Arabic version: التعداد قد يرصد ارتفاع حالات الصحة النفسية

According to ABC News, mental health conditions are expected to feature prominently in the 2026 census, offering a new comparison with data collected in 2021. Tuesday’s national survey was only the second census to ask Australians about long-term health conditions lasting more than six months.

In 2021, about one in 11 Australians reported a long-term mental health condition, making it the most commonly reported long-term health diagnosis ahead of arthritis and asthma. The highest proportions were recorded in the Australian Capital Territory and South Australia, where about one in 10 people reported such conditions, including depression and anxiety.

University of Sydney biostatistician Tim Slade said the census provides important population-level information on the prevalence of conditions and whether they have changed over time. Professor Slade, from the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, expects the latest figures to show an increase. His group published data in July showing that by 2022, more than one in three Australians aged 16 to 24 reported mental health conditions.

Beyond Blue chief executive Georgie Harman said psychological distress related to financial pressure had increased over the past four years. She also said the organisation was seeing greater demand for immediate support and indications that anxiety and depression symptoms may be becoming more severe. Census data can help government and non-government organisations plan how resources are distributed.

In South Australia’s Mid North, psychologist and farmer Steph Schmidt said regional communities needed more mental health support. She said limited access to clinical assistance could leave some people unaware of conditions they live with, creating a possible gap in census reporting. Schmidt said honest responses could help governments, charities and non-government organisations direct services where they are needed.