Mental health, once a taboo subject, has now become a global conversation. The year 2024 marks a significant shift in our understanding and approach to mental health, with an increased focus on prevention, early intervention, and the promotion of mental well-being. In Australia 42.9 % of people aged 16-85 experience at least one mental disorder at some point in their life (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2020-2022). Let’s have a look at different aspects of mental health.

Stress

Stress is a natural response to demands and challenges. However, prolonged stress can lead to various health problems, including mental health disorders. Identifying stressors and developing coping strategies and routines are crucial steps to reducing stress.  

Globally, stress levels have increased, with economic uncertainty, socio-political tensions, and climate change contributing to a sense of unease (World Health Organization, 2022). The impact of stress on mental health is profound, with chronic stress having distinct effects on several physiological systems including, the immune system, respiratory cardiovascular, central nervous and endocrine systems (Seiler et al., 2020). The increasing prevalence of stress-related disorders has led to a greater demand for effective stress management strategies.

Mood  

Our mood is a temporary state of mind or feeling. Moods can significantly impact different aspects of life, including how people think, feel, and behave. They can impact motivational levels, decision-making, relationships, and how people interact with others. Moods can be influenced by various factors, including fatigue, stress, social interactions, world events, hormones, weather, hunger, and general health. Positive moods are usually associated with feelings of happiness, optimism, contentment, well-being, energy, productivity, and interest in life. Negative moods, on the other hand, can be associated with feelings of anxiety, disgust, or annoyance (Cherry, 2023).

A persistent disturbance of mood that is experienced internally, and significantly influences most aspects of an individual’s behaviour, are classified as mood disorders (Sekhon & Gupta, 2022). Mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder are marked by severe lows called depression or highs called hypomania or mania. The number of people experiencing depressive symptoms worldwide has grown by about 25% (World Health Organization, 2022). These disorders can have a ripple effect across families, communities, and economies, emphasising the need for effective early interventions. If you are experiencing persistent changes in mood, it is important to talk to a medical doctor or mental health professional.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of unease such as worry or fear, which can be mild or severe. Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life, but for some people, these feelings can be persistent, and debilitating, impacting their daily lives. Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia with one in five Australians experiencing anxiety at some point in their life (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2020-2022). According to the World Health Organisation the COVID-19 pandemic increased the global prevalence of anxiety by 25%. Various factors contribute to the global rise in anxiety, including the cost of living stress and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic (Moitra et al., 2023).

How is it looking in Australia in 2024? The Australian Bureau of Statistics will release its next national report on mental health and wellbeing at the end of February. We will provide you with an update then.

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neuro-developmental disorder that currently affects approximately 1 in every 20 Australians, which is over 1.2 million people (Healthdirect, 2023). The number of ADHD diagnoses has been steadily climbing in recent years (Abdelnour, Jansen & Gold, 2022). As this trend persists, the need for ADHD assessments and support is also accelerating (Senate Community Affairs References Committee, 2023).  

ADHD symptoms can manifest in three distinct forms: symptoms of inattention, symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity, or a blend of the two (Newcorn, et al., 2023). Individuals with ADHD frequently exhibit qualities such as empathy, resilience, innovation, spontaneity, and creativity. However, they may also encounter challenges in life, such as issues with concentration, memory, and managing their emotions and behaviour, due to the impact of ADHD on the brain’s executive functions, which govern self-regulation and control of thoughts, words, actions, and emotions (Silverstein et al., 2020). While individuals with ADHD often demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability, it’s important to note that as many as 80% of adults with an ADHD diagnosis also manage at least one additional psychiatric disorder (Brook et al., 2013). These can include mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders (SUD), and personality disorders, all of which have a significant impact on mental health (Sobanski et al., 2007). If you or someone you know is looking for an ADHD assessment or support in managing ADHD symptoms get in touch with a qualified health practitioner here.

Trauma

Trauma is the outcome of an incident, a sequence of incidents, or a particular situation that an individual perceives as physically or emotionally damaging or menacing (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2014). Despite the differences in the occurrence of specific types of traumatic events across various nations, most adults are likely to encounter a traumatic event at some stage in their lives (Benjet et al., 2016). In Australia up to 75% of adults have experienced a traumatic event in their lifetime (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2022). Most people recover from traumatic events within weeks with support from family, friends, or through formal debriefing. However, if the feelings continue for over a month, the individual might be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Department of Veterans' Affairs, 2023.) PTSD is a persistent mental health disorder that can be identified when an individual continues to experience fear, anxiety, and memories of a traumatic event. These emotions can hinder the person’s ability to handle routine life tasks (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2022). If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please get in touch with a qualified health professional.

