According to a 2023 report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), nearly 5 million Australians (about 1 in 5) filled a prescription for mental health medication in 2020-21, with antidepressants being the most commonly dispensed. This figure has raised questions about the reliance on medication versus other treatments.
Rebekah, a 34-year-old from Melbourne, shared her experience of being prescribed antidepressants for anxiety without being offered therapy. 'I was given a script and told to come back in a month,' she said. 'I wondered if there were other options.' Her story reflects a broader concern among patients and experts about the adequacy of mental health care.
Mental health advocates argue that while medication can be life-saving, it is often used as a first-line treatment due to long wait times for psychologists and high costs. The Australian government has invested in mental health services, but access remains uneven, particularly in rural areas.
The AIHW data shows that women are more likely than men to be prescribed mental health medications, and usage increases with age. Experts emphasize the need for a balanced approach, combining medication with therapy and lifestyle changes.
