Mental Health Awareness: Support for Men and Communities

Mental Health in Australia

1 in 2 Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

Around 8 Australians die by suicide every day – 75% are men.

1 in 2 Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15–44.

1 in 2 Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

Australians wait an average of 12 years before seeking help for mental illness.

Rural Australians are 2× more likely to die by suicide than city dwellers.

Australians wait an average of 12 years before seeking help for mental illness.

Rural Australians are 2× more likely to die by suicide than city dwellers.

Only 45% of people with a mental health condition seek professional help.

Australians wait an average of 12 years before seeking help for mental illness.

Rural Australians are 2× more likely to die by suicide than city dwellers.

Elderly man in suit giving a speech with a microphone indoors.

EDEHS

From lived experience to lasting impact.

As Australia’s most experienced keynote speaker on Mental Health Education, and Founder of EDEHS - Wayne Wigham shares his lived experience with depression and men’s mental health. His 18-year partnership with the Black Dog Institute has empowered audiences with courage, tools, and conversations that can change lives.

Wayne's Story

Why seeking help matters

Did you know that 64% of people don’t seek help when they’re struggling with their Mental Health?

An Organisation can have the best support systems in place, but they only work if people feel empowered to use them.

Wayne focuses on breaking down barriers and demonstrating that seeking help is a strength, which is essential in mental health education.

Our Mission

Wayne Wigham has partnered with respected Organisations such as the Black Dog Institute, Medcast, and various rural health networks across Australia. Now serving as an independent keynote speaker, his mission is clear: to enhance mental health education and ensure that more individuals receive the help they need. By sharing his lived experience, he aims to inspire, educate, and support communities nationally.

wayne's Core Focus Areas

Education

Destigmatising

Breaking down depression and anxiety in a practical way, EDEHS provide valuable resources to help individuals, families, and colleagues recognise the signs.

Destigmatising

Sharing lived experience alongside the latest research to demonstrate depression and anxiety are treatable illnesses, not personal failings.

Encouragement

Reframing help-seeking as a strength, not a weakness.

Guidance

Encouragement

Providing practical strategies for seeking help and approaching others with care and confidence.

Demographics that matter

First Nations Australians

The suicide rate is currently 2× the national average.

Men

First Nations Australians

Individuals are more likely to die by suicide and are least likely to seek help.

Women

First Nations Australians

Youth (16–34)

Rising rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm — particularly among young women.

Youth (16–34)

Rural Australians

Youth (16–34)

Highest rates of diagnosed mental illness and suicidal thoughts.

Rural Australians

Fewer services lead to longer wait times and poorer outcomes in mental health education and support.

CALD Communities

Rural Australians

Mental health data remains underrepresented, particularly as language and cultural barriers hinder access to care.

brief history of mental health in australia

Four simplified human figures with one separated below the group.

Pre-1990s

2000s–present

Pre-1990s

Mental health in Australia has historically been heavily institutionalised and stigmatised.

Hands protecting a group of people icon.

1992

2000s–present

Pre-1990s

Launch of Australia’s first National Mental Health Strategy, emphasising reinstitutionalisation and community care.

Illustration of communication icons: megaphone, speech bubble, envelope, and thumbs up.

2000s–present

Digital tools, telehealth, and national awareness campaigns have significantly transformed the mental health landscape.

Today

Mental health education is a key national health priority.

However, access, stigma, and service shortages remain major challenges that need to be addressed.

EDEHS is committed to fostering an environment where individuals feel supported in their mental health journey.

Find out more

EDEHS

Educate, Destigmatise, & Encourage Help-Seeking

Mental Health in Australia

1 in 2 Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

1 in 2 Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

1 in 2 Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

Around 8 Australians die by suicide every day – 75% are men.

1 in 2 Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

1 in 2 Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15–44.

1 in 2 Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

Australians wait an average of 12 years before seeking help for mental illness.

Australians wait an average of 12 years before seeking help for mental illness.

Australians wait an average of 12 years before seeking help for mental illness.

Australians wait an average of 12 years before seeking help for mental illness.

Rural Australians are 2× more likely to die by suicide than city dwellers.

Australians wait an average of 12 years before seeking help for mental illness.

Rural Australians are 2× more likely to die by suicide than city dwellers.

Only 45% of people with a mental health condition seek professional help.

Australians wait an average of 12 years before seeking help for mental illness.

Rural Australians are 2× more likely to die by suicide than city dwellers.

EDEHS

From lived experience to lasting impact.

Why seeking help matters

Did you know that 64% of people don’t seek help when they’re struggling with their Mental Health?

Our Mission

wayne's Core Focus Areas

Education

Destigmatising

Destigmatising

Destigmatising

Destigmatising

Destigmatising

Encouragement

Encouragement

Encouragement

Guidance

Encouragement

Encouragement

Demographics that matter

First Nations Australians

First Nations Australians

First Nations Australians

Men

First Nations Australians

First Nations Australians

Women

First Nations Australians

Youth (16–34)

Youth (16–34)

Rural Australians

Youth (16–34)

Rural Australians

Rural Australians

Rural Australians

CALD Communities

Rural Australians

Rural Australians

brief history of mental health in australia

Pre-1990s

2000s–present

Pre-1990s

1992

2000s–present

Pre-1990s

2000s–present

2000s–present

2000s–present

Today

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