More than 10,000 Australian women between the ages of 18 and 80 participated in the The Jean Hailes Women’s Health Survey 2017.

The research shows that the most anxious age group in Australia are 18 to 35 year olds, who experience “mild” levels of anxiety. This means that these women feel easily annoyed or irritated, worried, have “trouble relaxing”, are “on edge”, and have trouble sleeping.

For Tasmania, the survey shows that the 18 to 35 age group makes up 44 per cent of those who have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression.

Mental Health Council of Tasmania chief executive Connie Digolis said there were many reasons women might be suffering from depression or anxiety.

“The survey itself reflects more broadly the national identified rates of mental illness for the entire adult population of both male and female,” Ms Digolis said.

“In terms of major reasons why women specifically might be experiencing anxiety or depression, we know that women are more likely to access mental health services and seek support than men.

“This might account for the perceived higher rates of mental illness in women."

In 2011, 10 per cent of women in Tasmania were on antidepressants, Ms Digolis said.

"In Tasmania, women are more likely to be prescribed antidepressants than men. Again, this reflects that women are more likely to seek early interventions and receive medical support than men.

There are many things that women can be doing to improve upon their not only their mental health, but their physical health, she said.

“Increasing exercise, eating healthier food, and sleeping well are all of the standard things that are not only good for your physical health, but your mental health as well,” Ms Digolis said.

“In this day and age when we tend to be time poor, it isn’t always easy to find space to do the things that you love or be social, so perhaps our work and home lives could be better constructed to ensure our health and wellbeing is a bigger priority.”

If you are or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or online at www.lifeline.org.au​.