Mental Health in Australia: Key Insights
Mental health challenges are highly prevalent in Australia. National data reveals:
- 42.9% of Australians aged 16–85 have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lives.
- 21.5% of the population had a mental disorder in the past 12 months, with anxiety disorders being the most common (affecting 17.2%).
- Among young people aged 16–24, the 12-month prevalence is even higher, at 38.8%.
It’s also important to understand that someone may experience considerable psychological distress without meeting the clinical criteria for a mental disorder. Mental health is shaped by and contributes to a range of social and economic factors and impacts not only the individual, but also their families, carers, and broader communities.
The Evolving Role of Exercise in Mental Health Treatment
Fifteen years ago, despite its known physical benefits, exercise was still an underutilised intervention in mental health care. Many health professionals and patients undervalued its role, often seeing it as a peripheral or optional addition to therapy.
Fast forward to today, and our understanding has progressed significantly. Exercise is now widely recognised as an evidence-based, core component of treatment for mental illness, not just a way to “take your mind off things.”
In fact, the mental health benefits of physical activity go well beyond managing depression and anxiety. Research shows that exercise can play a key role in treating conditions such as:
- Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Eating disorders
- Cognitive decline and impairment
There is now strong and consistent evidence that even small amounts of physical activity can have meaningful mental health benefits. Just 10 minutes of moderate-intensity activity once a week has been shown to reduce the risk of future depressive episodes. Moreover, 16 weeks of regular exercise can be just as effective as antidepressant medication in treating mild to moderate depression.
While exercise is commonly used as an adjunct therapy, the best outcomes are achieved when it’s paired with other evidence-based treatments — such as psychological therapy and pharmacological support. And most importantly, there’s no single best type of exercise — the most effective routine is the one that suits the individual’s preferences, capabilities, and circumstances.
Mental and Physical Health: A Two-Way Relationship
Mental illness and physical health are closely intertwined. Those living with a mental health condition are significantly more likely to also experience chronic physical illnesses. For example:
- 35% have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- 30% live with chronic back pain
- 29% have asthma
- People with mental illness are 2–3 times more likely to develop diabetes
- And 4 times more likely to experience cardiovascular disease
Instead of focusing on which condition came first, it’s often more productive to address both simultaneously through integrated interventions — and exercise is a powerful, evidence-backed way to do just that.
How Exercise Helps: Physical and Mental Health Benefits
Working with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) provides clients with a safe and supportive environment to explore movement tailored to their unique needs, goals, and mental health status. AEPs are trained to navigate the physical and psychological barriers that may prevent individuals from engaging in physical activity — including low motivation, fatigue, or medication side effects.
Regular physical activity can lead to:
Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety
Improved sleep quality
Enhanced self-esteem and reduced social withdrawal
Improved outcomes for chronic disease
Management of medication-related weight gain
Exercise not only improves physical outcomes but can also restore confidence, self-worth, and resilience, which are essential in recovery from mental illness.
The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Team
Mental health care is most effective when approached by a collaborative, multidisciplinary team. This may include:
- Psychiatrists and psychologists
- General practitioners (GPs)
- Carers and support workers
- Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs)
AEPs bring specific expertise in evaluating functional capacity, managing chronic disease risk, and developing exercise programs that align with the individual’s psychological and physical health needs. Their input contributes not only to better outcomes for clients, but also enhances communication and care coordination within the team.
Still, promoting physical activity shouldn’t rest solely on the AEP. Families, carers, and allied health professionals all play a crucial role. An individualised, client-centred approach, supported by routine reviews, ongoing feedback, and open communication among team members, helps ensure that programs remain effective and adaptable over time
Thank you for reading our blog post, we hope the information was helpful.
Please comment below or get in touch if you have any questions.
Disclaimer: If you are currently experiencing severe/chronic pain, then you should be consulting an allied health professional (physiotherapist/osteopath etc.)
