We consider issues related to mental health to be some of the most pressing concerns faced by Australians today.
Which is why today’s news is hardly comforting for the millions of Australians who are currently suffering from mental illness – under a system that’s fraught with flaws.
Australia’s approach to mental health has been described as “failing” and “in crisis” by over 90 leading Australian medical, mental health and not-for-profit bodies in an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Tony Abbott and the country’s State and Territory Premiers.
“We are writing to implore you, the leaders of the states and territories and the Commonwealth of Australia, to urgently work together to reform our nation’s failing mental health system,” the open letter begins. The plea for change in Australia was signed by groups such as Lifeline, the Black Dog Institute, Suicide Prevention Australia, ReachOut, R U OK?, Sane, and The Butterfly Foundation, among dozens of others.
“COAG committed to adopting ‘whole-of-life and outcome-based national indicators and targets,’ and sought independent expert advice on the most appropriate indicators and targets. COAG received that advice two years ago but has not acted. In the meantime, Australia’s mental health crisis has deepened.”
“The most recent review of Australia’s mental health system, conducted by Professor Allan Fels and the National Mental Health Commission (NMHC), described a deeply flawed system, characterised by:
‘Poor planning, coordination and operation between the Commonwealth and the states and territories, resulting in duplication, overlap and gaps in services.’”
- In each year, approximately one in every five Australians will experience a mental illness.
- Mental illnesses are the third leading cause of disability burden in Australia, accounting for an estimated 27% of the total years lost due to disability.
- About 4% of people will experience a major depressive episode in a 12-month period, with 5% of women and 3% of men affected.
- Approximately 14 % of Australians will be affected by an anxiety disorder in any 12-month period.
While Mental Health Australia CEO Frank Quinlan acknowledged Health Minister Sussan Ley‘s support of national reforms, Quinlan reiterated that immediate action is critical, and warned against further delays, according to SBS. “The system is in crisis right now. We need action – not after the next budget, not after the next election, but starting now with a commitment from our leaders.”
You can read Mental Health Australia’s open letter in full here.
Via SBS.
Lead image by Paul Kane via Getty.
Help is always available.
If you or someone you know is in an emergency situation, call 000.
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts, there are always people who will listen. Call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14.
Want to help a loved one who has depression or anxiety? Visit BeyondBlue’s guide on caring for those with mental illness here.
If you’d like to learn more about mental illness and how to seek help, visit Beyond Blue, Black Dog Institute, or Headspace.
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