Costs a barrier to women getting mental health help

Women in regional Australia are more likely to experience mental health issues than those in the city and many can't afford to seek help. The Liptember Foundation's women's mental health research study interviewed 7140 women aged 14 or over across Australia. The research zeroes in on the experiences of 4860 women who are or have faced a mental health issue. It found one in three woman say they don't seek help because they can't afford it. Half of the surveyed women living in regional areas are suffering depression, compared to 43 per cent of women in metro areas. And 46 per cent of women living in regional Australia suffer anxiety, compared to 43 per cent of those in metro. "Financial pressures are worsening women's mental health yet at the same time, a growing number of those who suffer from mental health issues say they can't afford to seek the help they so desperately need," Liptember Foundation CEO and founder Luke Morris said. "With no ease to the cost of living pressures in sight, sadly we are likely to see women's mental health suffering as a result in the coming years." The research also reveals female biological factors and experiences, including endometriosis, fertility issues, pregnancy, birth trauma, menopause, vaginal issues and physical birth trauma can affect a woman's mental health. The top five mental health issues facing Australian women are: * Depression * Anxiety and generalised anxiety disorders * Body image issues * Psychological distress * Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636