According to research, one in every 4 adults has a mental disease. However, the shortage of mental health professionals and resources is a fact that Australian healthcare systems and other healthcare systems across the world must deal with. As a result, many people who suffer from mental illness are unable to access care. So, choosing a career in this area of healthcare is advantageous for both you and those who need it for their mental health.

Facts and Figures: Demand for Mental Health Professionals

As per the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 7.2 million people attended mental health facilities between June 2018 and September 2020.

These figures highlight the critical need for mental health institutions and nurses.

Australia has never had a greater need for mental health professionals. According to the ABS National Health Survey, anxiety, psychological discomfort, and depression increased in 2019.

As of the middle of 2021, 1 in every 5 people living in Australia were experiencing high or extremely high levels of psychological anguish as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Children, women, and people with disabilities are particularly at risk for developing mental illnesses.

Mental Health Career Opportunities in Australia

Wherever you go in Australia, there are numerous job prospects for mental health professionals, as well as good financial benefits. Most importantly, you will be a member of a vital workforce that supports the mental health and well-being of the people in your neighbourhood and even society as a whole. There are numerous professions that allow one to assist others with mental health issues. Some of those fields include:

• Counselling: Clients who see counsellors for mental health receive assistance in resolving concerns such as sadness, anxiety, worry, or sorrow. Counsellors that specialise in addiction work with patients either one-on-one or in groups to determine the treatment method that will be most successful. This area encompasses a wide range of possible scopes.
• Psychology: Clinical psychologists identify and manage individuals with behavioural or mental disorders. They have received training in a variety of therapies, including psychotherapy, behavioural therapy, and humanistic therapy. As a result of what neuropsychologists discover about the physical changes, the brain undergoes during particular neurological events, more effective medical therapies may be developed as every day the research has been conducted in this dimension.
• Psychiatry: Psychiatrists that specialise in mental health diagnose and treat patients with emotional and behavioural health issues. In addition, psychiatrists are qualified to write prescriptions for medications. Psychiatric technicians support psychiatrists by keeping an eye on patients, helping with the delivery of medication and therapy, and assisting patients with daily activities.
• Social work: There is also a wide scope for you as a Social worker. Social workers that specialise in mental health deal with clients who have daily life-impacting mental health issues. Managers of social and community services oversee nonprofit organisations that serve the general population. They might not deal with patients for mental health directly, but they too have a wide range of responsibilities.
• Nursing: When working with psychiatric patients, mental health nurses are typically registered nurses or advanced practise nurses. They evaluate the patient’s medical requirements and then diagnose and treat them as necessary. Specialiszed in providing care for individuals with addictions are substance abuse nurses.

Since there are numerous different career paths available in the field of mental healthcare, you are free to choose the area of concentration that most interests you.

After you have determined your area of specialisation, you will have a far better chance of succeeding in your chosen profession and contributing to the betterment of the community as a whole through the professional qualities you possess.

If you want to help others who are struggling with mental illness, working in the field of mental health can be incredibly rewarding. People with mental illnesses often engage in self-destructive behaviours that have a negative impact on their relationships with family and friends. The implications of not receiving therapy may be very serious. This must be cured early in the right manner.

Way Forward: If you have the right combination of knowledge, intelligence, and compassion for the purpose of assisting people or making their lives better, you should consider focusing on mental health. Individuals who are enthusiastic about the subject matter have more career possibilities to choose from as a result of the clear demand for additional professionals in this sector of the healthcare industry. There are also a variety of speciality Community Service courses that will certify you for employment in the mental health field. You are welcome to enquire further about the Diploma of Mental Health programme by speaking with our advisor right now.

What functions does a mental health support worker perform, and what are their responsibilities?

A mental health support worker is expected to carry out a wide variety of responsibilities such as offering emotional support to a person and their family, in addition to providing physical support, which may involve helping with duties around the house and taking care of oneself. Further, they provide support and assistance with other medical requirements, such as routine examinations or the administration of medication.

What kind of salary can one expect to receive working in the field of mental health in Australia?

In Australia, a Mental Health Worker can expect to make an average hourly wage of 29.18 Australian Dollars. (Source: Payscale.com)

What characteristics are necessary for a successful mental health nurse?

To be successful in the field of mental health nursing, one needs to possess a particular personality and strong communication skills. You will need to have a strong understanding of mental health concerns as well as the ability to put that knowledge into practise. You will have a warm demeanour and be outgoing, all while showing real concern for customers of the service and the specific circumstances they face.