Invisible Barriers: A Social Study on Stigma and Help-Seeking Behaviours for Mental Ill Health
Tracks
Jacaranda
| Friday, November 6, 2026 |
| 11:05 AM - 11:25 AM |
Overview
Kate Arndell, Grand Pacific Health - Rural Adversity Mental Health Program
Three Key Learnings
1. Stigma in rural communities remains widespread with women reporting higher levels of stigma.
2. Information about mental health prevention is of more interest to rural populations than information about mental ill health.
3. Further work must be done to enhance community knowledge of the support options available for people experiencing mental ill health, in rural communities.
Presenter
Mrs Kate Arndell
Service Manager
Grand Pacific Health - Rural Adversity Mental Health Program
Invisible Barriers: A Social Study on Stigma and Help-Seeking Behaviours for Mental Ill Health
Presentation Overview
The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) delivers support and training within regional, rural and remote NSW. Following years of compounding adversity, RAMHP Coordinators, living in the communities they support, reported challenges in engaging communities through traditional methods, prompting a review of engagement practices and a renewed focus on understanding current needs and opportunities for mental health (MH) promotion.
To achieve this, RAMHP commissioned a study with the Social Research Centre as part of the Life in Australia study (2026), including 2,624 respondents, aged 18+, living outside of major capital cities across Australia.
Through targeted questions, RAMHP sought to understand perceived stigma in rural communities, confidence in accessing MH information and support, preferred ways of engaging with MH resources, MH knowledge needs, factors that support wellbeing and social connection and confidence in supporting others. Findings reinforced RAMHP ways of working while highlighting opportunities to strengthen engagement and support population mental health in new ways.
The study found that perceived stigma remains widespread, with 70% of respondents reporting at least moderate levels within their community, with women reporting more stigma than men. Respondents reported MH websites (44%) as the preferred access point for information however, people still value connection with 59% of respondents identifying support from family, friends and neighbours, as the most important factor in staying mentally well.
Opportunity exists to strengthen awareness of available supports, with 33% of respondents reporting moderate confidence in knowing where to get MH support and whilst respondents reported high interest in MH information, interest in MH prevention and coping strategies was higher.
These findings allow RAMHP to tailor service delivery and MH literacy products to address identified needs ensuring the support available remains relevant and beneficial for rural communities.
To achieve this, RAMHP commissioned a study with the Social Research Centre as part of the Life in Australia study (2026), including 2,624 respondents, aged 18+, living outside of major capital cities across Australia.
Through targeted questions, RAMHP sought to understand perceived stigma in rural communities, confidence in accessing MH information and support, preferred ways of engaging with MH resources, MH knowledge needs, factors that support wellbeing and social connection and confidence in supporting others. Findings reinforced RAMHP ways of working while highlighting opportunities to strengthen engagement and support population mental health in new ways.
The study found that perceived stigma remains widespread, with 70% of respondents reporting at least moderate levels within their community, with women reporting more stigma than men. Respondents reported MH websites (44%) as the preferred access point for information however, people still value connection with 59% of respondents identifying support from family, friends and neighbours, as the most important factor in staying mentally well.
Opportunity exists to strengthen awareness of available supports, with 33% of respondents reporting moderate confidence in knowing where to get MH support and whilst respondents reported high interest in MH information, interest in MH prevention and coping strategies was higher.
These findings allow RAMHP to tailor service delivery and MH literacy products to address identified needs ensuring the support available remains relevant and beneficial for rural communities.
Biography
To be added
