described the incoming CEO as a “powerful voice” who is “deeply passionate about amplifying young voices and their lived experience, alongside equipping young people and their communities with the tools to live their lives and flourish.”

“Acheson’s leadership is centred around driving transformative change, with lived experience at the core of this,” Derrick said in a statement. 

As a prominent figure in the Australian youth sector, Acheson has served as the CEO of Youth Action, Chair of the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition and Executive Manager of Policy and Advocacy at Arafmi. She was the lead youth lived experience consultant for the United Nations World Youth Report in 2022, and earned the title of Financial Review’s Woman of Influence in 2019. Last year, she was a Bob and June Prickett Churchill Trust Fellow, researching the ways involving young people in decision-making can help address rising mental ill-health. 

She is also the Co-founder of Numbers and People Synergy, a data analytics company working to improve social development policies. 

Acheson said she is “beyond excited to join the batyr team.” 

“I have been championing batyr from the sidelines for many years and it’s an absolute honour to now be stepping into the role as CEO to lead this incredible organisation,” she said in a statement.

“Their expertise in prevention and championing lived experience is being recognised and acknowledged in Australia and abroad for its proven impact.”

“I’m already proud of batyr’s work on the ground to date, and can’t wait to amplify this further. I’ll continue to ensure the team are supported, motivated and inspired to keep driving positive change for young people now and for generations to come.”

Derrick added that Acheson’s “depth of knowledge and experience across youth and mental health” is “inspiring.”

“We are excited to officially welcome Katie into the batyr family and see her leadership build on our strong foundations and guide batyr into the future.”

Acheson begins her role on February 19. Last week, the organisation launched its fifth Splash the Stigma swim fundraiser that will continue through the month of February. Splash the Stigma is batyr’s annual drive to “turn the tide on mental health”, where people are invited to take up swimming challenge to raise money for the charity’s education programs to help young people better understand their mental health.

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According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, living costs for employee households jumped by 2.0 per cent in the September 2023 quarter – that’s faster than the 1.5 per cent rise we saw in June. The cost of living for Australian workers is skyrocketing, and it’s hitting hard. The reality is that many people going into 2024, some not employed and are already struggling just to be okay, are facing housing insecurity, financial hardship and rising food prices bills.   

But for those grappling with the daily effects of complex trauma, the struggle is unique, often silent, and undeniably tougher.

Living with complex trauma

For many people living with the impacts of complex trauma, the New Year is anything but happy. 

More than a quarter of Australian adults live with the legacy of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation experienced at some, often many times and stages of their life. 

Despite how common experiences of complex trauma are, we, as a society often don’t acknowledge or recognise it. We naively expect adults to just get on with it but without the tools and support, it can be far from easy.  The burden of complex trauma for many and accompanying emotional distress, chronic ill-health, interpersonal difficulties and barriers to education, self-realisation and stable employment fuel the already whirring cycle of economic hardship. Economic hardship in turn is a significant additional stressor which, for a person whose nervous system is already reeling from the impacts of traumatic stress, can exacerbate it further. 

The combination of financial worries and the psychological effects of trauma can create a vicious cycle which demands a safety net of support, compassion and understanding. We know that economic hardship often leads to unstable housing, job insecurity, welfare dependency and limited access to optimal care. For survivors who are already isolated, alone, reluctant to reach out and seek help, these challenges can further complicate the process of recovery. Both complex trauma and economic hardship are associated with an increased risk of mental health issues, common ones including depression, anxiety, and others which carry a raft of diagnostic labels, including Complex PTSD. 

The coexistence of these challenges can contribute to the severity and complexity of mental health struggles. Many survivors benefit from a raft of mental health support including Telehealth support, therapy and counselling, eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), trauma-informed yoga, body work and so forth – all of which come at a cost. With living expenses on the rise, for many who struggle to trust, feel safe and seek support in the first place, their human right for suitable care and support is denied, often with the basics of dental and medical care going by the wayside as well.

Economic stressors can also strain relationships with friends, families and communities. Many people with complex trauma have fractured relationships, especially if they experienced violence or abuse within the family. With challenges establishing and maintaining relationships, the added pressure from economic hardship may exacerbate existing relational difficulties and hinder the formation of supportive social networks.

The impact of the rising cost of living hits survivors hard. As many survivors already feel disconnected from others, facing their challenges in silence and shame, can make the daily realities of cost of living pressures so much harder.

So, how can we, as a society, help?

Greater understanding of the realities survivors face everyday and the compounding dynamics of economic hardship are key to forging a more compassionate and empathetic society. Together, we can erode the judgement which sabotages healing, and provide the safety and support survivors need to heal from their trauma and weather the economic storm.

Raise awareness and reduce stigma: Let’s spread the word about complex trauma and its long-term effects. Educate the wider community about the unique challenges survivors face, break down the stigma, and foster acceptance and empathy. A more clued-in and caring society is more able to be present to support survivors.

