Get+It+Right+Australia+-+Mental+Health+in+Australia

Student Name: Kamila Radomska

Student Number: 08091838

Tutor: Abbey Diaz

Get It Right Australia Mental Health in Australia

 ** Presentation of Artefact **  The artefact chosen for the purpose of this essay belongs to The ‘Nie Jesteś Sam’ (You are not alone) Association. It is a Polish organisation, which was founded in Wrocław in 1995 and was established as a self-help group of the families and friends of people with mental problems in the southern region of Poland. The artefact, which is the logo of the Association, is a jigsaw puzzle and resembles three people standing interlocked side by side. It appears that these three puzzle piece people are holding each other and together build the foundation of the entire jigsaw.

** Australian Mental Health **

 ‘You are not alone’ – these four words may mean a lot to those who truly feel isolated in their everyday struggle with mental illness. Mental health has been the number one public health issue for many years in Australia (McGorry, 2005) with media reporting changes in its policies and programs on a regular basis. To analyse the current mental health situation in Australia, especially depression, the following essay will discuss the relationship between these issues and various factors, such as relationship status, gender, age, socio-economic status and culture. Also, a social and cultural analysis will be presented to emphasise the connectivity between these factors and mental health. The focus on the meaning of the artefact chosen for this essay will show that creating strong and solid support foundations for those with mental illness is essential for improvements to occur.

** Literature Review **    Although many people may think that they are aware of mental health issues in Australia, some may believe that it is not their concern but the concern of ‘others’. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS, 2008) reported that over one in five Australians had a mental health disorder in 2007. Furthermore, the 2011-12 Budget (Australian Government, 2011) states that approximately one in three Australians experience mental illness at some stage in their life, which significantly adds to comprehending the magnitude of this issue. With over 90% of Australians living in family households there is no need to look further but around one’s own table to realise that statistically one or more family members may struggle with mental illness (e.g. depression) at some stage in their life (Australian population in 2009a according to World Health Organisation [WHO] was 21 293 000; people living in family households in 2011 according to ABS was 19 200 000).

 Beyond Blue (2009), a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related disorders in Australia, asserts that depression is a serious illness and is one of the most common of all mental health problems in Australia. Those, suffering from this illness find it hard to engage in everyday activities, which means that their quality of life is dramatically decreased (Beyond Blue, 2009). Although it may be thought that depression is a result of personal problems there are many factors contributing to the likelihood of developing this mental illness (Beyond Blue, 2009) and included among them are determinants such as gender, age, marital status, birth country, socio-economic status and social support (ABS, 2008).

 According to ABS (2008) people who share their life with a partner may reduce their risk of developing a mental disorder by half. Oliffe, Han, Ogrodniczuk, Phillips and Ray (2011) analyse this correlation in regard to older men’s depression. It was revealed that lost social bonds following a divorce or death of a partner can insolate men and take away their social and emotional support (Oliffe et al., 2011), which is extremely important in the treatment of depression (Beyond Blue, 2009). It is often reported that men’s depression rates are lower than women (Wilhelm, 2009), and although statistically it is correct (ABS, 2008), these figures do not necessarily signify better overall mental health in the male population (Wilhelm, 2009). According to Wilhelm (2009) women have greater emotional capability to express their feelings and therefore seek help. Men on the other hand are more likely to withdraw socially, abuse substances and use risk taking behaviours (Wilhelm, 2009). Also, Wilhelm (2009) reports that men are reluctant to discuss their problems, even with their doctor, because of the self-denial and fear of exposing their own feelings of weakness and vulnerability.

 Depression can affect people at various ages (Department of Health and Ageing, 1998). McGorry (2005) states that the burden of this disease steadily increases across the lifespan, with the late adolescence-early adulthood group age being at the highest risk. Therefore McGorry (2005) emphasises the need for early intervention in mental illness. Years of advocating for improvements in mental health, particularly for this age group, resulted in an increase in funding for programs, such as Headspace and Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centres (EPPC), which were initially opened thanks to Patrick McGorry (Department of Health and Ageing, 2011). McGorry expressed his positive opinion about the new Budget in a short interview for channel Ten (2011):

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;"> media type="youtube" key="_LorRrDbZKg" height="315" width="560" align="center"

