- Almost half of Aussies have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their life, with anxiety, depression and mania amongst the most common
- More than half of Australians with mental illness do not access any treatment due to long wait times, lack of knowledge and social stigma
- As a result of a significant increase in demand for support, leading Australian mental health provider, The Banyans Healthcare, are opening an additional world-class facility to meet demand
The status of Australia’s mental health paints a bleak picture and the grim reality is almost half of Aussies (43%) have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their life.1 Anxiety and affective disorders, such as depression or mania are amongst the most common, with 3.4 million people experiencing anxiety and 1.5 million experiencing affective disorders within the last 12 months.1
Despite its continued prevalence within the Australian population, over half (54%) of people with mental illness do not access any treatment.2 The main barriers for Australians accessing mental health care include long wait times, lack of knowledge around resources and the social stigma around mental health.3
While Australia holds a significant point of difference with the nation’s healthcare system among the top five in the world against 11 other high-income OECD countries4, long wait times remain a major issue, particularly for busy professionals, as their work can impact their ability to seek support.
Leading Australian mental health provider, The Banyans Healthcare, says that guests attending for a residential program consistently report overall improvements in distress and wellbeing over their stay. In fact, four in five (80%) indicated reliable improvement – which is a clinically significant improvement in their mental health.
As a result of a 58% increase in website visitors and a 37% increase in enquiries for support between 2021 – 2023, The Banyans are opening their second residential rehabilitation facility to cater to the need of more world-class mental health care.
The Banyans’ peaceful environment is a world away from day-to-day stressors and triggers, and serves as the ideal location to begin or continue a journey towards recovery.
Ruth Limkin, Founder of The Banyans Healthcare, emphasises the importance of championing more resources within the mental health sector to meet this ever-growing, global demand for care and combat the widening gap for treatment.
“Ensuring individuals can access high-quality care has always been The Banyans’ vision. Waitlists both overseas and in Australia are one such barrier for the high functioning, busy professionals who seek out recovery with us. Allowing guests to access the treatment they choose, when they need it, is a priority for The Banyans.
“We know that accessing treatment can save lives. With an increase in demand for mental health services, both nationally and internationally, we are proud to provide more opportunities for guests to receive care, through this expansion and in fact, Australia is renowned for some of the best rehab facilities in the world, offering transformative treatment to those seeking help,” says Ms Limkin.
The second private residence will also be nestled in an undisclosed location in Brisbane’s hinterland, continuing the organisation’s commitment to providing care in pristine natural environments. The evidence-based programs and resources available particularly at this new location in Brisbane, is transformative when it comes to recovery and ongoing support.
General Manager, Marian Cartwright, explains that the environment The Banyans provides, contributes to the therapeutic experience of clients, and supports the holistic treatment approach they provide.
“Our immersion in nature, alongside excellent medical care, allied healthcare, premium nutrition and a ‘whole person’ model of care provides clients with the gold standard experience. Following the vision of our original residence, our second location will mirror the quality of care and unique program inclusions which have set the foundations for exceptional client outcomes,” said Marian.
“We draw on therapies that are embodied in nature and experiential to address mental health and other co-occurring needs. Equine-assisted services offer our guests a non-judgemental experience for relationship building that can rewrite past trauma stories and enhance present moment connections.”
In the wake of an impending global mental health crisis, it’s important that individuals have access to high-quality care in order to live full, healthy lives. For more information, including resources for those seeking treatment, visit thebanyans.com.au.