More Australians experiencing mental distress and loneliness in 2024

More Australians are experiencing mental distress and loneliness in 2024 and are having difficulty accessing support services. It has emerged in the latest Mental Health Monitor – which has been tracking Australia’s mental health trends – that 40 per cent of Australians have poor or very poor mental health. Australians for Mental Health Executive Director Chris Gambian discussed the latest findings. A survey conducted in the report stated that the main source of pressure being experienced related to people's work. “We are losing on average one person every second day in the construction industry to suicide, it is a devastating statistic – it is by far the worst, sort of, health and safety problem within the construction industry,” Mr Gambian told Sky News Australia. Mr Gambian continued, “78 per cent of people are saying that they don’t think that their local MP is putting mental health and wellbeing first”. If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800