Advocate for a trauma-informed community: It’s time for us all to embrace one another’s humanity within a community which understands the particular sensitivities and vulnerabilities of trauma survivors  – in workplaces, healthcare, and education. In that way, we can create spaces that are safe and supportive and foster the hope and connection needed for healing.

Support organisations empowering complex trauma survivors: Stand with organisations committed to empowering survivors of complex trauma, through support, belonging and resources. The importance of a safe place to land, a space in which survivors feel seen, heard and believed and in which they can acquire the tools and strategies needed to cope.

For supporters, these organisations create safe spaces for family, friends, and loved ones to access the necessary support and tools to accompany those in their lives who are healing from the impacts of violence and abuse.

Through this collective effort, we can create a trauma-informed world in which we are real and acknowledge each other’s humanity, and stressors including  the compounding impacts of the rising cost of living.

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The data, in a report from the US Population Reference Bureau (PRB), offers insight into the effects of world events on young women’s health and shows some interesting correlations between the wellbeing of this population here in Australia. 

While definitions of generational divides can vary, this report defines Gen Z as those born in 2000 or later, while millennials are anyone born between 1981 and 1999. Gen X falls between 1965 to 1980, baby boomers between 1946 to 1964 and the Silent Generation are born from 1928 to 1945.

Homicide

The US report shows the overall death rate in women between 25 and 34 years of age jumped almost 40 per cent (from 79 deaths to 109 deaths per 100,000) between 2019 and 2021, with the report (using largely government data) citing a rise in violent crimes as the cause.

Between 2019 and 2021, the rate of homicide deaths in young women increased from 3.4 to 5.4 per 100,000, and 2020 saw the largest one-year increase in national homicides in modern history (30 per cent), according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This disturbing trend is being seen here in Australia as well, with Destroy the Joint’s Counting Dead Women register showing 54 women have been killed due to violence against women this year. With thirty days still left in 2023, this is only one away from the 57 women killed in 2022, making gender-based violence a national emergency. 

Suicide

The US report showed the suicide rate among millennial women ages 25 to 34 is seven deaths per 100,000, compared to four deaths per 100,000 when Gen X was the same age. For teenage Gen Z girls (ages 15 to 19), suicide rates are more common at 5.1 per 100,000, compared to 3.1 per 100,000 for millennials and 3.9 per 100,000 for Gen X.

The frequent use of social media plays a role in increased suicide and self-harm behaviours due to low self-esteem, poor body image and worsening mental health, according to the PRB. 

A study from the University of NSW, published in the journal Body Image, suggests the exposure to short form, “appearance-ideal content” videos on social media is having a negative impact on body image on young women aged 17 to 28 through platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Mental health

An American Psychological Association report has shown as well that Gen Z reported the highest stress levels during the Covid pandemic compared to 5.6 millennials and 5.2 in Gen X. 

Here in Australia, research has shown almost half of young women are living with mental illness. The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing , conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), revealed in 2022 that young women have some of the highest rates of mental health issues, with one in four (24.6 per cent) aged 16 to 24 experiencing a mental disorder.

Maternal mortality

Back in the US, maternal mortality for women aged 25 to 34 also increased to 30.4 deaths per 100,000 between 2019 and 2021 compared to 19.2 deaths per 100,000 between 2013 to 2015. And following the US Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade– leading many states to restrict abortion access– the PRB predicts a further increase in maternal mortality among millennials and Gen Z. 

While Australia is one of the safest places in the world to give birth, maternal mortality is still a national concern. First Nations women are three times more likely to die in childbirth than other Australian women (17.5 vs 5.5 per 100,000 women from 2012-2019).

Economic strides linked to health

Despite worsening health and safety risks for young women, the PRB data shows millennial women are more educated and have more economic success than previous generations. 

Millennial women hold almost four times as many bachelor’s degrees than women of the Silent Generation and 1.5 times as many bachelor’s degrees as Gen X. 

Although it’s extremely disappointing the gender pay gap still exists, millennial women’s earnings as a percentage of men’s has increased in the US. They earn 89.7 cents for every dollar men make compared to the 82.4 cents Gen X women made at their age. 

Here in Australia, research from Monash University has shown financial inequity is linked to poor health outcomes for women, with income equity for Australian women more than 200 years away at the current rate of progress and full time employment equality with men around 70 years away. Australian women have lower incomes, less superannuation, less labour force engagement and poorer health than men. 

Linked with this financial inequity is the greater psychological distress that women experience compared to men, which has risen particularly high in Australian women aged 18-24 and 55-64 since 2001.

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The findings from the Liptember Foundation, an Australian non-for-profit organisation specialising in women’s mental health, serve as a timely reminder today, World Mental Health Day, of the gender gap in mental health.

The foundation’s 2023 Women’s Mental Health Research found 35 per cent of respondents listed financial stress and cost of living as a trigger for depression, while 36 per cent said it triggered anxiety.

CEO and founder of the Liptember Foundation Luke Morris said there are no signs of slowing for the cost-of-living crisis in Australia, and women’s mental health is bearing the brunt of it.