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman',times,serif; line-height: 0px; overflow: hidden;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;"> The socio-economic status of Australians has a large impact on the state of their mental health as reported by ABS (2008). Those who completed higher education are more likely to gain employment, whereas those less qualified are at a higher risk of being unemployed and are more vulnerable to mental illness (ABS, 2008). Epidemiological evidence shows a strong correlation between low socio-economic status and depression, with the greatest risk of poor mental health seen amongst those people who struggle financially over time (Everson, Maty, Lynch & Kaplan, 2002). Also, for those exhibiting persistent depressive symptoms their productivity decreases reflecting in a half a million working days being lost each month due to depression in Australia (Beyond Blue, 2009). Griffith News (2011) reported that ‘Finding Balance’, a new research project designed by Dr Leanne Casey, could find a solution for depression for those struggling to cope with work and personal life demands, which consequently may assist in better mental health and sustained productivity.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;"> Department of Health and Ageing (1998) reported that due to various issues, such as sampling, cultural differences, experience and reporting of depression, it is difficult to determine prevalence of developing depression in people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. It was however determined that people born in non-English-speaking countries have higher emotional disorders than those born in Australia (Department of Health and Ageing, 1998). This could be due to the nature of migration to Australia (e.g. seeking refugee) or the personal situation, for example, grief associated with leaving birth country, family, friends or memories of past (Sobolewska, 2005). Research undertaken by Rasic et al. (2009) revealed that religious people exhibit lower risk of developing and/or sustaining depressive disorder. In addition, Levin, Markides and Ray (1996) say that religious commitment may have a salutary effect on depressive behaviours.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;"> It is evident that sufferers of mental disorders, such as depression, can be found anywhere around the world despite the geographical location, religion or culture but what lacks recognition and appreciation is the burden of this disease, especially in developing countries (Ngui, Khasakhala, Ndetei & Roberts, 2010). Ngui’s et al. (2010) study examines the global perspective of this issue and states that there is a great inequity in the provision of care services, and the recognition and treatment of mental disorders. Australian mental health treatment may appear to be in a good state when comparing it to Kenya, where the majority of depression cases are undiagnosed and there are no policies to address the needs for mental health (Ngui et al., 2010). Also, Australian mental health appears to be in a better condition than Poland, where the first mental health system evolved rather slowly due to the large population size (estimated 38 074 000 by WHO in 2009b), inadequate services and financial shortages (Puzynski & Moskalewicz, 2001).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;"> Looking at the Indigenous communities’ lack of access to health services and the poor status of their mental health (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011a; 2011b) it seems that Australia has a ‘developing nation’ within its own country. It is not only the Indigenous people whose mental health needs are being neglected in Australia but also the mental wellness of asylum seekers. ABC1’s Sarah Ferguson (2011) reported on Four Corners that asylum seekers who live in overcrowded detention centres for several months or more struggle to find a reason to live while awaiting decision regarding their future. As Ferguson (2011) reported many of them develop mental illnesses, such as depression, and are often provided with inadequate care services by workers who often prescribe incorrect medication. These examples leave one hoping: get it right Australia?

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** Cultural and Social Analysis **  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> <span style="font-family: 'times new roman',times,serif; font-size: 16px;"> After reviewing the above factors of the risk of mental health, the question regarding the link between depression and the social world cannot be left unanswered. Why are some people at higher risk of developing mental illnesses such as depression than others? The theory of learned helplessness proposes that depression and mental illness are results of the individualist’s belief of lack of own control over the situation outcome (Maier & Seligman, 1976). If one faces a stressful event and feels that no action can change that situation a feeling of hopelessness is developed, which leads to depression (Abramson, Seligman & Teasdale, 1978). It is the society among other factors that influences mental health, therefore by putting more emphasis on the individual’s understanding of one’s own responsibility for their own actions and outcomes it may be possible not to fall into the trap of depression but to be in control of one’s own behaviour and deal successfully with the uncontrolled factors (Abramson, Seligman & Teasdale, 1978).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;"> It is also important to understand that the cultural values of individualism and collectivism may be impacting on the rising rates of depression (Scott, Ciarrochi & Deane, 2004). Individualism is characterised by independence while collectivism by interdependence in relation to groups, such as society (Markus & Kitayma, 1991, as cited in Scott et al., 2004). Australia and the majority of Western countries are individualistic countries (Scott et al., 2004). Higher levels of depression have been recorded in the individualistic societies (e.g. USA or Australia) than in the collectivistic ones (e.g. China) (Chen, 1996, as cited in Scott et al., 2004). According to Scott’s et al. (2004) study individualism was associated with smaller and less satisfying social support groups, higher inability in managing one’s own and others’ emotions, lower intentions to seek help and higher levels of hopelessness. Therefore the individualistic culture appears to have social and psychological disadvantages resulting in poorer health (Scott et al., 2004).

