Mental Illnesses In Australia

Legislation in New Zealand such as The Human Rights Act 1993, section 21 and the Employment Rights Act 1997 are in place to prohibit the discrimination on the grounds of mental illness in areas such as housing, training, education and employment. The incidence of stigma and discrimination in these areas is however still continuing to be an issue for those with a mental illness. It has become apparent through large amounts of research that most incidences of stigma and discrimination are usually reported through research studies and surveys (Peterson & Barnes & Duncan 2008; Newell & Gournay, 2000). El-Badri & Mellsop (2007) suggest that most research on stigma tends to center on attitudes and beliefs of the public and how they view those with a mental illness. Much less emphasis on research has involved the personal experience, self-stigma and quality of life of the person with the illness and how they fit within the community. Badri & Mellsop's (2007) study Stigma and quality of life as experienced by

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.

The Ontario Government has been responsive to the way stigma acts as a barrier to help with its 2012 “Opening Minds Healthy Minds Initiative” with its broad mandate to address the way Canadians view mental illness. The program’s goal is to effect change that will improve

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

Prejudice against the mentally ill is a prominent in Canadian society. Prejudice can be seen in Canada. There are government issued initiatives to help people with mental illness. The effects of prejudice can be felt by an individual, all of Canada, and the global world. Some of the organizations have succeed in their fight.

Mental health services in Australia provides a picture of the national response of the health and welfare service system to the mental health care needs of Australians.

We first need to ask ourselves what stigma actually is. The government of Western Australia Mental Health Commission defines stigma as, “… a mark of disgrace that

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).

Mental health is a significant and growing issue affecting almost half (45%) of the Australian population (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2017, p. 2). Mental health refers to a person’s state of psychological and emotional wellbeing where they have the ability to handle day-to-day stressors and function constructively in the community (World Health Organisation, 2013, p. 7). The impact of mental health is substantial in Australia with 7.8% of the total health expenditure spent on mental health associated services in 2014-15, this equates to roughly $8.5 billion (AIHW, p. 25). The distribution of mental health disorders in our society is unbiased and affects a wide variety of diverse individuals. Given this however, figures show

People can experience different types of mental illness, which can affect their thinking, mood, and behavior. Examples of mental health disorders are depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and addictive behaviors. Many people have mental health concerns, but those concerns convert to mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause recurrent stress and affect their capability to function.

Australia’s media and society have worked hard to reduce the stigma around mental health disorders and illnesses through advertising and other media programs. There are many Community groups such as Beyond Blue also help to raise awareness of mental health problems and illnesses around Australia. The National Rugby League are also chipping in to break down the characteristic that male are perceived to have and the toughness that are supposed to show. Also People brought up in families that are broken or dysfunctional have higher rates of mental health problems and illnesses, as are people with a family history of mental health

Inability to interact with classmates, peers and family can deeply affect mental health. Other social factors affecting mental health may include parents divorcing and loss of a love one. Some physiological factors that cause mental health illnesses include brain injury and drug abuse. These events can affect brain chemistry and lead to mental health illness.

A vast number of people in modern Australia have mental health problems, and the healthcare sector is trying to create policies that guide social work practice. The policies are aimed at balancing the recovery challenges, reducing the cost of mental healthcare, and also increasing social work benefits. Most of those who experience mental illnesses in Australia endure long-term mental disability. Mental health problems impact on the lives of the patients, their families’ service providers, and social work practitioners. The policies regulating mental health services are formulated with an inclusion of social work practices in order to enhance full patient recovery from the mental disorders.

Time to Change has been successful in creating a movement and campaign against mental health stigma in England. Their national surveys show an overall attitude trend between 2008 and 2016 was positive with a 9.6% change, which is an estimated 4.1 million people with improved attitudes towards mental. They have also seen a positive trend in people's willingness to live with, work with and continue a relationship with someone with mental health problems improved by 11% (Time to Change). These statistics show us the rate of success that Time to Change was able to implement with their social movement. In regards to MAHDA, we hope to implement the same guide and tools that Time to Change has used in order to jump start this improvement on

There are many stigmas, or misconceptions and misperceptions in our society which need to be shattered. I believe that one of the worse possible effects of stigma is that it causes those affected by psychological disorders, or mental illness, to crawl more deeply into themselves because it provokes a sense of shame. Stigma thrusts those suffering with mental illness into a sense of isolation, social exclusion, and discrimination. “Stigma can lead to discrimination … It may be obvious or direct … Or it may be unintentional or subtle…” (Staff). Stigma is often as big as the illness itself and I confess to having been a perpetuator of this dreaded thing, although not consciously aware and without the intent of furthering the harm of someone.