“Australian women are suffering from a mental health paradox due to the cost-of-living crisis,” he said.

“Financial pressures are worsening women’s mental health yet at the same time, a growing number of those who suffer from mental health issues say they can’t afford to seek the help they so desperately need.

“With no ease to the cost of living pressures in sight, sadly, we are likely to see women’s mental health suffering as a result in the coming years.”

On October 10, World Mental Health Day, Morris said now is the time to take stock of our progress towards closing the gender gap in mental health.

“We’re committed to ensuring that the topic of mental illness stays front of mind year-round,” he said. 

“Calendar dates like World Mental Health Day serve as a timely reminder and prompt for us all to check in on our progress in this space.

“It is clear that we have a considerable way to go in removing some of the barriers to seeking help that still prevail. Many of these barriers are caused by the ever-present mental health stigma that exists in our society, as well as a lack of sufficient and timely access to mental health resources.”

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The Liptember Foundation specialises in the unique challenges women face that impact their mental health. Madhavi Nawana-Parker, the foundation’s mental health advisory panel member and clinical psychologist, is particularly passionate about this.

“There is no doubt that mental health is important for all genders, but Liptember Foundation is doing important work spotlighting the mental health gender gap,” she said.

“In my clinic I often observe that the unique biological challenges and experiences women face in their lifetime can be a trigger for mental ill-health.”

For example, more than half (55 per cent) of women suffering from endometriosis also suffer from depression. One in five women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) also struggle with suicide and self-harm. Almost 25 per cent of women with vaginal issues will have social phobias.

Nawana-Parker said the foundation’s research and continuous work in women’s mental health – not just on days like World Mental Health Day, but all year round – will help close the gender gap in mental health.

‘This valuable information will help steer Australia towards looking at mental health through a gendered lens and ultimately close the mental health gender gap,” she said.

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When Penny Moodie hears people say that they’re ‘a bit OCD’ about cleaning or tidying, she can’t help but feel frustrated. It took her twenty-three years to be diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder – a debilitating mental health condition involving intrusive thoughts and accompanying physical or mental compulsions – and the stigma and misunderstanding around OCD means this kind of delay is all too common.

Weaving her personal experience with the stories of other OCD sufferers, as well as the expertise of some of the world’s leading OCD doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists, Penny explores OCD’s symptoms, stigmas and treatments with raw honesty and zero judgement. From childhood OCD, shame and medication to perinatal mental illness, relationship OCD and group therapy, this book provides an expansive and very personal insight into the complexities of the condition – and the life-changing impact that best-practice treatment can have.

Below is an extract from Moodie’s new book, The Joy Thief.

***

OCD seems to attack the things that you value the most. For me, when I was still in the pre-teen years, that was my family and my sense of security (and the Spice Girls, but luckily the OCD stayed well clear of that love affair). For so long, my obsessions revolved around my health and the thought of dying a horrible death. But now they were starting to shift again.

We were on a long holiday around Europe and Asia before heading back home to Melbourne for good. There was nothing that excited me more than travelling with my family; the airports, the plane food (I was an easily pleased child), the hotels, the family dinners at restaurants—​I found them all exhilarating. But only as long as I felt that everything was ‘perfect’. If things didn’t feel right, or an unusual or disturbing thought popped into my head, the excitement would be replaced with panic.

On a horse ride on a beach in Cha-am, Thailand, I was struck by another random thought: What if my dad is gay? It seems like a strange thought for a ten-year-old, but words such as ‘gay’ and ‘homo’ were being thrown around at school, and I was only just starting to learn what they meant. I knew from family conversations that being gay wasn’t a bad thing. My godfather was gay, after all. It was never a big deal. But from peers at school in the nineties, I was getting a different message: to be gay was to be ‘less than’. I started to wonder if gay people could remain married to someone of the opposite sex. I’d seen photos of my dad dressed up as a woman from his amateur theatre days and I’d also seen a photo of him pretending to kiss his male boss on the cheek. So, what if these things added up to him being gay? He would have to leave my mum, and our family would be broken.

What if my mum didn’t know? I’d have to break it to her.

Poor Mum. This conversation wasn’t on her 1997 bingo card. I spent the next week on the Gulf of Thailand’s pure white shores, divulging to her that I thought her husband was secretly gay. She gently rebuffed my claims, explaining that a fondness for theatre and a playful peck on the cheek weren’t evidence of a change in sexual preference. In the same way that I felt a weighty responsibility to keep my parents safe from having a car crash when I was six years old, I now felt responsible for keeping my family together.

I didn’t understand it at the time, but I was making invisible connections between things and slowly creating a destructive web of fear. None of these connections was real, but because I’d thought them, they felt real to me. I couldn’t bear any level of uncertainty, which I equated to feeling unsafe—​and when I felt unsafe, I was fearful.

