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The mental wellbeing impacts of Queensland’s cost-of-living crisis
As the cost-of-living crisis deepens across Queensland, its effects on mental wellbeing are being realised, particularly with the increased cost of food, housing, energy, transport and health.
These growing pressures highlight the urgent need for organisations to step up and provide support where it’s needed most.
selectability Chief Operating Officer, Aaron Farrell, said supporting individuals and communities across regional, rural and remote Queensland was a priority.
“For those living in regional, rural and remote communities, the financial strain is made worse by higher prices and limited access to affordable necessities, causing significant mental and physical health challenges,” said Aaron.
“We understand these pressures and remain committed to supporting the mental wellbeing of people across regional Queensland through accessible services, programs, and community initiatives.”
Food stress on Queensland communities
The 2025 Foodbank Hunger report indicates that one third of Australian households, equating to 3.5 million households are currently experiencing food insecurity. With 20 per cent experiencing severe food insecurity such as skipping meals and whole days without eating.
According to The Queensland Council of Social Service's (QCOSS) 2025 Living Affordability in Queensland report, "food affordability" has become a critical issue, with the rising cost of healthy food felt most in remote areas. This challenge is placing intense pressure on household budgets across the state.
Inequality of food prices across Queensland
The cost of food in remote areas of Queensland is significantly higher compared to city locations. Research from the University of Queensland highlights that individuals in these communities are far worse off regarding food access and affordability than people in urban communities. With remote families spending an average of $5507.60 a year extra for the same food as a city-based family. The mix of higher prices and fewer food options makes it increasingly difficult for individuals and families to maintain a nutritious diet, furthering the economic divide.
Mental health impacts of “cost-of-living stress”
The 2025-2026 Queensland State budget promised relief to basic living expenses like power prices, food, and suitable housing etc. However, many Australians are still under pressure and budgets have made little difference to those already struggling to make ends meet.
The stress associated with managing rising cost of living expenses has profound implications for mental wellbeing. It is reported that regional and remote Australians can pay up to three times more than people who live in or close to cities for the same basic services and items.
For many individuals – particularly those with families, the helplessness of not being able to provide for their family leads to feelings of inadequacy, depression, and chronic stress. This is especially concerning for people in remote areas, who face the double pressures of financial strain and the inability to access healthy food options.
It’s reported that healthy diets were simply unaffordable for many. Some notable coping strategies were consistent among those with many reporting of making changes to their diet such as buying less fruit and vegetables and opting for lower-quality food simply to fill their stomachs.
QCOSS report reveals that financial pressures are forcing individuals to skip essential medical treatments because they simply cannot afford them. The decision to forego medical care due to financial constraints further intensifies stress and anxiety, creating a vicious cycle of deteriorating physical and mental health.
The importance of social connections
In times of economic difficulty, maintaining strong social connections is crucial for mental health. Positive peer relationships and community support networks can provide emotional support and practical assistance, helping to buffer the mental health impacts of financial stress. However, the isolation often experienced in remote areas can make it challenging to stay connected, heightening feelings of loneliness and despair.
selectability is bridging the gap to help reduce loneliness and isolation in regional, rural and remote communities in Queensland.
“Our Mental Health Hubs are located in most regions across our vast footprint and provide structured recovery-oriented programs and workshops for individuals seeking support for mental health concerns,” said Aaron.
No referral is required, and selectability has an open-door policy that allows recipients to access programs for as long as they need.
“The cost-of-living crisis in Queensland goes beyond financial hardship and includes significant mental health challenges.”
“Addressing this crisis requires a combined effort from government, communities, and individuals to ensure that the basic needs of all regional, rural and remote Queensland communities are met and their mental wellbeing is protected to improve the quality of life for those most affected by this ongoing crisis.”
Help is available
If you or someone you care about is in immediate need of support, please contact:
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
- Standby - Support After Suicide 0438 648 268
References
- Queensland Council of Social Service's QCOSS Living Affordability in Queensland 2025 report
USEFUL LINKS
selectability acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we provide services and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We also recognise those with lived experience and our partners who support us to care for people and communities in need across regional, rural and remote Queensland.
