Metamorphosis,+the+conversion+of+life

Metamorphosis: The conversion of life **Student Number:** 08294909 **Tutor/Time:** Michelle Newcomb, Friday 12-1pm
 * Name: ** Taylor Prowse-Cooper

//Green, Gold and Blue: How well does Australia deal with mental health in 2011? What is working, what isn’t, and what should be done? // //“Mental health is not just the absence of a mental disorder but is simply the coping mechanisms used by individuals to cope with the normal, everyday stresses of life” (World Health Organisation, 2011). //


 * Cultural Artefact **



The painting above illustrates through the blurred walls the helplessness and confusion many people may feel as they transform from childhood and adolescents through to young adults; However this can pose to be incredibly difficulty and often creates many unexpected personal challenges so the loneliness and seclusion which can be felt during this point in time is symbolized by the solitary individual isolated in the corner. It also represents the loss of direction and clarity often experienced during this stage in life, as for many it requires the identification of one’s true ‘self’; The metamorphism of self.


 * Public Health issue **

“Mental health is not just the absence of a mental disorder but is simply the coping mechanisms used by individuals to cope with the normal, everyday stresses of life” (World Health Organisation, 2011). With more than 1 in 4 young Australians between the ages of 16 and 24 experiencing a mental health issues in today’s society, mental health has a significant prevalence in Australia’s younger generation (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2000). As each individual is unique, social and personal determinates have a significant role in the type of stress experienced by each person and the level in which they experience it. Consequently with more than 75% of these young people not seeking help, mental disorders such as depression and anxiety are rapidly increasing. Therefore it becomes very significant that the way in which Australia is currently dealing with this increase in mental health issues is both highlighted and discussed.

In 2003, mental disorders were identified as the leading cause of healthy years of life lost due to disability and has been estimated to cost Australia around $20 billion dollars per year (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009). As stated in the mental health and well-being national survey (2007), approximately 45 % the population between the ages of 16 and 85 have experienced some form of a mental health disorder within their lifetime. However it also recognises that certain groups in the community such as adolescents and young adults are at heightened risk of developing certain mental health problems with 26.4% of all mental illness reported are for those between the ages of 16 to 24 years. The mental health council of Australia (1992) stated that around 14% of 12-17 year olds and 27% of 18-25 year olds will experience a mental illness in any given year and at least one third of young people will have had an episode by the age of 25 years. Therefore as this next generation moves forward, a significant threat to our nation’s future workforce capacity and economic prosperity is of great concern.
 * Literature review **

According to the national agency for health and welfare,depression and anxiety is two of the most common mental health problems in young people. Depression was the most frequently managed mental health-related problem in 2008-09, accounting for 34.3% of all mental health-related problems managed (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011). Depression is understood to be a condition that generally comes and goes in certain stages of the life cycle and often occurs frequently in combination with other mental disorders such as anxiety disorders (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011). Depression can be characterized by feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities, feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts or self-blame, whilst anxiety generally involves feelings of tension, distress or nervousness and a person may avoid, or endure with dread, situations which cause these types of feelings (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009).

Furthermore as stated by the American Psychological Association (2011) depression can be caused by changes in the body's chemistry that influence mood and thought processes and is often a sign that certain mental and emotional aspects of a person's life are out of balance. This disruption in balance unfortunately results in adolescents to have a higher rate of suicidal thoughts and therefore are more likely to get involved in other health-risk behaviours, such as tobacco use, illicit drug use, alcohol misuse and dependence, eating disorder and obesity. The National Mental Health Policy (2010) also recognises that males are slightly more likely to experience these mental health problems than females.