Un/Certainty

People with OCD can experience so many different variations: contamination fears, suicidal obsessions, questions around their very existence. So what could possibly bind us all together? Uncertainty. Or rather, the quest to achieve absolute, 100 per cent, indubitable certainty.

I didn’t realise this until I started to see Dr Andrea Wallace (whom you’ll meet again later in the book as the clinical psychologist who diagnosed my OCD). It had never occurred to me that what I’d been doing since I was a little kid was seeking certainty whenever a thought scared me. What I definitely didn’t know at the time was that seeking certainty is like searching for the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow: it’s a noble but futile quest.

The feeling of certainty

In his book Freedom from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, psychologist Dr Jonathan Grayson talks at length about certainty, and more specifically about our illusion of certainty.¹² We all know what it’s like to feel certain, but—​whether we have OCD or not—​what most of us don’t realise is that we can never achieve absolute certainty about anything. Ever. We have events that are probable or improbable. That’s it.

For those of us with OCD, we experience the illusion of certainty in particular areas of our lives—​it could be that when we leave for work, we’re sure that our house will still be standing when we return. Or it might be that we’re certain the sun will rise in the morning. Because we feel certain about these things, we crave this same feeling when we’re anxious about something else—​for example, that our newborn baby might not be breathing when we go to bed.

‘What most people don’t realise is that what they experience as a certainty is not a fact, but a feeling,’ writes Dr Grayson.¹³ When we try to gain certainty to alleviate our anxiety, we use logic. But, as Dr Grayson points out that, logic won’t change our feelings.

A philosophical disorder

When I started writing this book, Dr Jonathan Grayson’s name was popping up everywhere: in books, in my therapy sessions and on numerous OCD-related websites. I hunted down his email address and sent a message asking if we could chat at some point. He kindly agreed to speak to me.

An expert in the area of OCD, Dr Grayson has worked with sufferers for over three decades and is Director of the Grayson LA Treatment Center for Anxiety and OCD. He is eminently qualified to discuss the subject of OCD. He also speaks with the confidence you would expect from a white, American, middle-aged professional. But, refreshingly, he sounds genuinely excited when talking about OCD.

‘I think OCD is, in some sense, a philosophical disorder,’ Dr Grayson begins, when I ask him why he is so fascinated by OCD. ‘Most of the concerns that people have are the great questions philosophers ask. “How can I be safe in a world where my family and I could die at any moment? What is the evil in me? What is the nature of God? Who am I?” And the only difference between somebody who has OCD and a great philosopher . . .?’ The way he poses the question, I can’t tell if it’s rhetorical or if he wants an answer.

‘There’s only one difference,’ he continues, before I can speak. ‘People with OCD actually want an answer.’

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When anxiety first paid me a visit, I only told two people – my husband and my dry cleaner (yes, we have fascinating conversations). His comment, “You don’t look like the type of person who’d have anxiety”. It was a stark reminder that we are often good at masking what’s happening underneath. For me, up until earlier this year, I’d never experienced it. Life circumstances led me to it. Which brings me to ‘R U Ok? day’. 

Encouraging open conversations about mental health is to be applauded, and so is raising awareness of the rising issues across workplaces and society. However, a one-day focus won’t shift the dial. The root cause of mental health issues varies, so the strategies needed to address it must also vary. Central to this are serious conversations about the nature of the workplaces we have created and continue to build. Workplace culture contributes to and can exacerbate mental health issues. 

Data tells the story 

Economist John Pencavel from Stanford University found that productivity declines when people work more than 50 hours each week. Even worse, working 70 hours or more a week causes the person to get the same amount of work done as people who work 55 hours. His research highlights the impact of employee fatigue and stress on productivity and the probability of errors, accidents, and sickness.

The BBC reported analysis showing that long working hours increased the risk of heart disease by 40% (almost the same as smoking) and strokes. People who worked more than 11 hours a day were nearly 2.4 times more likely to have a major depressive episode. International studies reveal the increase in mental health issues, with experts warning the ramifications will extend far into the future. This impact has financial consequences, with the World Health Organization estimating that depression and anxiety cost the global economy over $1 trillion in lost productivity. 

Despite the evidence mounting as to why it matters at a societal, organisational and personal level, many workplace practices work against creating a healthy workplace. For example, there are workplaces where excessive overtime and unrealistic workloads are a cultural norm. Organisations institute online surveillance despite research showing employees feel worse when monitored. There’s also a growing push for office-based workers to go back to the office in a full-time capacity, while research demonstrates that workers with flexibility enjoy a better quality of life. And let’s not forget ongoing data that continually reinforces that leadership is getting worse, not better.

Issues of burnout, stress and fatigue are systemic and cultural. So, tackling it hinges on seamlessly integrating strategies into a broad framework that addresses the root causes.

Start noticing

Leaders must balance the pressure in the working day and be ready to spot the warning signs for their team members and support them. This requires open communication channels, destigmatising mental health struggles, and proactively identifying and addressing burnout.

