The+scars+from+abuse+are+not+always+physical+-+Mental+Health+in+Australia

//Name: Samantha Bull // //Student No: n7554168 // //Tutor's Name: Sophie //

__**How well does Australia deal with Mental Health in 2011? What is working, what isn’t, and what should be done?**__  //Within our society, who has a greater need for attention and care?// //Who are the most at-risk groups, and what aspects of their lives need to be paid closer attention to?//

**Artefact:**

media type="youtube" key="64EWjvxqbYg" height="315" width="560"

 (Time to Change, 2011)

This advertisement from the Time to Change Campaign depicts the harsh realties that patients of mental health are facing in their day to day lives. The struggles and difficulties they face seem minor and normal, however due to their illness a different reaction is taken, which affects their mental state.

**Public Health Issue:** Mental illness has become one of the leading health issues nation wide. The artefact that I have chosen to represent this health topic portrays mental health and the stigma attached to this common and misunderstood disease. It briefly alludes to the various groups that are affected mental illness. I am to identify who is most at risk of succumbing to mental illness and what aspects of these groups' lives need to be payed closer attention to.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">**Literature Review:** <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The World Health Organisation identifies that more than 450 million people suffer from mental disorders; however there are also many more who suffer from various mental problems. Mental heath it more than the absence of mental disorders. The WHO defines mental health as "a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community." (World Health Organisation, 2011)

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Particular groups and people are at a higher risk than others for developing a mental illness, whether it is impacted by social, environmental, biological and psychological factors. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011) However, mental health depends simply on the individual and their ability to cope with the added stressors of their lifestyle. Poor mental health can also be related to an unhealthy lifestyle, risk of violence and physical well-being, stressful working and living conditions, discrimination (age, gender, sex, culture, etc), social exclusion and rapid social change. (WHO, 2011)

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In a survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2007), more that 3 million Australians are estimated to experience a mental disorder within their lifetime, with over 50% of cases being long term conditions. One in five Australians aged between 16-85 years from a sample of 8,841, will experience a mental illness at some stage in their life.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Research from the //National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing// (ABS, 2007) has found that women experience higher rates of 12-month mental disorders than men, with 22% of women, and 18% of men. A 12-month mental disorder is based on the lifetime diagnosis and presence of the disorder over the 12 months prior to the survey being conducted. Women alo experience higher rated of anxiety and affective disorders. Women between the ages of 16-24 had nearly double the prevalence of 12-month affective disorders, compares to the 4.3% of men. However, men has twice the amount of substance abuse disorders, with 7%, compared to the 3.3% for women.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Mental health disorders also vary across the different age groups. Younger people experience higher rates of mental disorders that the older population; with more than a quarter of people between the ages of 16-24 and 25-35 experiencing a mental disorder in the preceding 12 months to the conduction of the survey. This is compared to the very small 5.9% of people between the ages of 75 and 85 years of age. (ABS, 2007) Overall, the prevalence of mental health decreases as age increases.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">However, it is important to recognise that these figures that are presented in Australian clinical and research settings do not clearly demonstrate the full affect of mental health within Australia. These statistical research underestimate the prevalence of mental illness, only portraying typically identifies mental illnesses; neglecting the substantially greater unspecified, unidentified and undiagnosed mental illnesses that are present among members of our nations. (Clifford, 2010)

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Mental health illness can be determined by multiple social, psychological and biological factors that impact the individual. One's mental health can be impacted by carious societal factors, including economic disadvantage, poor housing, lack of social support and their level of access to health services. Studied have shown that people of lower socio-economic status have a higher prevalence of mental disorders, particularly depression and anxiety. (ABS, 2007)

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">From these determinants, mental health disorders are believe to be more prevalent among residents of rural and remote areas, than those who live in metropolitan areas; as well as people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. (Rethink Mental Illness, n.d) This is due to decreased health status and limited access to specialised care. While, economically disadvantaged people who are unemployed are more vulnerable to mental illness due to insecurity, hopelessness and rapid social change. (ABS, 2007)

