Australia is facing a mental and brain health crisis
Dementia is on the cusp of overtaking heart diseases as Australia's biggest cause of death, and nearly one in two Australians will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, according to research by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
More than half of those impacted by a mental illness do not access treatment, and for those who do, the journey is often hindered by delays, misdiagnoses and ineffective treatment — significantly affecting recovery.
The number of Australians with dementia is projected to more than double by the year 2058. With no known cure, prevention is paramount.
But it doesn't have to be this way
With your support, we can change this story.
We can improve access to care, invest in early intervention, and fund life-saving research and support services.
UniSC's Thompson Institute is developing science-backed, multi-faceted solutions that prioritises prevention, education, ground-breaking treatments, and more affordable and accessible care.
We can, and must, do more. Lives depend on it.
Innovative thinking to improve lives
Solving today's complex mental and brain health challenges demands fresh perspectives and innovation.
That's where UniSC's Thompson Institute leads the way. We’re tackling the most urgent mental and brain health issues facing Australians today:
- PTSD and trauma: A dedicated national facility offering improved treatments and support for stress-related disorders.
- Youth mental health: World-leading research into cyberbullying, suicide prevention, and early life trauma.
- Dementia and healthy brain ageing: Programs and research to support people to reduce their dementia risk by up to 50% and maximise brain health for life.
- New treatments: Advancing innovative therapies for mental disorders.
- Trustworthy information: Making reliable mental health resources accessible to all.
- Neuroscience breakthroughs: Using brain science to uncover new insights into mental health.
- Mind-body connections: Identifying biomarkers through molecular biology to better understand mental illness.
- Education and awareness: Equipping GPs and frontline workers with the tools to support those in need.
- Resilience programs: Teaching coping skills to help individuals manage stress and adversity.
- Community support: Strengthening social connections to buffer against mental health challenges.
- Lifestyle interventions: Promoting healthy habits like exercise, nutrition, and sleep to support mental wellbeing.
- Reducing stigma: Changing the conversation around mental health to encourage openness and understanding.
- Improved diagnosis tools: Developing better ways to identify and treat mental health conditions early.
While we work toward lasting breakthroughs, we’re also improving lives right now. Our research is quickly translated into practical, accessible programs that benefit communities. Through education, we arm people with evidence-based strategies that boost health. Our clinic offers hope and relief to those in need.
Our science is world-class. Our focus is unwavering. Our mission is clear - to improve lives today and into the future.
Join us in the fight to create change
UniSC’s Thompson Institute is supported by generous donors who believe in a better future for mental health.
Every dollar goes directly to improving lives through research, education, and care.
But the need is growing. To meet the unprecedented challenges facing Australians today, we need your support.
Together, we can save lives. Together, we can build a stronger, mentally healthier Australia.
Please, can you give today to help create a brighter future for those living with mental illness and dementia?
Give a tax deductible gift.
For a confidential discussion about how your gift can make a real impact to our work at the Thompson Institute, please contact:
Peter Moran, Philanthropy Manager
Tel: 0437 488 721
Email: pmoran@usc.edu.au
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