Today (Sunday, 10 September) is World Suicide Prevention Day. While Lifeline recognises the day with a nine-lap Out of the Shadows walk around Queen Elizabeth II Park, new data from Beyond Blue shows almost one in 3 people with a mental health condition that impacts their life, are unlikely to reach out for support.

The results of Australia’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Check, a survey of more than 5,000 people commissioned by Beyond Blue and carried out by the Social Research Centre, reveals the main reasons why people don’t reach out.

The research found:

• 30% of people living with a mental health condition that was impacting their lives were unlikely to seek support from anyone.
• 39% of people delay seeking support due to costs. 
• 30% delay seeking support due to waitlists. 
• 27% think they’ll get better without support. 
• 24% think their problem isn’t serious enough. 

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman says the data is concerning given the deep impact of poor mental health and suicide on people, families and communities. 

“People need to know accessing support early, before they reach crisis point, can help alleviate stress, worry and isolation, and prevent depression and anxiety from getting worse. My message is don’t wait, don’t hesitate,” Ms Harman said.

“We know people can think their problems are too small or trivial, or they believe they are taking up valuable mental health resources. But the impacts of depression, anxiety and emotional stress can be cumulative, and small problems can snowball and become harder to manage.

“Accessing support early for yourself or someone you care about, can prevent problems escalating.”

Nearly 80% of people who contacted Beyond Blue’s Support Service reported an immediate reduction in distress, and ongoing feelings of reduced distress two weeks later.

“If you are delaying getting mental health support due to costs, or waitlists, you can reach out to the Beyond Blue Support Service or join our Online Community Forums. We are here for you regardless of how big or small the problem feels. It’s never too soon to seek support,” Ms Harman said.

Beyond Blue Support Service: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au/getsupport