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: center;"> // "Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all. // // " - Bill Clinton // <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 80%; text-align: center;">// ( ////Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria). (n.d.))// <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;"> Mental disorders are as likely to be affected by culture as well as any other severe illnesses (Bhugra, 2006). According to Sobolewska (2005), for Polish Community in Victoria, it is extremely important how they are presented to the community. As seeking help may stigmatize them and their family, this illness is often a silenced phenomenon (Sobolewska, 2005). Mental illness sufferers do not ask for help due to the pride shaped in them by society and its culture, instead they fall deeper into depression, alcohol abuse and some commit suicide (Sobolewska, 2005). Therefore careful consideration of people’s culture should be taken into consideration when designing mental health therapies as culturally adapted mental health therapies provide better outcomes (Smith, Rodrigues & Bernal, 2011). It is essential that language barriers are considered and mental illness prevention and treatment services are available around Australia for the cultural minorities to access and progress their treatment (Sobolewska, 2005).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** Analysis of the Artefact and Reflections **  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> <span style="font-family: 'times new roman',times,serif; font-size: 16px;"> Reflecting on the meaning of the artefact presented in the beginning of this essay and taking into consideration all of the factors presented above and the ways in which they influence mental illnesses, it is evident that building strong fundamentals for mental health based on support and mutual understanding of this issue is essential for progress to be made in the future. In agreement with Professor McGorry (2005) creating prevention and support services for adolescence and young adults is crucial for achievement of better mental health for Australians. They are after all our future. Referring to the artefact, by standing together as one and providing support to one another when needed Australia and the rest of the world may improve treatment for mental illness.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;"> Upon reflection, researching this topic has enabled me to see the correlations between mental illness and various factors. Also, by researching international mental health I have been able to compare and reflect on differences and similarities between countries. Although the Australian health system appears to be ahead of the Polish system, I wonder whether both countries would benefit from simplifying the issue and looking at mental illness as separate puzzle pieces, which could be reconnected appropriately with services equally provided to those who need them most.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** Learning Engagement and Reflection **  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">‘Sport and Feminity Do Not Mix,’ says who? by Emma Howe <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;"> I found your work very interesting and informative and it is evident that you researched this topic extensively. The artefact chosen for the purpose of your work clearly shows how women’s sport is currently represented by media. You provide various examples for how women’s sport lacks recognition although, as you mentioned, ABS (2006) reported equal rates for physical activity participation for males and females. Also, I found it appalling that the coverage of women’s sports makes up only nine per cent of all sport coverage in Australia despite female athletes’ high achievements. Overall, I really enjoyed reading your essay as it has provided me with an opportunity to reflect on this topic.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">‘Doctors and Patients – Are We From Different Planets?’ by Lucinda Appleton <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;"> Your essay discusses the patient–doctor relationship in great depth, with many reputable references included. I found it extremely engaging and interesting. Being a part of social minority group in Australia I can easily relate to most of the examples provided in your essay relating to the patient-doctor miscommunication. In agreement with you, I believe that people deserve to receive the best medical care despite their geographical location, language, values and beliefs. Also, I think that your artefact presents the exact feelings experienced by a patient of non-dominant culture in Australia and around the world. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">References <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Abramson, L. Y., Seligman, M. E. P., & Teasdale, J. D. (1978). Learned helplessness in humans: critique and reformulation. //Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 87//(1), 49-74. doi: 10.1037/0021-843X.87.1.49

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2008). //National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results.// Retrieved from <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/4326.0Main%20Features32007?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=4326.0&issue=2007&num=&view=

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2011). // Family Characteristics. // Retrieved from http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/4442.0Main%20Features22009-10?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=4442.0&issue=2009-10&num=&view=

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Australian Government. (2011). //National Mental Health Reform.// Retrieved from http://budget.australia.gov.au/2011-12/content/download/ms_health.pdf

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Australian Government. (2011a//). Indigenous health.// Retrieved from http://www.aihw.gov.au/indigenous-health/