These signs may include feeling ineffective and cynical, being withdrawn, having reduced energy, motivation, and efficiency, and being more frustrated and irritable. You want to notice if your team members and colleagues are working excessively hard or doing lots of overtime, yet their productivity is waning. Noticing is only possible when you spend quality time with people.

Listen deeply

Create opportunities for open dialogue. Have a program of regular check-ins at a group and individual level. When talking with team members, remember you may be unable to fix the issue. What you can do, which has a valuable impact, is make them feel seen and heard. By doing that, you demonstrate they matter. Many times, just by hearing what they say, listening with compassion and showing a genuine interest in what’s concerning them, you’ll have given them exactly what they need.

Create connection

Relationships and connections are at the root of all human existence. As this HBR article reminds us, burnout isn’t just about exhaustion; it’s also about feeling disconnected and lonely. When you have strong relationships at work, it provides a support network for you to talk through challenges and get advice. As the team’s leader, building supportive and trusting relationships with all team members is crucial. People want to know they belong.  

Be systematic

Addressing issues necessitates a comprehensive review of workplace policies and expectations. Are employees routinely expected to work long hours, neglecting personal time and self-care? Are unrealistic targets the norm? Is the culture exacerbating issues? Creating a thriving workplace isn’t about the one thing you do. It requires awareness, patience and persistence, with consciously and consistently applied efforts. It’s also recognising and accepting that what each person needs may differ.

Thankfully, I’ve worked through my anxiety. On the days when it when it occasionally turns up, I say, “Hello, old friend, nice to see you again”. I then move through my day knowing it’s telling me something, and I need to give it (and myself) space to breathe.

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In their lifetime, women are more likely to experience depression and anxiety than men, with around 1 in 6 women having depression and 1 in 3 women having anxiety. Women also experience post-traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders at higher rates. 

In a 2023 Women’s Agenda survey, results showed  77 per cent of women believe they may have experienced burnout over the past 12 months. And when it comes to housing security now and in the future, 52 per cent of women worry about their personal situation.

Likely resulting from an increased mental load, 64 per cent of women reported they don’t believe they are getting enough sleep as well.

In honour of ‘R U OK Day’ today in Australia– a national day of mental health action–we’ve put together a list of some of the leading support services for women’s mental health in Australia.

Liptember Foundation

The Liptember Foundation is raising awareness and funds for women’s health through lipstick. Since 2010, the “Liptember” flagship fundraising campaign has encouraged people to wear lipstick throughout September, raising over $12 million to date and funding a wide range of diverse, women’s mental health outcomes. 

One in two women in Australia are facing a mental health issue and more than half of these women aren’t seeking help, according to The Liptember Foundation’s 2023 Annual Report, launched in June this year.

Speaking with Women’s Agenda, CEO and co-founder of the Liptember Foundation, Luke Morris said “there’s so much more that needs to be done.”

“Men and women are inherently different, and women face really unique societal and biological challenges in life that can significantly impact their mental health.”

Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) 

Perinatal mental health challenges are serious and can come with a lot of stigma, despite one in five new mums being affected by perinatal depression and anxiety each year. 

That data comes from PANDA, Australia’s only National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline for individuals, their families, support people and health care providers. 

The not-for-profit supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood, with 2022 data showing they saw a 23 per cent increase in people seeking support following the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Speaking to the importance of the organisation’s support, CEO of PANDA Julie Borninkhof said: “Mothers are telling us that they used to feel they had to do it all by themselves and letting people help them meant they were failing as a mother. That often leads to burn out, and not being able to be as present as they want to be for their children.”

The Pink Elephants Support Network

The Pink Elephants Support Network says that when a mother elephant loses her baby, the other elephants stand in a circle around her, allowing her all the time she needs to grieve and mourn. 

That’s exactly what this not-for-profit aims to do, advocating for the 40 per cent of Australians who experience barriers to support after their early pregnancy loss. 

Founded in Sydney in 2016, Pink Elephants has been providing the latest resources, information and peer-support for anyone impacted by early pregnancy loss. They use evidence, empathy, connection and a unique digital-first approach to offer specialist support.

Co-founder and CEO of Pink Elephants, Samantha Payne says: “Despite over 100,000 Australians experiencing this profound physical and emotional health issues each year, early pregnancy loss is continually minimised and ignored when it comes to ongoing government funding, research and formal support pathways.”

Butterfly Foundation

The Butterfly Foundation is the national charity for all Australians impacted by eating disorders and body image issues. They provide evidence-based support services, treatment and resources.

They also operate a National Helpline that includes support over the phone, via email and online, reaching 20,000 people each year.

Research has shown women and girls are more affected by eating disorders, with cultural factors like objectification and early sexualisation contributing to the ongoing issue.

A massive 30 per cent of girls show signs of disordered eating as well, according to a US study.

Here in Australia, a report from The ABC’s Four Corners, showed some hospitals have recorded an 80 to 104 per cent increase in children with anorexia since the pandemic started.

The Butterfly Foundation estimates that more than 1 million Australians have an eating disorder and less than a quarter are getting treatment or support.

