As the world marks World Mental Health Day on October 10, Beyond Blue says strong communities and genuine human connection are key to protecting and supporting our mental health.

New data from Beyond Blue’s Australia’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Check 2024 reveals a decline in Australians’ sense of community – a shift that is associated with rising rates of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

Only 33% of respondents rated their sense of being part of a community as excellent or very good – down from 37% in 2022. Meanwhile, more people now rate their sense of community as poor or fair (30% in 2024, up from 28% in 2022).

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman AO said that while the way Australians talk about and seek support for mental health has improved over time, one thing has remained unchanged: community plays a major role in shaping our mental health. 

“Mental health is nurtured through community. While clinical interventions play an essential role, most mental health support doesn’t take place in hospitals or clinics, it actually happens in our homes, workplaces, schools, social groups and in our everyday community connections. It’s really about the people and places where we feel safe, seen and heard,” she said.

“The power of community lies in its ability to accept, protect and heal. It’s in our communities that we share experiences, and make contributions that give us a sense of purpose and meaning in life. It’s in our communities where we develop the social networks that help us all navigate hard times. It’s in our communities where we establish our identities and experience belonging.”

The data also found:

• Young people were more likely to mention loneliness or lack of connection as a stressor compared to older people, with almost one in two aged 18–24 identifying it as a key concern.
• 30% reported experiencing distress from loneliness, which was more strongly associated with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts than financial hardship.
• While 46% reported experiencing financial hardship, people experiencing loneliness have higher rates of mental health challenges than those experiencing financial distress.

Beyond Blue lived experience speaker Roxy Aila knows first-hand the power of connection and community in supporting mental health.

In her 20s, Ms Aila struggled with depression and anxiety, often feeling ashamed for not having it all together.

“I didn’t have the tools to manage life, and I didn’t know how to strike a balance between work and wellbeing. There was a lot of shame around not feeling well,” she said.

“Now in my 40s, I still face challenges, but time and experience have helped me recognise the signs and manage my mental health better.”

While living abroad in Toronto, a series of personal and professional challenges hit all at once, and her mental health began to unravel.

“I was living my dream, working on amazing campaigns and travelling to New York on a whim – but I couldn’t shake the immense sadness that clouded my vision,” she said.

“I made a decision to return to Papua New Guinea to be with my family, where I began the slow process of healing.

“I went underground – sleeping, crying, trying to regroup. My parents and siblings were incredibly patient and their unconditional love helped me begin to recover. Family was a soft place for me to land and simply be."

Ms Aila later moved to Brisbane.

“My sister-in-law lived there and said that the door was always open, and that there was always a bed for me. This support was my saving grace. I couldn’t and didn’t get well on my own,” she said.

“Social connections and community have been really important for my mental health. Even though not everyone has a mental health background, community does bolster one another. We’re so connected digitally these days, and yet disconnected at the same time – and loneliness is an issue that can make mental health worse.”

Ms Harman said mental health is made in the community, and that community is one of the largest providers of mental health support.

“It’s time we respect and acknowledge the role of community alongside professionals like psychologists and psychiatrists. The increase in people turning to friends, family, teachers, managers and neighbours for support shows the importance of equipping everyday Australians with the tools to help others.

“Given more people are now turning to someone they know for help it’s vital that we provide resources to those supporters. Taking care of mental health is something we do together – it’s about connection and support.

“Social support brings us comfort as individuals, and these bonds are the making of resilient communities. Relationships can hurt us, but they can also heal us. In many ways, they lay the foundation for our mental health.”

This World Mental Health Day, Beyond Blue is calling on Australians to take action by creating a culture of connection – at home, at work, in schools and across communities. 

“We invite everyone to take one small step to connect – whether it’s checking in on a friend, joining a local group, or simply saying hello to a neighbour,” Ms Harman said.

“In a time of rising loneliness, economic pressure, and social fragmentation, it’s important we all continue to play a role in supporting mental health, simply by showing up for each other.”

This year, the nation’s theme for World Mental Health Day, set by Mental Health Australia, is ‘Connect with your Community’, a timely reminder of the vital role that relationships and belonging play in our mental health.

For further information visit: www.mentalhealthaustralia.org.au/get-involved/2025-world-mental-health-day/