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Australian Government. (2011b). //Access to health services.// Retrieved from http://www.aihw.gov.au/access-to-health-services-indigenous/

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Beyond Blue. (2009). What is Depression? Retrieved from http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=89

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> Bhugra, D. (2006). Severe mental illness across cultures. // Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 113 // (s429), 17-23. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2005.00712.x

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Channel Ten. (2011, May 10). Mental Health boon [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=_LorRrDbZKg

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Department of Health and Ageing. Australian Government. (1998). //Mental health: a report focusing on depression.// Retrieved from http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/mental-pubs-m-nhpa

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Department of Health and Ageing. Australian Government. (2011). //Delivering National Mental Health Reform. Media release.// Retrieved from: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/budget/publishing.nsf/Content/budget2011-hmedia02.htm

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Everson, S. A., Maty, S. C., Lynch, J. W., & Kaplan, G. A. (2002). Epidemiologic evidence for the relation between socioeconomic status and depression, obesity, and diabetes. //Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 53//(4), 891-895. doi: 10.1016/S0022-3999(02)00303-3

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Ferguson, Sarah (Reporter). (2011, October 24). ‘Asylum’. On //Four Corners.// [Television Broadcast]. Sydney, NSW: ABC1 Television.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> Levin, J. S., Markides, K. S., & Ray, L. A. (1996). Religious attendance and psychological well-being in Mexican Americans: a panel analysis of three-generations data. //The Gerontologist,// // 36 // (4), 454–463. doi: 10.1093/geront/36.4.454

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Maier, S. F., & Seligman, M. E. P. (1976). Learned helplessness: theory and evidence. //Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 105//(1), 3-46. doi: 10.1037/0096-3445.105.1.3

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">McGorry, P. (2005). Every me and every you: responding to the hidden challenge of mental illness in Australia. //Australasian Psychiatry, 13//(1), 3-15. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1665.2004.02143.x

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria). (n.d.) //Fight Stigma.// Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Ngui, E. M., Khasakhala, L., Ndetei, D., & Weiss Roberts, L. (2010). Mental disorders, health inequalities and ethics: a global perspective. //International Review of Psychiatry, 22//(3), 235-244. doi: 10.3109/09540261.2010.485273

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Nie Jesteś Sam. The Self-help Group of the Families and Friends of the People with Mental Problems “Nie jesteś sam” Association. (2007). Retrieved from http://www.niejestessam.net/

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">O’Grady, S. (2011). Psychology study aiming to beat the blues. //Griffith News.// Retrieved from http://www3.griffith.edu.au/03/ertiki/tiki-read_article.php?articleId=33042

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Oliffe, J. L., Han, C. S. E., Ogrodniczuk, J. S., Phillips, J. C., & Roy, P. (2011). Suicide from the perspectives of older men who experience depression: a gender analysis. //American Journal of Men’s Health, 20//(10), 1-11. doi: 10.1177/1557988311408410

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Puzynski, S., & Moskalewicz, J. (2001). Evolution of the mental health care system in Poland. //Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica,// //104//(s410), 69-73. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0447.2001.1040s2069.x

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Rasic, D. T., Belik, S. L., Elias, B., Katz, L. Y., Enns, M., & Sareen, J. (2009) Spirituality, religion and suicidal behaviour in a nationally representative sample. //Journal of Affective Disorders, 114//(1-3), 32-40. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2008.08.007

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> Scott, G., Ciarrochi, & Deane, F. P. (2004). Disadvantages of being an individualist in an individualistic culture: idiocentrism, emotional competence, stress, and mental health. // Australia Psychologist, 39 // (2), 143-153 doi: 10.1080/00050060410001701861

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Smith, T. B., Rodriguez, M. D., & Guillermo, B. (2011). Culture. //Journal of Clinical Psychology, 67//(2). 166-175. doi: 10.1002/jclp.20757

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Sobolewska, A. (2005). Mental health and the Polish community. //Australian Multicultural Community Services.// Retrieved from http://www.apcs.org.au/attachments/articles/mental_health_and_polish_community.pdf

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Wilhelm, K. A. (2009). Men and depression. //Australian Family Physician, 38//(3), 102-104. Retrieved from http://search.informit.com.au.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/fullText;dn=761933181247684;res=IELHEA

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">World Health Organisation. (2009a). Countries. Australia. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/countries/aus/en/

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">World Health Organisation. (2009b). Countries. Poland. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/countries/pol/en/

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