If you or someone you love needs support:

– PANDA Helpline on 1300 726 306 (9am-7:30pm Monday-Saturday) or panda.org.au

– Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7) or lifeline.org.au

–Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673

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This comes from a survey of 2000 Australians aged 16 to 65 years old who took part in two standardised clinical screening questionnaires (GAD-2 and PHQ-2). 

Published by Wysa, a leading global provider of mental health support, the study suggests that the numbers of working people currently suffering from these mental health issues are far higher than reported in the 2022 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) study of all Australians, which found 16.8 per cent to be living with an anxiety disorder and 7.5 per cent with depression.

Wysa’s research found almost twice as many 16-24 year olds screened positive for symptoms of depression (46 per cent) or anxiety (46 per cent) versus 55-64 year olds with anxiety (24 per cent) or depression (23 per cent). 

Additionally, almost half (49 per cent) of students are experiencing significant symptoms of anxiety, compared to 31 per cent overall, and 52 per cent have depression symptoms that are moderate to severe, compared to 32 per cent of all participants.

The reasons for these numbers vary. Data shows that money is the top reason Australians feel depressed in 2023, with two thirds of people worried about the cost of living, including 79 per cent of full-time homemakers/parents.

Work is also a cause for stress for 4 in 10 full time employed people. Symptoms of anxiety are highest for real estate workers (44 per cent), social care (44 per cent) and engineering (42 per cent). Depression is highest for those in IT (47 per cent), engineering (41 per cent) and retail (41 per cent).

And despite Medicare support for mental health being available in Australia, many are managing symptoms without support. 

Nearly half (46 per cent) of those who screen positive for symptoms of moderate to severe depression or anxiety have not spoken to a healthcare professional. Thirty-one per cent said this was because they don’t believe their symptoms are serious enough, 16 per cent cited perceived cost as a barrier to healthcare and 15 per cent said embarrassment was preventing them from seeking support. 

CEO and Co-founder of Wysa, Jo Aggarwal says clinically safe AI-guided support could be the key to supporting Australians’ mental health. 

Our experience from supporting over 6 million people in 95 countries has shown us that conversational AI as the first step of care can help bridge the shortage of qualified professionals, but more importantly, it overcomes the barriers to access people face related to stigma, cost, and the need to self-identify a need for support,” said Aggarwal.

Within Wysa’s survey, participants were asked who they’d rather go to for support with their mental health, and half of them selected ‘a mental health app with clinically proven self-help resources tailored to their needs’ over anyone in the workplace or school. Fifty per cent would also choose an app over HR or school services. 

“People open up in AI-guided therapy much faster than to a human therapist, and it creates equitable access to support, at scale,” said Aggarwal.

“Our research shows there’s an appetite for clinically safe AI-guided support and it could be the best opportunity we have to address the mental health crisis in Australia.”

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As a working mother of three, with a FIFO husband, working from home is not only the best option for me, it’s the only option.  Don’t get me wrong, this hasn’t always been my life. I spent at least 16 years hauling myself an hour each way to arrive at an office desk by 8.30am, dropping my children off at various locations which I’m being kind by describing as a drop off.  My tight schedule meant it was a “drive by” at best.

Now, 20+ years into my career, working for one of Australia’s leading integrated engagement and communications agencies which happens to work virtually, I feel a balance in my life never before experienced.

So let me respond to some of the myths I have read, with the actual reality of working remotely.

Your career will go nowhere:

Before my current role, I attended work every day, balanced it with caring for three children and managing a household, but my career was at a standstill.  I felt the decision to complete a MBA had been a waste of time, management did not understand how I could contribute, and I even found myself in roles that effectively didn’t exist.  Fast forward to September 2022, and whilst initially employed as an Account Director, my boss promoted me to Managing Director three weeks after commencing with her.  So here I am, in a remotely based role, undertaking a job which was well and truly out of my reach as a working mother required to meet the limitations of site based employment.

You will be isolated

If this means I no longer waste time with unproductive conversations about whether we need to set a meeting for a longer conversation – then yes – this has changed.  If they mean isolated as in alone, without contact, or benefiting from the energy of others – nothing could be further from the truth. On an average day I speak to my manager at least three times, have contact with my colleagues throughout the day, have meetings with clients, prospective clients and suppliers. The contact never ends. Just like within an office, I spend my days laughing at others’ jokes, brainstorming for better outcomes, and meeting deadlines with the same energy that has been the foundation of my career.

Your boundaries will be non-existent

Again, I have a start time and I have a finish time.  Lack of boundaries is actually an occupational hazard of the communications industry.  We deal with the media – they do not work 9-5, the news never stops.  So, it goes without saying, if I am working overtime it doesn’t matter whether I am a remote worker or in the office, that’s just part of the job. However, working remotely does not lead to unnecessary night or weekend work, it helps rather than hinders my role as a mother, and when the unfinished housework annoys me whilst working from home – I hit a local library, park or working space, so home life doesn’t get in the way.

