Frequently Asked Questions

There are many resources to which you can refer for information about mental illness. Helplines, websites and government mental health information services provide a range of services.

Mental Health Australia aims to promote mentally healthy communities, educate Australians on mental health issues, influence mental health reform so that government policies address all contemporary mental health issues, conduct research on mental health issues, and carry out regular consultation to represent the best interests of our members, partners and the community.

Mental illness is a general term for a group of illnesses that affect the mind or brain. These illnesses, which include bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety and personality disorders, affect the way a person thinks, feels and acts. The exact cause of mental illness is unknown. What is known is that mental illness is NOT a character fault, weakness or something inherently ‘wrong’ with a person. It is an illness like any other.

The Commonwealth plays a leadership role in mental health policy-making, research and funding issues. The states and territories deliver public acute and psychiatric hospital services as well as a wide range of community and public mental health services. Non-government organisations also play a role providing a range of community-based mental health support services.