The findings from an online survey commissioned by the Australian Psychological Society were recently reported as a part of Mental Health Week. The survey showed that higher than ever levels of stress are being experienced, particularly by younger Australians. The key findings from the survey were:

• 12% of Australians report experiencing severe levels of stress.
• Young adults (18 to 25 years) report higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and significantly lower levels of wellbeing compared to the general population.
• 1 in 3 Australians report experiencing depressive symptoms.
• 1 in 4 Australians report experiencing significant anxiety.
• Those experiencing family or recent relationship breakdown and those who are separated reported higher levels of stress and distress.
• 52% of Australians report financial issues as the main cause of their stress.
• 30% of people identified the workplace as a source of stress.

The primary sources of stress experienced by Australians relate to financial issues, personal health difficulties, family issues and the health of others.

It is important for people who are experiencing considerable degrees of stress and who may be feeling distressed to seek help from their GP or to talk to a clinical psychologist. Did you know that Medicare funds up to 16-sessions for each person per calendar year for conditions such as depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress, drug and alcohol use and complications of bereavement.

With a referral from a GP, you can see a Clinical Psychologist and receive a rebate for each session.  Get busy with your wellbeing and learn how to better cope with stress. Make an appointment with Dr Simone Hughes TODAY.