Creativity is a thing of the past

Our clients are diverse, their needs are varied, and if we did not have creativity, we would not be fulfilling their needs.  In fact, I have never been more creative than I am required to be in my current role.  We are delivered problems being experienced by not-for-profit and purpose organisations, and we must find creative solutions. This year, we have united to develop and deliver two conferences, bringing together clients, government and industry.  We have all been involved in identifying speakers, marketing the event and seeking partners. Creativity forms the basis of most days as it must – it is part of our jobs.

Productivity

This is my greatest bugbear.  Across a 20+ year career, I have never worked with more productive, committed, energetic colleagues than I am right now. They deliver a significant amount of work daily, and when required, support their colleagues to help complete their work also. Here’s a secret that many industries are not aware of – unproductive employees exist within offices and factories everywhere. The assumption that because an employee arrives in the early hours, and does not leave until late, means they are overly productive is the biggest fallacy of the labor market.

Working remotely over the last year has been my biggest saviour.  As a working mother, I no longer need to abandon my children when they are sick because I don’t have any leave left, and my “family friendly” company won’t let me work at home whilst caring for a sick child.  I can undertake the school run whilst fulfilling my obligations as an employee – which means I no longer have to pay someone as a driver, rely on a relative who has their own life, or worry as my children navigate the public transport system.

Prejudice against remote work needs to end. We are not unmotivated employees who can’t be bothered engaging in office culture. We are actually undertaking interesting, challenging, rewarding careers, supported by empowering leaders. We just do so from home. 

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The term was coined by American TikTok user Marissa Jo who claimed that by doing the absolute bare minimum every Monday she can prevent burnout and reject toxic hustle culture. 

The crux of the trend is that employees are encouraged to prioritise their mental health on Monday to prepare for their professional responsibilities for the rest of the week. This means that Monday is the day chosen to work from home without scheduling any meetings and instead limiting the day to complete just three essential tasks.

Jo claims in turn she is more productive and efficient overall. By creating a softer working environment, the pressure to achieve unrealistic standards is dramatically reduced while also maintaining overall weekly productivity. 

Many (mostly) women have taken to this trend by filming TikToks of their #bareminimummondays and claiming it helps them ‘ease into the week ahead’. It allows them to walk the dog, meal prep, and catch up on chores which were not able to be completed over the weekend. 

Adelaide based marketing manager Caitlin Winter has introduced the trend into her workplace and believes that “it’s been one of the best decisions she has made as a boss” she told news.com.au. 

“A lot of people think it means I sit in my PJs all day in front of the TV and do no work. But in reality, it is simply a day where we work from home, don’t schedule any meetings and generally treat ourselves with a little more space and kindness to set up for a productive week ahead”, she said. 

“For one member of my team, it means being able to drop off and pick up her kids from school which she is unable to do during the week”, Winter shared. 

It is fair to say that the media has taken a unanimous stance on this. Most outlets claim it represents a “lazy” and “entitled” new generation in the workforce. 

However, the trend clearly represents a push for radical change in working conditions. More flexible schedules such as the “four-day work week” and a hybrid working environment have come to the forefront of debate in this post pandemic era, and trends like this prove a larger societal push away from the traditional nine to five office routine.

There is also another side to this story: Women are drawn to flexible working practices as a response to the disproportionate amount of unpaid work they currently take on.

Unpaid work includes all domestic duties such as housework, childcare, food preparation, shopping and caring for the elderly, family pets and schedules. This is without recognising the unpaid emotional labour which also overwhelmingly falls on women.

All these tasks highlighted by Australia’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency, demonstrate that women bear the heaviest burden of unpaid care, thus reducing their participation in the workforce and limiting their opportunity for career progression. 

Women on average spend 64.4% of their weeks’ working time on unpaid care work compared to 36.1% for men. This means each day for every hour Australian men commit to unpaid work, Australian women commit one hour and 48 minutes.

It’s an exhausting story, endlessly discussed.

From the overwhelming reaction to the trend of #BareMinimumMondays, it is clear that maybe the answer is in re-shifting our perception of what “work” is, and recognising the essential social and economic contribution of unpaid labour to the wellbeing of our society. 

Allowing reasonable time each week for domestic labour, child-rearing and caring for others should be valued as much as traditional paid work. Perhaps bare minimum Mondays aren’t really the bare minimum at all…

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The study of almost 5000 Australian women aged 14 and over was released today by the Liptember Foundation. It shows that 1 in 3 women are not seeking the help they need for their mental health because they cannot afford it, with young and middle-aged women in regional areas impacted the most.

Concerningly, 1 in 2 Australian women are currently facing a mental health issue, with almost one quarter facing a severe form of mental disorder. A higher proportion of those with a moderate or severe disorder are likely to be under the age of 39.

Depression affects 45 per cent of Australian women, the majority of whom are over the age of 50. Anxiety also affects 44 per cent of women, according to the study. 

