Mental Health Across The Countries: Australia

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Considered to be one of the major health issues worldwide, mental health has also taken its toll in Australia. Mental illnesses are the third leading cause of disability in the country. The number of persons having mental illness has grown in such a tantamount figure that modification of existing programs and the creation of new strategies to address these concerns are required with utmost necessity. The government of Australia, on the other hand, is making its best efforts in addressing the pressing problem in the mental health status of every Australian.

 

There Is Enough For Everybody. Ensuring the sustainability of taking down mental illness as one of the barriers in achieving the wellness of every individual, funding of $80 million from Commonwealth Government afforded from the 2017-2018 Budget by Mental Health Australia is a welcoming opportunity that persons with psychological concerns shall be addressed upon. One of the approaches is through community-based integration. This allocation enables sustainable healthcare services that are intended for every person who has a mental illness. “These mental health measures included one’s emotional state, mindfulness, resilience, life satisfaction, overall mental well-being, among other characteristics examined.” John M. Grohol, Psy.D. said.

 

Empowering Stakeholders. The government, its people, non-profit organizations and the like are the stakeholders in this mental health undertaking. Thus, Mental Health Australia has been an advocate of sector development in order to promote collaboration and cooperation among the stakeholders in order to organize different programs and projects toward achieving the mental wellness of every Australian.

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Change Has Come. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on November 26, 2015, responded to the National Mental Health Commission’s Review of Mental Health Programmes and Services through an outlined roadmap for reform of Australia’s mental health system considered to be a significantly necessary systemic change in mental health in Australia(Australian Primary Mental Health Alliance, 2018). The improvement is towards working together to improve access to mental health care.

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The Mind Power. Social stigma has been one of the reasons why mental illness has often kept a secret, the main reason why people with mental issues chose to just end their lives instead of opening up and sharing the battles that are going through their minds. The Australian government has been very vocal and supportive of eliminating social stigma on mental health. One of which is the encouragement of Mental Health Australia to all Australian of making a promise to oneself of improving their mental health.

“Making the decision to enter into treatment requires a commitment to prioritize your mental health and make some significant life changes.” –Catherine “Katie” Ness, MA, LCPC

The promotional campaign is a big help in breaking the social stigma of mental health because through this everyone is reminded that the battle inside them should not be fought alone and that there is nothing to be scared of when sharing your emotional pangs. The campaign also inspires those who are hiding in the dark, those people who are still in denial of their conditions, struggling to find ways on how to face the reality that they are really in need of social support. The campaign has raised awareness of mental health issues worldwide and has mobilized efforts in supporting mental health.

“A mental illness cannot be willed away or brushed aside with a change in attitude. Ignoring the problem doesn’t give it the slip either.” Deborah Serani, PsyD stated. All these undertakings in Australia are proof that mental health is indeed a serious health issue that needs to be well taken care of, and that working together is the key to address this problem.

 

 

Reference:

Australian Primary Mental Health Alliance (2018). MENTAL HEALTH REFORM IN AUSTRALIA Stepped Mental Health Care – The Future. [online] Australian Primary Mental Health Alliance. Available at: https://www.apmhalliance.com.au/services/therapeutic-services [Accessed 13 Feb. 2018].