The hidden cost of being diagnosed with a condition men can't get
Australia's 'gender-neutral' healthcare system is failing women in their most vulnerable stages of life, according to a new report that found dramatically higher rates of mental illness among women with physical conditions that don't affect men.
More than half of Australian women now live with mental health issues, and one in four have severe mental health conditions, according to the latest report by advocacy group the Liptember Foundation and the George Institute of Global Health.
Women with female-specific physical health conditions, such as endometriosis, gynaecological cancers and birth trauma, have significantly higher rates of psychological distress than healthy women or those whose health concerns are also experienced by men.
The findings are based on a nationally representative survey of 7000 women conducted by Neilsen in March.
Liptember Foundation research lead Katrina Locandro said women were 'being failed by a system that was never designed with their needs in mind'.
'Women's mental health is not a niche issue. It needs to be a national priority,' she said.
The survey found an alarming rise in body image issues for 14- to 19-year-olds (from 48 per cent in 2024 to 64 per cent in 2025) as well as suicidal thoughts and self-harm (16 per cent to 25 per cent) in the same age group.
More than one in three menopausal or perimenopausal women had depression or anxiety (37 per cent).
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The Age
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The hidden cost of being diagnosed with a condition men can't get
Australia's 'gender-neutral' healthcare system is failing women in their most vulnerable stages of life, according to a new report that found dramatically higher rates of mental illness among women with physical conditions that don't affect men. More than half of Australian women now live with mental health issues, and one in four have severe mental health conditions, according to the latest report by advocacy group the Liptember Foundation and the George Institute of Global Health. Women with female-specific physical health conditions, such as endometriosis, gynaecological cancers and birth trauma, have significantly higher rates of psychological distress than healthy women or those whose health concerns are also experienced by men. The findings are based on a nationally representative survey of 7000 women conducted by Neilsen in March. Liptember Foundation research lead Katrina Locandro said women were 'being failed by a system that was never designed with their needs in mind'. 'Women's mental health is not a niche issue. It needs to be a national priority,' she said. The survey found an alarming rise in body image issues for 14- to 19-year-olds (from 48 per cent in 2024 to 64 per cent in 2025) as well as suicidal thoughts and self-harm (16 per cent to 25 per cent) in the same age group. More than one in three menopausal or perimenopausal women had depression or anxiety (37 per cent).
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