Impact on Overall Health

The rise in mental health conditions has a substantial impact on overall health. The interconnectedness of mental and physical health underscores the importance of a holistic approach to health care. If you are looking for advice on how to help someone else, check out these mental health first aid stories. Below are a few strategies that can help you to manage and improve your mental health.  
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If you are looking for a tool to set goals, keep a journal, track your well-being and access other mental health resources check out the Oqea app.

If you want to learn more about the mental health topics discussed above, keep an eye out for Oqea’s upcoming articles.
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Conclusion

Mental health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the modern world, it’s more important than ever to prioritise and take care of our mental health.

The year 2024 marks a tipping point for mental health. The increasing prevalence and severity of mental health conditions call for urgent action. Tackling these challenges necessitates a comprehensive strategy that includes enhancing rapid access to care, raising awareness, diminishing stigma, and introducing innovative solutions to meet these needs promptly in 2024. As we move forward, it is crucial to prioritise mental health to ensure the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide.

Please note that this brief article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please seek help from a healthcare professional.

References

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2020-2022). National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing. ABS. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing/latest-release.  

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2022). Stress and trauma. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health/stress-and-trauma  

Abdelnour, E., Jansen, M. O., & Gold, J. A. (2022). ADHD Diagnostic Trends: Increased Recognition or Overdiagnosis?. Missouri medicine, 119(5), 467.

Adult physical and mental health, work performance, and financial stress. Pediatrics, 131(1), 5-13. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2012-1725

Benjet, C., Bromet, E., Karam, E. G., Kessler, R. C., McLaughlin, K. A., Ruscio, A. M., … Koenen, K. C. (2016). The epidemiology of traumatic event exposure worldwide: results from the World Mental Health Survey Consortium. Psychological Medicine, 46(2), 327–343. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291715001981

Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2014). Trauma-informed care in behavioral health services. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24901203/

Department of Veterans' Affairs (2023, May 17). Managing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Www.dva.gov.au. Retrieved January 30, 2024, from https://www.dva.gov.au/get-support/health-support/health-services/mental-health-care/managing-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

Healthdirect (2023, March 30). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Www.Healthdirect.gov.au. Retrieved January 31, 2024, from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/attention-deficit-disorder-add-or-adhd

Microsoft Copilot. (2024). Conversation on mental health. GitHub.

Newcorn, J. H., Krone, B., Coghill, D., & Halperin, J. M. (2023). Neurodevelopmental disorders: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Tasman’s Psychiatry, 1-40. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/978-3-030-42825-9_64-1.pdf

Senate Community Affairs References Committee. (2023). Assessment and support services for people with ADHD. https://apo.org.au/sites/default/files/resource-files/2023-11/apo-nid324869.pdf

Seiler, A., Fagundes, C.P., Christian, L.M. (2020). The Impact of Everyday Stressors on the Immune System and Health. In: Choukèr, A. (eds) Stress Challenges and Immunity in Space. Springer, Cham.

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16996-1_6

Silverstein, M. J., Faraone, S. V., Leon, T. L., Biederman, J., Spencer, T. J., & Adler, L. A. (2020). The relationship between executive function deficits and DSM-5-defined ADHD symptoms. Journal of attention disorders, 24(1), 41-51. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054718804347  

Sekhon, S., & Gupta, V. (2022). Mood Disorder. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. https://europepmc.org/article/NBK/nbk558911

Sobanski, E., Brüggemann, D., Alm, B., Kern, S., Deschner, M., Schubert, T., ... & Rietschel, M. (2007). Psychiatric comorbidity and functional impairment in a clinically referred sample of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience, 257, 371-377. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00406-007-0712-8

Cherry, K. (2023, March 22). What Influences Your Mood?—And How to Improve Your Mood. Verywellmind. Retrieved January 30, 2024, from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-mood-5271921

World Health Organization (2022, March 2). COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. WHO.int. Retrieved January 30, 2024, from https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide#:~:text=In%20the%20first%20year%20of,Health%20Organization%20(WHO)%20today.

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