How are biological factors and experiences affecting mental health?

The research has also provided insights into how biological factors and experiences can be triggers for mental ill health in women. 

It found 55 per cent of women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) suffer from depression, as do 53 per cent of women undergoing menopause. 

The study shows pregnancy loss also has a massive mental health impact, with 60 per cent of women who have had a stillbirth or miscarriage experiencing depression, 53 per cent experiencing anxiety and 31 per cent experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

In younger women, 54 per cent of those going through puberty are experiencing body image issues. 

Almost a quarter of women with vaginal issues like bacterial vaginosis, vaginitis, uterine fibroids, and vulvodynia will have social phobias. 

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is also having a significant impact on women’s mental heath, with 1 in every 5 women with condition struggling with suicide and self-harm.

Psychologist Madhavi Nawana-Parker, who is a member of the Liptember Foundation’s mental health advisory panel, said it is important to recognised the gender gap that exists in mental health.

“There is no doubt that mental health is important for all genders, but Liptember Foundation is doing important work spotlighting the mental health gender gap,” Nawana-Parker said. 

“In my clinic I often observe that the unique biological challenges and experiences women face in their lifetime can be a trigger for mental ill-health.”

Nawana-Parker said the research cements that the hormonal fluctuations women face during puberty, PMDD, menopause and pregnancy can trigger a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and PTSD. 

On the impact of the rising cost of living, Liptember Foundation CEO Luke Morris said: “Financial pressures are worsening women’s mental health yet at the same time, a growing number of those who suffer from mental health issues say they can’t afford to seek the help they so desperately need”.

“With no ease to the cost of living pressures in sight, sadly, we are likely to see women’s mental health suffering as a result in the coming years.”

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A proud Noongar-Yamatji woman, a youth work and mental health advocate, Blurton is also co-host of the podcast Not So PG and author of the memoir titled, Big Love: Reclaiming Myself, My People, My Country. 

A media personality as well, Blurton made giant waves in for representation in Australian media by being both the first Indigenous and openly queer lead in The Bachelorette franchise. 

In our latest podcast episode of The Crux, Blurton chats with Women’s Agenda about using her advantage of being in the public eye to amplify positive social change following a live coaching session she undertook to unpack what responsibility looked like for herself on an episode of Kemi Nekvapil’s new Audible original podcast, Power Talks.

“I think, with social media and being part of the media, and being part of television, it’s really easy to get so wrapped up in it and, I guess, sort of forget and move away from what you wanted to achieve in this world,” says Blurton.

“I’m really lucky, in a more cultural sense, that my culture is a gift and I have been gifted it and I feel so beautiful and blessed to share my culture around. It always sort of comes to a full front and leads charge with anything that I do. Naturally in life, I feel like we should live in alignment,” she says, adding that it’s important to reflect on what our purpose is.

“I think I always sort of revert back to why I would be doing something and does it bring me joy? Does it share or educate people on something? Is it something that I feel passionate about? I always sort of ask myself a few other questions of why I do some things. I think that kind of helps with reflecting and then going back and being like, ‘Yes, this is a part of me and who I am.’” 

While being in the public eye and having such a large social media following has meant Blurton can advocate for causes she’s passionate about, the spotlight unfortunately isn’t without online trolls.

Blurton says that while the trolls can “cut deep at different times”, she is also constantly reminding herself to ask, “Is there a learning here? Is there an educated response here? Or is it a matter of just realising that these people who want to write these comments, they’re just hiding behind the keyboard at the end of the day?”

“It’s definitely a muscle that I’ve worked on for a very long time to build myself up to be able to pull away and lean in when I need that support,” she says.

“I’ve always just been very transparent with my mental health because I think that there’s an urgency with it, there’s an importance to it, and there’s a priority to it.”

When it comes to social media, Blurton says it’s important we ask ourselves how we would live our lives if it was to disappear because at the end of the day, “it’s just an app”.

“If it was to go tomorrow, how would we actually live our life and would we be living in abundance? Would we be living a wholesome enjoyable life? Could we do that without it? I think that’s more important.”

“Yes, it’s part of my job and I do enjoy it. I do love it most times, but at the times when my mental health and my self-esteem are being impacted, I do an elimination process. That elimination is eliminating what’s bringing me distress or what’s bringing me stress and discouragement. I think social media is one of them, and that’s probably the first to go.”

“I’m not superhuman. I’m actually just a real human that navigates emotions, feelings, and situations. I’m navigating my lived experience as well. I think it’s a nice reminder to people that not everyone is just living a highlight reel.”

For any young people struggling with the pressures of social media, Blurton’s message is to “try to live in the present moment and try to live out all types of experiences”.

“I think we’re just so stuck and drawn to our phones these days, and when it comes to self-esteem and building yourself up, try not to be anything that you’re not and always stick and stay in alignment with who you want to be and who you are. I think that will drive your life to where you’re going, whatever your purpose is really.”

Listen to our latest podcast episode featuring an interview with Brooke Blurton.

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