What is a mental health condition

What are mental health conditions

Mental health conditions are a group of conditions that affect how a person thinks, feels, behaves and relates to others. They range from mild to severe and can be short-term or long-lasting.

Around 2 in 5 Australians (43%) will experience a mental health condition at some point in their life.¹ In any given year, about 1 in 5 Australians (21%) experience symptoms of a mental health condition.¹

Mental health conditions can affect anyone regardless of age, background or circumstances. They are not a sign of weakness and are not something a person can simply “snap out of”.

The causes are often complex. They can involve a mix of genetic factors, brain chemistry, life experiences, trauma and ongoing stress. Many people develop mental health conditions without a clear single cause.

With the right treatment and support, people with mental health conditions can improve and led fulfilling and enriched lives. Treatment may include counselling, therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, support services or a combination of these.

Types of mental health conditions

There are many types of mental health conditions. Each affects people differently and require different types of support. Here are some of the most common mental health conditions in Australia.

Anxiety

Anxiety conditions involve ongoing, intense worry or fear that interferes with daily life. The worry is often out of proportion to the situation and can be hard to control.

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. Around 3.4 million Australians (17%) experience an anxiety condition each year.¹

There are several types of anxiety conditions. These include generalised anxiety, social anxiety and specific phobias. Symptoms can include panic attacks, racing heart, trembling, sweating, difficulty breathing and avoiding certain situations.

Anxiety can be triggered by stressful events, trauma, family history or other factors. With treatment, people with anxiety conditions can see significant improvement.

Find out more:

Myths about anxiety
Facts about panic attacks

Depression

Depression is more than feeling sad or having a bad day. It is a persistent low mood that affects how a person thinks, feels and handles daily activities.

Depression is the second most common mental health condition in Australia. It affects around 1.5 million Australians each year.¹

Symptoms can include feeling extremely sad or empty, loss of interest in activities, disturbed sleep, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, low energy and feelings of worthlessness. Some people also experience physical aches and pains.

Depression can result from a combination of life events, personal factors, family history and changes in brain chemistry. Effective treatments are available, and people can improve with support.

Find out more:

Myths about depression
Physical symptoms you didn’t know depression could cause

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood changes. People experience periods of very high mood (mania) and periods of very low mood (depression). These episodes can last days, weeks or months.

During manic episodes, a person may feel unusually energetic, need less sleep and have racing thoughts. During depressive episodes, they may feel extremely sad, hopeless and lack energy.

In severe episodes, some people may experience psychosis, where they have difficulty telling what is real. The causes are not fully understood but likely involve a mix of genetic and other factors.

With proper treatment, people with bipolar disorder can manage their symptoms and live stable, fulfilling lives.

Find out more:

Myths about bipolar disorder
Peter’s story about living with bipolar disorder

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a condition that affects how a person thinks, feels and perceives the world. It can cause difficulty distinguishing what is real from what is not.

People with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing things others do not see. They may also have delusions, which are strong beliefs that are not based in reality.

Other symptoms can include low motivation, reduced emotional expression, difficulty with speech and social withdrawal. It is a myth that people with schizophrenia have a “split personality”. This is not true.

With ongoing treatment and support, people with schizophrenia can lead meaningful lives and manage their symptoms well.

Find out more:

Myths about schizophrenia

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

Obsessive compulsive disorder involves unwanted, recurring thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviours (compulsions). People with OCD usually know these thoughts and behaviours are excessive but feel unable to stop them.

Common obsessions include fear of germs or contamination, fear of harm to oneself or others, need for things to be orderly, and unwanted thoughts.

Common compulsions include excessive cleaning or handwashing, repeated checking of locks or appliances, counting, and repeating actions a certain number of times.

OCD can significantly affect daily life, but effective treatments are available. Many people see improvement with therapy and support.

Find out more:

Myths about OCD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. This might include an accident, assault, natural disaster, war or other threat to safety.

People with PTSD may relive the traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares. They may feel intense fear or panic when reminded of the event. Other symptoms include difficulty sleeping, being easily startled, feeling on edge and avoiding reminders of the trauma.

Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. With the right support and treatment, people may recover and symptoms can reduce over time.

Find out more:

Myths about PTSD

Eating disorders

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that involve unhealthy relationships with food, eating and body image. They are not about vanity or lifestyle choices.

Around 1.1 million Australians (4.5%) are currently living with an eating disorder.² The most common types are binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

Anorexia nervosa involves restricting food intake and an intense fear of gaining weight. Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of eating large amounts followed by purging behaviours. Binge eating disorder involves regularly eating large amounts while feeling out of control.

Eating disorders can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. They require specialist treatment, and recovery is possible with the right support.

Find out more:

Myths about eating disorders

Body dysmorphic disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) involves constant worry about appearance. People with BDD focus on perceived flaws that others may not notice or see as minor.

This is not about vanity. The worry causes real distress and can affect daily life. People may repeatedly check mirrors, seek reassurance about their appearance or try to hide the perceived flaw.

Some people seek cosmetic procedures but often remain unsatisfied. BDD can respond well to treatment, particularly therapy that helps change thought patterns.

Find out more:

Myths about eating disorders

Impulse control and addiction

Impulse control conditions involve difficulty resisting urges or behaviours that may cause harm to oneself or others.

Examples include compulsive gambling, compulsive shopping and other behaviours that feel impossible to control despite negative consequences.

Addiction involves becoming dependent on substances like alcohol, drugs or medications. When someone is dependent, they may experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms when they stop.

Around 650,000 Australians experience a substance use condition each year.¹ Treatment and support can help people manage these conditions and work towards recovery.

Find out more:

Understanding addiction: 7 facts you need to know

Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition that causes involuntary movements and sounds called tics. While it is neurological rather than a mental health condition, it commonly occurs alongside anxiety, OCD and other mental health conditions.

Around 50,000 Australians live with Tourette syndrome or a related tic condition.³ It affects up to 1 in 100 school-aged children, with boys affected more often than girls.⁴

Tics can be simple, like eye blinking or throat clearing, or more complex, like jumping or repeating words. Contrary to common belief, only a small number of people with Tourette syndrome involuntarily swear.

Symptoms usually begin in childhood and often improve in late adolescence. Tourette syndrome is not degenerative and does not affect life expectancy. Many people manage their tics well with support.

Find out more:

Myths about Tourette syndrome

How Aruma supports people with mental health conditions

At Aruma, we believe everyone deserves support that fits their life. Our approach is guided by The Aruma Way, built around four goals.

• Your Way means we put you at the centre. We listen to what matters to you and support you to make your own choices.
• The Safe Way means we keep everyone safe from harm. Our team provides support safely and with respect for your dignity.
• The Right Way means we provide effective support, delivered properly.  Our team understands mental health and works with you at your own pace.
• Together means we work in partnership with you and your support network. We collaborate with your family, health professionals and mental health services.

Whether you need help with daily activities, therapy, accommodation or employment, we are here to help you live your life your way.

Get in touch

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References

All statistics and information on this page have been sourced from the following organisations:

1. _{Australian Bureau of Statistics. National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-2022. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing/latest-release}
2. _{Deloitte Access Economics. Paying the Price, Second Edition: The economic and social impact of eating disorders in Australia. 2024. Butterfly Foundation. https://butterfly.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/deloitte-au-eco-paying-the-price-second-edition-180724-new-Oct-24.pdf}
3. _{The Kids Research Institute Australia. Impact for Tourette’s: National Survey 2025. https://www.thekids.org.au/news–events/news-and-events-nav/2025/june/impact-for-tourettes/}
4. _{Better Health Channel. Tourette syndrome. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/tourette-syndrome}