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">From these statistics, it is evident that the younger population is most at risk to mental health disorders, as adolescents with mental health problems report a high rate of depression and suicidal thoughts, as well as other risky health related behaviours such as smoking and drug use. (Rethink Mental Illness, n.d) To reduce these increased numbers of mental health disorders among the entire population, we must pay particular attention to the younger generations by increasing their awareness and information of the risk of mental health illnesses. Mental health is a largely neglected illness, clouded in shame and stigma; however the impact is highly visible among our nation. Mental health must be seen as a vital component of primary health, as it is a treatable and curable disease. Care and counselling services need to be improved for the adolescents of our society who are at risk of developing mental health disorders, to reduce further increased numbers and more serious cases as our youth and their health develops.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Many leading theorists believe that accurate perception of one's self, the world, and the future area fundamental aspect of good mental health. However, it is suggested that overly positive self-evaluations, exaggerated perceptions of control or mastery, and unrealistic optimism are characteristic of normal human thought.These false representations can promote other criteria of mental health, including the ability to care about others, the ability to be content/happy, and the ability to engage in productive and creative work. However, these positive illusions may be advantageous when an individual receives negative feedback and may be especially adaptive under these circumstances. (Taylor, Shelley, Brown, 1998)

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">McGorry (2009) identified that 'While the priorities of mental health have been clear for some time, it will require strong national leadership and accountability and much more flexible models of funding to implement reform and impacts on the lives of everyday people.'

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">**Cultural and Social Analysis:** <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Mental health illnesses are abundant among our society, however it still remains a problematic concept that we are unable to grasp. Cultural and linguistic background combined with socioeconomic factors interact in complex ways that influence and impact one's health and wellbeing. The varied diversity of our society poses a great challenge for the delivery of equitable and high quality care within a mental health scenario. (Furler & Kokanovic, 2010)

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Cultural factors effect the experience of the illness in various ways by defining the experience as normal or abnormal and shaping beliefs about the cause of the illness in relation to their cultural upbringing and understanding. This can determine whether, when and how a patient will seek medic attention for their mental illness, and influence their expectations; this can also relate back to the stigma surrounding the illness. (Furler & Kokanovic, 2010) Culture is best described as an 'ever changing construction emerging from interactions between individuals, communities, institutional practices etc. (Kirmayer, 2001) This does not simply mean ethnicity or language groups, however it refers to the interaction between extensive social and societal factors underlying health experiences. Culture continually transforms one's identity, which can impact the recognition and detection of mental illness and ongoing care. (Furler & Kokanovic, 2010)

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Social inequalities in mental health have been well documented in various reports, where it is understood that the quality of the social environment is worse where financial deprivation is greatest. It has also been indicated that people with a healthy social network will live a longer life and have less risk of depression and disease. This alludes to an increasingly apparent relationship between low economic status and high incidences and prevalence of mental illness. This leads us to believe that cultural and social capital conjoin together to predict one's mental health status. (Hartwell, 2008)

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">However, these social and cultural influences all relate back to the underlying issue of mental health stigma. Mental illness is flooded with stigma and discriminations. The stigma surrounding mental health affects not only the sufferer, but the friends, families and people surrounding them. Not only must the sufferer have to deal with the illness itself, they have to deal with the societal reaction to mental illness by discrimination and stigma, therefore affecting their self conscience, and psychiatric abilities to attend work, education, and just live their day to day life. (Corrigan, 2000) Stigma is viewed as a representation of the largely negative public perception of a person with a mental illness. (Corrigan, 2000) Rehabilitation programs have been put in place to address the disease in its stages, however addressing the disease alone is not enough to conquer the social stigma and discrimination that comes hand in hand with mental illness. (Corrigan, 2000) The stigmatizing views about mental illness are not limited to the uneducated members of the public. Research has proved that trained professionals within mental health disciplines also stereotype mental illness. (Corrigan, 2000)

