[3] One of the key moments in Australia’s history of mental health care, was its so-called deinstitutionalisation in New South Wales (NSW).
Despite the fact that Australia has been celebrated for its sophisticated mental health management systems, there are still a wide range of issues.
[12] A 2007 study in The Lancet found that the four greatest preventable contributions to the Indigenous mental health burden of disease were: alcohol consumption, illicit drugs, child sexual abuse and intimate partner violence.
[13] Up to 15% of the 10 year life expectancy gap compared to non-Indigenous Australians has been attributed to mental health disorders.
[17] A 2017 article in The Lancet described the suicide rate among Indigenous Australians as a "catastrophic crisis": In 2015, more than 150 Indigenous people died by suicide, the highest figure ever recorded nationally and double the rate of non-Indigenous people, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Moreover, in parts of the country such as Kimberley, WA, suicide rates among Indigenous people are among the highest in the world.
[18]The report advocates Indigenous-led national response to the crisis, asserting that suicide prevention programmes have failed this segment of the population.
[18] The ex-prisoner population of Australian Aboriginal people is particularly at risk of committing suicide; organisations such as Ngalla Maya have been set up to offer assistance.
[19] There are high incidences of anxiety, depression, PTSD and suicide amongst the Stolen Generations, with this resulting in unstable parenting and family situations.
[28] In the last ten years, Australia has made a range of improvements towards treatment for mental health.
Hence, the main recommendation offered by government health organisations, is for the patient to visit their general practitioner.
Head to Health also has provided over 408 resources for individuals that are struggling, including websites, online programs, apps, forums and the hotline services.
At Ease is managed by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and runs a range of online programs to meet different individual's needs.
Beyond Blue aims to educate the Australian public about mental health and provide the skills to protect it.
The mission statement of Beyond Blue is as follows "We're here for everyone in Australia – at work, home, school, university, online, and in communities across the country.
A key focus is early intervention, to prevent mental illness having a long-lasting impact on an individual's life.
Headspace is one of Australia’s leading mental health organisations, with over 100 locations across the country, all of which are either free or low cost.
Their vision is as follows "every learning community is positive, inclusive and resilient – a place where every child, young person, educator and family can achieve their best possible mental health.
"[33] Lifeline is Australia's main suicide prevention hotline and is a registered charity, providing support services and accepting calls 24/7.
Individuals call Lifeline about a range of mental health problems including: anxiety, stress, depression and suicidal thoughts.