Beyond Blue urges prevention-first approach to mental health

BEYOND Blue is calling for a shift towards earlier and more compassionate intervention in mental health, warning too many Australians only receive support once they reach crisis point.

It comes as national research, commissioned by the organisation, reveals people experiencing suicidal distress are often grappling with multiple stressors, such as financial strain, loneliness and insecurity housing, at once.

The findings come from Beyond Blue’s most recent Mental Health and Wellbeing Check, which surveyed more than 5,000 people around the country to understand the impact of common life stressors on mental health in the past 12 months.

The study revealed financial pressures were the most common challenge (71 per cent), followed by loneliness (66 per cent), relationship difficulties (65 per cent), housing insecurity (53 per cent), and job loss, transition or insecurity (39 per cent).

Beyond Blue chief executive Georgie Harman said the results highlighted how the pressures were not just personal, they instead reflected broader social, economic, environmental and technological shifts that are reshaping how Australians live, work and connect.

“[Mental health challenges are] shaped by the world around us — and that world is changing fast. Early intervention means wrapping support around people when they’re facing stressors and adversity, not just when they’re in crisis,” she said.

“We need to shift the focus from crisis response to prevention, recognising the signs of distress early and acting with compassion and urgency. This is how we build a more resilient and connected Australia.”

Of the Australians experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviours — estimated at 13 per cent of the population — nearly two in three reported their mental health had forced them to cut down on work or daily activities, compared with just 22 per cent of the general population.

More than half said they didn’t receive the professional help they needed or delayed getting it, while just 32 per cent felt they could get support from family or friends when needed, significantly lower than the general population, at 56 per cent.

Young people are particularly vulnerable, with one in four Australians aged 18-24, and one in five aged 25-34 experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviours in the past year.

“These insights are a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a person navigating complex challenges — often quietly, and without the support they need,” Ms Harman said.

“Addressing various stressors requires more than individual resilience — it demands coordinated support across health, housing, employment and social systems.”

The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing adds further weight, finding that one in six Australians aged 16-85 have experience serious thoughts of suicide at some point in their lives.

Timely and appropriate care, and a strong support system, Ms Harman said, are some of the factors that can help.

“Early intervention is one of the most powerful tools we have in suicide prevention,” she said.

“When we help people access the support they need before they reach crisis point, they experience less distress, and we can ease pressure on the broader mental health and suicide prevention systems.”

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, head to beyondblue.org.au or phone the 24/7 hotline on 1300 22 4636. You can also head to lifeline.org.au or phone 13 11 14. Help for young people is available online at kidshelpline.com.au or by phoning 1800 55 1800.