Impact Of Mental Health Issues In Australia

Mental illness disorders and suicide as surveys and statistics would show, affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at a higher rate than the rest of the Australian population (Elder, Evans, Nizette, 2013). Thirty percent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population aged 18 years and over experienced some sort psychological distress at a greater than normal level during the year 2012 to 2013 (ABS, 2015). Compared to other Australians, the Indigenous people aged 18 years and over were three times more prone to experiencing psychological distress than the rest of the Australian population (ABS, 2015). Mental health services treat more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in contrast with the Non-Aboriginal population, around

In Australia, approximately 1 million people suffer from depression, with only about a third of these accessing treatment for their illness (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2008). In recent decades the ubiquity of depression has only increased (Hidaka, 2012). Depression is more prevalent in females than males however this difference may reflect a greater propensity for women to seek assistance. Only 25% of men who suffer from depression access treatment (ABS, 2008). The lifetime prevalence of depression is even greater with 1 in 5 women and 1 in 8 men suffering from depression (ABS, 2008). Over 2000-2001, $3 billion was spent on mental health services accounting for 6% of Australia’s total health expenditure (AIHW, 2004).

Stigma is a destructive shadow which follows mental health, inevitably impacting on the process of recovery. In Australia, statistics show that one in five individuals experience mental illness, of those 74% (SANE Australia,2013) reported being affected by stigma. With such statistics, it is crucial to understand the recovery process in mental health and the extent to which stigma influences on this process.

In the general population, 6 in 10 men and 5 in 10 women will experience a traumatic event which will lead into unstable habits, resulting in restricted physical activity. These restrictions in physical activities are linked with fear. In the recent years, researchers such as Campbell et al. (2008), Follette et al. (1996), Hoge et al. (2007) and Wagner et al. (2000) have concluded that there are physical health impacts a person can present from traumatic events (namely, combat exposure, sexual assault or natural disaster). The Australian Defence Force states that in 2010, approximately 90% of the ADF and 73% of Australian citizens have been affected by at least one traumatic event (Australian Government, unknown).Brewin, Andrews and Valentine (2000) informs that multiple traumatic events induce stronger neural signals on the brain. Campbell et al. (2008) and Hoge et al. (2007) highlight that somatic disorder is interrelated from these strong neural signals on the brain in emerging data in traumatic events and physical health.

This unit aims to provide the learner with knowledge of the main forms of mental health problems according to the psychiatric classification system. Learners also consider the strengths and limitations of this model and look at alternative frameworks for understanding mental distress. The focus of the unit is on understanding the different ways in which mental health problems impact on the individual and others in their social network. It

Mental illness: Mental illness is a term that is used to describe a condition that affects many people, this condition is often a serious disorder in a person's behaviour or thinking. Mental illness affects around 10-25% of people living in the UK at some point in their life. [Sabp, 2015] There are many different types of mental illnesses; Examples of mental illness include depression, phobias, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, addictive behaviours and schizophrenia. Mental illnesses can range fro m minor illnesses such as having a phobia to being more severe such as having depression or anxiety. [Mayoclinic, 2015] All of these metal illnesses can be treated in some way however they can become a serious part of a

In the Mental Health treatment we can distinguish two different approaches to patient treatment, this is known as models of treatment, firstly we have a medical model, and secondary we a using person recovery model.

Mental illness has a profound impact on the Australian community, with 45% of Australians expected to experience mental illness at some point in their lives. In 1991, Australian Health Ministers commenced The Australian National Mental Health Strategy, which has since transitioned to its Fourth National Mental Health Plan Agreement. The Australian healthcare policy that has recently received attention in the Australian media is the revised National Mental Health Policy of 2008. The media article, ‘‘Futures will be lost’: Health fears as youth psychosis program dropped,’ has been analysed on its illustration of current structural reform proposed in the Mental Health sector. The role of media is critical in conveying policy to the public and

There are many government resources to which a person with mental illness can be assisted.

The definition of health and illness varies across societies due to their differing cultural, social and ethnic beliefs. The description associated with health and illness has been socially constructed so that the view of a medical profession is the most accurate. There is a general conception to think of health habits such as exercise and consuming a healthy diet when the terms health and illness are mentioned. However it is thought that the conditions that determine health changes are heavily based on one’s social conditions as it is seen that diseases occur in patterns. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) “health is a complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.” Social

A mental illness is an issue that affects one’s behaviour, emotions, thoughts and ability to interact with others (Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing 2007). Common mental illnesses in Australia include anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders and personality disorders, with the most prevalent being anxiety disorders and depression. Anyone can develop a mental illness, although suffering from a chronic medical illness, experiencing a highly stressful or traumatic event, having a blood relation with a mental disorder or drug and alcohol use can increase one’s risk (Mayo Clinic 2015).

The current state of mental in Australia is appalling as there many struggling with disorders and many not receiving treatment. The causes of mental health disorders are social and physiological and there are many stigmas associated with mental health issues in Australia Current state of mental health in Australia The current state of mental health in Australia is appalling for the following reasons. Firstly, the enormous amount of people that struggle with mental health.

Many young Australians suffer from mental illness and are exposed to serious risk of harm. It is found that more than one in four teenagers suffer a mental illness and most are not identified or treated (Mcdougall, 2013). Mental illness is the largest risk factor that causes suicidal behaviour and serious psychological distress in young people (Australian Government, 2013). According to Mcdougall (2013), the life expectancy for people with mental illness is 15 to 20 year lower than other Australians. Child and adolescent psychologist Carr-Gregg, states that despite of high prevalence of suicide, 80 per cent of adolescents with mental illness do not acknowledge the illness and remain untreated (as cited in Mcdougall, 2013). In the context

Research from the article, “Self-Esteem and its Impact on Suicidal Tendencies”, proves the effect that low self-esteem has on suicide rates by stating, “Several studies have been released which show that men and women of all ages-from adolescents to seniors-often have suicidal tendencies due to a lack of self-esteem.” Research from the article, “Relationship between Suicidality and Low Self-esteem in Patients with Schizophrenia”, also proves this by stating,

Mental health problems are considered to “interfere with how a person thinks, feels and behaves” (Australian Government Department of Health, 2007, para. 3). Considered to be more prominent, yet less severe than mental illnesses, mental health problems are experienced for