Mental health challenges in Australia often emerge long before individuals become clinically unwell, leave the workforce or make an insurance claim. Many of the factors associated with declining mental health are observable and, importantly, modifiable, creating opportunities for early intervention and prevention.

 

Through a strategic partnership with the University of Melbourne, the Melbourne Institute was commissioned to examine almost two decades of data to better understand the factors associated with poor mental health among working-age Australians. Using longitudinal data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, the research explores the role of workplace, financial, social and personal influences on mental health, with a particular focus on how these factors vary across occupations.

 

The findings reveal that mental health risk is shaped by a complex interplay of factors that can be identified years before a clinical event occurs. These insights have important implications for workforce participation, productivity, retirement outcomes and the long-term sustainability of insurance claims.

 

By identifying the drivers of mental health risk earlier, this research provides a valuable evidence base for employers, superannuation funds and insurers to work together to improve both health and economic outcomes for Australians.