New Medibank Group data has revealed an eight per cent increase in hospital admissions for mental health treatment across the South Highlands and Shoalhaven last financial year.
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The data shows a 124 per cent increase in men seeking support, however women have a significantly higher admission rate for mental health - more than double that of men in the region.
One in five Australians will experience a mental health issue each year but more than half won't access treatment.
Medibank and ahm supported more than 200 hospital admissions across the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven last financial year for mental health treatment, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in hospital admissions could be as a result of greater community awareness of the importance of seeking support, as well as an increase in those needing treatment.
Medibank paid more than $540,000 in benefits for mental health treatment for customers across the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven last financial year to June, 2020.
Medibank chief customer officer David Koczkar said Australians had endured a particularly tough year and it was important to remind everyone to check-in on their mental health.
"Mental health issues don't discriminate and can impact anyone. We've spent time in lockdown, and it can take a toll, so looking after yourself is so important," Mr Koczkar said.
"Whether you enjoy going for a walk, practicing mindfulness, eating well or connecting with family and friends, we encourage people to take time out to look after their health and wellbeing.
"During Mental Health Month, we hope the community discussion promotes greater awareness of the importance of seeking support sooner rather than later."
Mr Koczkar said in response to the mental health challenges posed by COVID-19, Medibank had been ramping up its support for customers as community need grew.
"We know that some of our customers are currently dealing with financial hardship, unemployment or maybe feeling disconnected from family and friends. It's really tough to do that alone so we want them to know that we are here to support them," he said.
"Our new support is focused on providing our customers with more options to invest in their mental health and access to a broader range of treatment options at home.
"Whether its participating in our Live Better at Home program or accessing resources through our healthy mind hub or seeking treatment through our 24/7 Mental Health Phone Support (1800 644 325) or via telehealth-based psychology services, we are making it even easier to get the support people need, when they need it."
Medibank and ahm paid more than $190 million last financial year in benefits nationally for mental health-related hospital admissions.
If you or someone you know needs support:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Beyondblue on 1300 224 636
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- QLife on 1800 184 527
- Headspace 1800 650 896
