Australian university students’ perceptions of mental illness : a qualitative study

Depression and anxiety are common experiences for young adults in Australia (Yap & Jorm, 2011; Jorm, 2012). Social factors resulting from stigmatising social discourses, including that promulgated through the media are major contributors to mental health issues in this age group (Wright, Jorm & Mackinnon, 2011; Yap & Jorm, 2011). However, there is limited qualitative research in this area. This qualitative study used interviews to investigate the social perceptions of depression and anxiety among young Australians. Participants (n=10) were university students aged between 19 and 24 years. The findings have demonstrated confusion around diagnostic labelling, concepts of mental health issues, and the power of the media as both productive and counter-productive in its portrayal of mental health and illness. On the basis of these findings we propose that positive and pragmatic psycho-education programs should be implemented at a younger age, in order to normalise experiences of depression and anxiety earlier in life. This could possibly counter the stigmatising discourses that young people experience. These findings can be used to inform health policy for the prevention of mental health issues and mental illness in Australia. In keeping with the Commonwealth of Australia (2013) recommendations, terms of ‘mental health issues’ and ‘mental illness’ are adopted throughout this work.