Through a case study conducted by Fergusson & Woodward (2002), early depression was found to be associated with an increased risk of later developing major depression and anxiety disorders. Thirteen percent, both male and female, developed depression between the ages of 14 and 16 and young people with depression in adolescence were at an increased risk of also later developing nicotine dependence, alcohol abuse or dependence, suicide attempt, educational underachievement, unemployment, and early parenthood (Fergusson & Woodward, 2002). Although there is no single answer to what exactly causes depression or anxiety, the findings presented by this study illustrated that certain confounding variables such as, domestic, individual and social factors did in fact affect early depression and anxiety (Fergusson & Woodward, 2002). Therefore it is important to assess the extent to which these associations are related to depression and anxiety and explain the linked outcomes from different confounding factors and determinates. The study found that domestic related variables with linked outcomes to depression and anxiety disorders were maternal education, socioeconomic status and family functioning. Within those variables however other factors such as parental separation, death or remarriage, sexual exposure and sexual abuse also influenced the likeliness of developing depression and/or anxiety (Fergusson & Woodward, 2002). The individual related variables which were found to be with linked with this outcome were the level of neuroticism portrayed, intellectual ability and interaction capability as an individual (Fergusson & Woodward, 2002). Lastly, social related determinates which also influenced the likeliness of developing depression and/or anxiety, were found to be the extent to which they associate with peers, involvement in friend pressured behaviours and substance and criminal based behaviours (Fergusson & Woodward, 2002). <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">In relation to confounding variables social isolation was also found to have a huge impact on the mental state of young Australians and it is extremely important to have different relationships with other individuals as it gives a sense of belonging and provides people with networks of which is highly significant for mental well being of today’s society (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009). In regards to having contact with family and friends, most people without a mental illness were found to have contact with their friends or family at least once a month, however people with a mental illness were 90% less likely to have this regular contact and were often found to be either living by themselves, separated, divorced or widowed. As each individual is unique, these social, domestic and personal determinates have a significant role in the type of stress experienced by each person and the level in which they experience it. Therefore it is highly significant that closer attention is paid to the different aspects involved in influencing this young group’s mental health and well-being.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">In today’s modern society there tends to be a high value placed on the idea of individual ‘autonomy’ and ‘freedom’ and the list of changes that our apparently ‘intimate’ and ‘personal’ lives have undergone over time is long and constantly expanding (Krieken et al, 2006). However as society changes so dose our stereotypes of what are desirable and what is accepted as normal or abnormal behaviours. Technology and the mass media tend to provide us with ever changing information on ways we should think about ourselves, society and politics which more than often has an impact on our social relationships and our own sense of identity (Krieken et al, 2006). Cultural Factors on the other hand has a significant influence on how societies change and are maintained. Cultural dynamics at global, national and local levels not only contributes to the establishment of communal feeling within groups but also the conflict that sometimes occurs between them (Krieken et al, 2006).
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Cultural and Social Analysis **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Unfortunately these considerable transformations cause many individuals stress, as they are forced to adapt to rapidly changing and increasingly unpredictable circumstances brought on by society. Moreover, these social changes may greatly weaken the individual’s bond with society resulting in states of normlessness, helplessness, and hopelessness (Wills, 2002). It is therefore possible to believe that post modernity thereby increasing vulnerability to depression, related pathologies (such as substance abuse), and suicide. Durkheim (1979) and other theorists speculated that this increase in homicide is important given that the relationship between homicide and suicide have the same social conditions. Therefore suicide may often lead to high levels of homicide as both are potentially self-inflicted, with suicide being the most overt type of self-destruction and will continue to increase in times of swift societal change due to either new-found prosperity or poverty (Wills, 2002). According to Durkheim (1979), postmodern societies often experience rapid social change and thus lack the central goal-setting organizations present in modern societies such as family and church. The universal binding authorities that emphasize collective loyalty and social cohesion in modern societies, are absent or weakened and individuals are therefore more likely to experience an extreme level of individuality and isolation (Wills, 2002).

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Through Durkheim, post modern theorist and research based analysis both society and culture are shown to be crucial aspects that need to be considered when the readiness of the population’s mental health is being considered. Unfortunately the results obtained from different studies and theorist all confirmed that rapid changes and transformations of society cause great levels of stress among individuals as they are forced to adapt to this rapid change of unpredictable circumstances. Due to the large amount of personal growth and development being experienced during adolescence it is a turbulent time for most young people as they often find it difficult to open up and come to terms with what they are experiencing which can therefore increase the risk of certain mental health problems. As depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicide all have high prevalence in the younger generation, it is highly important that public health experts focus their attention towards this group as they symbolised today’s society and have a significant influence on the nation’s future.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">The cultural artefact above accurately represents the state of mental health many young Australians find themselves in during the conversion stage from adolescents to a young adult. It creates awareness among on lookers of the different emotions and feelings each individual experiences and how this can result in a mental health issue. It also highlights the difficulty I believe everyone goes through during their journey of self discovery and that it’s okay to lose focus and direction. I personally think it also accurately illustrates the feeling of loneliness and the feeling of being caught in limbo as you are no longer a child but are yet to find the independence and self identity that comes along with being an adult. It is sad to think that people sometimes lose themselves so much that they become controlled and overtaken by self doubt, hopelessness, and isolation resulting them to feel the need to conform to modern societies stereotypical expectations instead of embracing what has made them individually unique.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Analysis of the Artefact and my own learning reflection **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">This assignment educated me on just how much of a prevalence mental health is in Australia, especially in the younger generation, and how it is becoming more recognised in society. Being in the age group which is portrayed to have the highest prevalence of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disorder, makes me realise just how often this occurs around me and makes me stop and think about myself as an individual and asses how well I deal with the everyday stresses of life. It also makes me appreciate the support I have had and creates awareness that others may not be so lucky. Therefore it has helped change the way I define and label a mental illness as I now feel it is not something to be ashamed of or discriminated as we are all unique and some individuals just find life a bit more difficult, and that’s something that deserves societies support and recognition.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">American Psychological Association. (2002). //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Depression //. Retrieved from <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2009). //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Australian social trends, March 2009: Mental health //. Retrieved from: <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Australian Bureau of Statistics. (1997). //National Survey of Mental Health and Well-being//. Retrieved from: <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Australian Bureau of Statistics (2008). 2007 //National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results// (ABS cat. no. 4326.0), p. 21. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Australian Government, Department of Health of Ageing. (2011). //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">National mental health report, 2010. // Retrieved from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing Website <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2008). //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Mental health services in Australia 2007-08 //. Retrieved from the Austrlaian Institute of Health and Welfare Website <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2011). //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Mental health. //Retrieved from the Austrlaian Institute of Health and Welfare Website <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Australian Insitute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (2008). //Australia's Health 2008.// Canberra: AIHW. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Beyondblue. (2008). Depression and anxiety in young people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex. [Fact sheet 22]. Hawthorn: Vic. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Fergusson, D. M., & Woodward, L. J. (2002). Mental health, educational, and social role outcomes of adolescents with depression [Electronic version]. //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Arch Gen Psychiatry, 59 //(3)//<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">, // 225-231. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Krieken et al (2006).Sociology : themes and perspectives. //What is Sociology (3),// 4-16. Retrieved from <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Wills et al. (2002). Ready to Die: African-American Adolescent Male Suicide. //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Social Science & Medicine, 55, 6, // 907-920. Retrieved from <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">World Health Organisation. (2011). //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Depression. // Retrieved from <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">[]
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">References **