Mental health the biggest unmet need for WA women

More than 1000 WA women told a study about their health needs, contributing to a community-led picture of women's health across the state.

Their health priorities have been highlighted in a new report, which also points to the gaps in healthcare that exist for the cohort.

It showed one in five women needed mental health support in the past two years but did not get it, most often because they could not afford it – making mental health the biggest unmet need in women's healthcare.

The Voice of 1000 Women report was compiled by research agency Painted Dog Research on behalf of Luma, a not for profit women's health service.

Just 42% of First Nations women rated their mental health positively, compared to 72% of non-First Nations women – the single largest inequity in the study.

Young women, LGBTQIA+ women, women in lower-income households and women outside the metropolitan area reported similar shortfalls.

Luma chief executive Bethany Lord said it was those already doing it the toughest who were missing out on mental health care.

"Mental health is the care they need most and can access least – and for young women, First Nations women and women doing it tough financially, the gaps are widest.

“Too many women are slipping through the cracks of a system that wasn’t designed for them. Her hormones are not separate from her mental health, and her caring role is not separate from her own wellbeing.

"Women aren’t asking for more services – they’re asking for connected, affordable ones that listen and understand them."

The study also found that three in 10 WA women were living in poor physical and mental health - the equivalent of about 357,000 women across the state - while one in three lacked confidence in their knowledge of women's health.

Data showed that across all age groups, general practitioners were the first choice for health information, advice and care.

Cost was identified as the number one barrier to care in almost every service, with the exception of eating disorders and alcohol and other drug support, where shame and stigma were the number one barrier.

Changes throughout life

Almost half (47%) were carers and one in three admitted feeling emotionally drained and needed more support. Most of those were women in midlife, who are often caring for both children and ageing parents.

Young women were identified as experiencing the lowest self-ratings of physical health, mental health, feelings of being supported and health literacy.

The report called on government to address cost as the leading barrier to care, improve access to mental health accessibility, invest in health literacy, better support carers, and fund pathways into integrated women’s health hubs where health services are offered under one roof.

The federal government earlier this year marked 12 months since its $792.9 million women’s health package had been introduced, which included a number of measures to reduce the out-of-pocket costs associated with aspects of women's health.

Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said at the time that hundreds of thousands of women had saved money on essential medicines, more were getting dedicated menopause care through Medicare, and access to long-acting contraception was easier and more affordable.

She said the government was modernising women’s health, expanding specialised care through clinics, improving access in primary care, and making sure the system actually works for women at every age and stage.