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Nearly two-thirds of people (64%) believe we are becoming more disconnected from each other, despite recognising the positive impact connection and belonging have on their mental health, according to new research released by Mental Health Australia as Mental Health Month begins today.The nationally representative Essential survey found only 21% of people feel very connected to friends, family, neighbours or their community. About a third (30%) say they feel less connected to others than they did 10 years ago, while 65% say feeling disconnected from others can negatively affect their mental health.Many people recognise the importance of social connection for their mental health, with more than half (57%) saying that feeling included and part of something bigger than themselves helps them cope during stressful times, while 64% say feeling connected and having a sense of belonging positively impacts their mental health.The findings come as Mental Health Australia launches the national 2026 Mental Health Month campaign under the theme Together We Thrive, highlighting the critical role that connection, belonging and community play in mental health and wellbeing. Throughout the month, several Mental Health Month ambassadors, including clinical psychologist and regular guest on The Imperfects podcast Dr Emily Musgrove, TV personality and broadcaster Myf Warhurst, performing artist Rob Mills, media personality Brooke Blurton and comedian Dilruk Jayasinha will share personal messages encouraging people to prioritise connection and support one another.The survey also found:Almost one in five people (19%) say they feel disconnected from others.85% have friends or family they can count on when they need support, but one in seven (15%) don’t. Nearly half (47%) believe people in their community look out for one another.Just 29% would feel comfortable telling their employer they were struggling with their mental health, compared with 67% who would feel comfortable telling friends. Mental Health Australia CEO Carolyn Nikoloski said the findings highlight a growing “connection gap” between the value people place on connection and belonging and how connected many feel in their daily lives."People understand the importance of connection and community, yet many feel like we’re drifting further apart. That's concerning, because connection is an important protective factor for our mental health and wellbeing," Ms Nikoloski said."Right now, many people are navigating uncertainty, rising costs and constant change, which can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. Yet our fundamental need to feel connected, safe, understood and valued hasn't changed.""As Mental Health Month begins, it's a timely reminder that even small moments of care, kindness, conversation and connection can help strengthen belonging and support good mental health."“Whether it's reaching out to a friend you haven’t seen in a while, joining a local group, chatting with your local barista or saying hello to a fellow dog walker, simple acts of connection can help foster belonging and community.” The survey findings also suggest many people still feel uncomfortable talking about their mental health challenges, particularly in the workplace."While we've made important progress in reducing stigma around mental health, these results show many people still don't feel comfortable speaking openly at work about mental health challenges," Ms Nikoloski said.Mental Health Australia has developed a range of free campaign resources, including wellbeing calendars, social media tiles, posters and other promotional materials to encourage people to get involved throughout Mental Health Month.“Mental Health Month is an important opportunity to raise awareness of mental health, reduce stigma and encourage people to seek support when they need it. It's also a chance to pause, check in with ourselves and consider the role we can play in helping people feel connected and supported,” Ms Nikoloski said."Together We Thrive is more than a theme. It’s a powerful reminder that strong connections are essential for good mental health, and that when people feel connected, included and supported, individuals, families and communities can thrive.” -ENDS- Media contact: Caroline Illingworth, Mental Health Australia Senior Communications Manager – 0417037595. caroline.illingworth@mentalhealthaustralia.org.au www.worldmentalhealthday.com.aumentalhealthaustralia.org.au

Following a disappointing Health Ministers meeting on Friday, new national polling released today by Mental Health Australia shows governments are failing to meet community expectations on mental health.The nationally representative Essential Media research found two in three people (68%) believe governments should invest more in mental health support. The findings come as the national peak body calls on governments to get mental health reform back on track, following last Friday’s meeting of Commonwealth and State and Territory Health Ministers, which failed to deliver meaningful progress on a new National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.The Ministers’ Communique offered little certainty about the pathway forward, despite the National Agreement already being extended by 12 months. Mental Health Australia is very concerned that this latest Ministerial delay may have cost the National Agreement its chance at finalisation before the new deadline of 30 June 2027."There were high expectations that Friday’s Health Ministers meeting would provide a clear pathway forward. Instead, it left the sector and the community facing continued uncertainty.”"Health Ministers are dropping the ball on an issue that matters deeply to people across the country," Ms Nikoloski said.“Governments have already delayed the next National Agreement by 12 months. At a time of increasing mental health challenges and pressures, communities cannot afford further delays and ongoing uncertainty.”The new National Agreement between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories will set the direction for national mental health reform, guide how governments work together, and shape how people access support across the country."This Agreement represents around $1.7 billion in investment in community mental health services and supports. Every delay creates uncertainty for the services, workforce and communities relying on those investments,” Ms Nikoloski said."On a practical level, delayed reform means children and families will wait longer for services, people experiencing mental health challenges will miss out on timely support and early intervention, and critical suicide aftercare services remain under pressure.”"It also means a significant missing piece of our mental health system remains unaddressed: psychosocial support. Nearly 500,000 people living with psychosocial disability are unable to access the support they need either through the NDIS or through the broader mental health system."Governments have known the extent of this unmet need since August 2024. Two years later, communities are still waiting for governments to come together and deliver a solution.”"The cost of delay is being borne by people going without support, families carrying more responsibility for care, and community services being asked to do more with insufficient resources.”“The message from the community is clear: stop the delays to mental health reform and treat it like the national priority it is.”The Mental Health Australia/Essential Media research found:More people (41%) would rather pay more tax to fund free or low-cost mental health support than accept the current state of mental health funding (32%).More than two in five people (43%) say governments are handling mental health poorly.Two in three people (65%) believe there is a gap between the mental health support people need and what is currently available.Fewer than half (49%) of people believe they could afford mental health care if they needed it.Four in five people (81%) agree cost should not prevent people from accessing mental health support.There is strong concern for mental health and wellbeing of families and younger generations (64%).Support for action on mental health spans the political spectrum, but concern is particularly strong among voters outside the traditional political centre.Mental Health Australia Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Nikoloski said the results demonstrate a clear public mandate for governments to prioritise mental health reform.“They tell us mental health is an urgent community priority and that governments need to do more to improve access to support and address the factors that increase the likelihood of mental health challenges in the first place," Ms Nikoloski said."Willingness to pay is one of the strongest measures of public support. This data shows more people would rather pay higher taxes to improve access to mental health care than accept the inadequate system as it stands."It tells us people are willing to do their part, but they expect governments to do theirs.”Ms Nikoloski said the polling underscores the urgent need for governments to restore momentum to mental health reform and negotiations for the new National Agreement.“We need governments to work together to improve access to mental health supports and address the societal factors that influence mental health, recognising the diversity of needs, experiences and outcomes across communities.“Investing in mental health services is essential. Governments need to both boost our mental health support system and ensure their broader policy and funding decisions support people's wellbeing, rather than deepens disadvantage and vulnerability." Mental Health Australia is calling on all governments to return to the negotiating table for the next National Agreement with renewed urgency and deliver concrete commitments that improve access to affordable, quality mental health care, that people need to live well in their communities.-ENDS- Media contact: Caroline Illingworth, MHA Senior Communications Manager – 0417037595.Mental Health Australia-Essential Media polling report: A public mandate for mental health action can be read here.