Among all the demographic data being thrust upon us from the 2021 census, one alarming statistics stands out.

The census showed one in 10 people have been diagnosed with a mental illness, with the number climbing even higher among women.

“We saw about double the number of women reporting they had a long-term mental health condition, compared with men,” says Natasha Robinson, health editor at The Australian.

Psychologist Veronica West says she has noticed a major uptick in mental health issues since the beginning of the pandemic.

“There has been an increase in anxiety in people,” she says.

“In my profession I have particularly seen an increase in mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety and depression) in individuals who have not had any previous experience of mental health concerns.”