Almost 4500 Victorians have flooded a major inquiry into the state's mental health system with submissions about the crisis in services for people suffering mental illness, including those at risk of suicide.

Those making submissions are most likely to be women, to be close to someone who suffers from a mental illness or to have one themselves — and they are fed up.

The submissions have arrived in less than a month to help shape the terms of reference for the Mental Health Royal Commission, which was announced by Premier Daniel Andrews before the November election.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announcing the Royal Commission into mental health in October. Credit:Joe Armao

Even at this early stage, it is more than four times the number of people who made submissions to Victoria's family violence royal commission.