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">**Analysis of Artefact:** <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The particular artifact that I have chosen, a video advertisement produced by the Time to Change Campaign represents the lack of understanding about mental illness among society, even from family and friends who are supposed to be supporting and understanding of one’s conditions. It also highlights that people with mental illnesses are sometimes ashamed and unwilling to talk about their current state, as well as they struggles they face in society due to their illness. I believe that this chosen artefact is a good representation of my topic, as it alludes to the fact that mental illness can affect anyone and that greater attention and care needs to be provided for individuals at risk. It also shows that we need to pay closer attention to every aspect of his or her life, as a simple task can prove to be a difficult one for someone suffering from this condition. The intervention put forth by the Time to Change campaign is a highly necessary step in decreasing and hopefully diminishing discrimination and mental health stigma by creating a positive shift in public attitudes and behaviors towards mental health problems. (Time to Change, 2011) This advertisement makes myself aware of the suffering of mental health patients, and makes me realized to what extent this illness has on its victims. I feel that this video is an effective way to showcase some of the ordeals that mental health patients have to deal with; therefore we should support anyone and everyone, because each of us are fighting out own battle. Whether we have good mental health or not, we are all human, with feelings and emotions.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">**Learning Reflections:** <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">As a result of this assessment piece, my understanding of mental health and the stigma surrounding mental illness has broadened from my research and has furthered my understanding of the current issue within Australia and even on a worldwide scale. This will affect my future learning in a positive way, as I will be able have a deeper understanding of mental health in general, which will allow me to develop a more thorough thinking process in relation to health, culture and society. I am now able to understand the way in which culture and society are intricately linked in relation to health and creating healthy public policies that cater for diversity.

=<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">**Learning Engagement and Reflections:** =

//<span style="color: #1b98f3; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">**Wiki 1: He's just not that into you, Gen Y** // <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">//[|**Discussion/Reflection:**]// <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I really enjoyed reading your page. You have outline the key issue in great detail, and definitely captivated your audience, including myself. The use of your video artefact from 'He's just not that into you' really put it into perspective of how dependant we are on technology, especially Generation Y, having grown up with ever increasing rates of technology. You have used great references to back up your ideas and information, which make it believable in relation to the current topic.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Great work! I really enjoyed reading your page, especially as I can relate to this, as I am a self confessed technology user of generation Y.

//<span style="color: #1b98f3; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">**Wiki 2: Are you Sexy Enough for Sport?** // __<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">//[|**Discussion/Reflection:**]// __ Wow, great work! Your wiki is a great read. It is obvious that you have thoroughly researched your topic and know exactly what you're talking about. You have identified the major aspects concerned with your topic and drawn on them in good depth. Your Artefact Analysis and Reflection was really well done, as it reiterates the fact that women posing in these magazines as sex symbols have agreed to display themselves in this way, wether it be for the benefit of themselves or their sport. Your chosen artefact definitely pin points the concern of your topic and highlights the way women are depicted in the male dominated sporting world. I found your page of great interest, as I have previously research this topic. i believe that you have covered the issue thoroughly and provides a great insight to readers.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">**Reference List:**

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Australiana Bureau of Statistics. (2008). //National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results, 2007.// Retrieved from []=

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Australian Government, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2010). //Australia’s Health 2010//. Retrieved from Australian Government website []

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2011). Mental Health FAQ. Retrieved October 20, 2011 from []

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Clifford, K. (2010). The thin blue line of mental health in Australia. //Police practice & research//, 11(4), 355-370. doi: 10.1080/15614263.2010.496561

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Corrigan, P. (2000). Mental health stigma as social attribution: implications for research methods and attitude change. //Clinical Psychology//, 7 (1), 48-67. Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Furler, J., & Kokanovic, R. (2010). Mental health: Cultural competence. //Australian Family Physician, 39//(4), 206-208. Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hartwell, H. (2008). Editorial Social inequality and mental health. //The Journal of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health//, 128(3), 98. doi: 10.1177/14664240081280030701

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Kirmayer, L. J. (2001) Cultural variations in the clinical presentation of depression and anxiety: Implications for diagnosis and treatment. J Clin Psychiatry, 62(13) 22–8, 29–30.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">McGorry, P. (2009). Mental health reform needs urgent care. //The Age.// Retrieved October 20, 2011, from http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/mental-health-reform-needs-urgent-care- 20090217-8a81.html

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Mindframe. (n.d). Mental Illness Facts. Retrieved October 20, 2011 from []

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Rethink Mental Illness. (n.d). About Mental Illness. Retrieved October 20, 2011 from []

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Seghers, A. (2003). Socio-economic differences in psychiatric in-patient care. //Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica//, 107(3), 170-177. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0447.2003.00071.x

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Taylor., Shelley, E., Brown, J. (1998). Illusions and well-being: A social psychological perspective on mental health. //Psychological Bulletin//, 103(2), 193-210. doi: [|10.1037/0033-2909.103.2.193]

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Time to Change. (2011). Who are we? Retrieved October 20, 2011 from []

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">World Health Organisation. (2011). Mental Health: Strengthening our response. Retrieved from []