Mental+Health+-+Anxiety+and+Depression,+are+we+making+it+worse?

Name: Tamika Knight Student Number: n8310572 Tutor: Katie Page Tutorial: Friday 10-11am Word Count: 2019

= 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? =  “Good mental health is fundamental to the wellbeing of individuals, their families, and the whole population. Conversely, mental health problems and mental illness are among the greatest causes of disability, diminished quality of life, and reduced productivity.”  (ABS, 2011) media type="custom" key="10927522"
 * Cultural Artifact: **

Motion City Soundtrack, an American rock band formed in 1997, are the creators of the hit single ‘Everything is Alright,’ released in 2005. This five-piece band includes the following musicians: Joshua Cain (guitar), Tony Thaxton (drums), Justin Pierre (vocals/guitar), Jesse Johnson (Moog) and Matthew Taylor (bass). This modern pop song represents a depiction of the struggles of adolescence through a moderate tempo, catchy vocals, along side a melodic rhythm.

Mental Illness is a forever-growing health problem throughout different genders, cultures, ethnic groups and socio-economic backgrounds, causing an inclination in public health issues. Within Australia, it is estimated that at least 1 in 5 people will suffer from some form of mental illness (MNMI, 2011). The focal point of this exploration is to discover how well Australia deals with mental health in 2011, What is Working, What is not, and What Should be Done. This will be depicted through the cultural artifact illustrated above, while backing the issue with research evidence and psychological theorist point of views whilst uncovering what the current public health system is doing to help deal with mental illness.
 * Public Health Issue: **

In the past, mental health has been rendered as an unrecognized issue, as people could not depict whether mental illness was a “real illness” (Stevens, 1999). However, since 2003 the Australian government has announced that Mental Illness is the third biggest health problem within Australia whilst also having the most people suffering with a mental illness than any other disease or illness in the world (Mental Health First Aid, 2011, Australian Government, 2011, and ABS, 2011). But the key question is: What is Mental Health?
 * LITERATURE REVIEW **

Mental Health is often referred to as how an individual reacts to other individuals, social groups or their environment, consequently affecting how a person feels, thinks, behaves and interacts (Australian Government, 2007 and AIHW, 2011). Mental health problems can be associated with not only biological factors but also social, environmental and psychological factors, which can ultimately increase the exposure to other health risk factors, thus affecting a person’s overall health and wellness (Corbin, Welk, Corbin, and Welk, 2011). A few of these potential health risk factors include alcoholism and the consumption of drugs and gambling. This explains the reason to which Mental Illness takes approximately 13 percent of total burden in Australia (ABS, 2011).

Studies have recently proven the relation between both alcohol consumption and suicide (Shah, 2009). Over the past few years, alcohol has become more available, causing an increase in drinking for those under the age of 18 (Lavikainen and Lintonen, 2009).While alcohol consumption is commonly occurring in social groups, adolescents are currently drinking to the point-standard of what is known as binge drinking (Lavikainen and Lintonen, 2009). However, binge drinking does not only affect teens, but also has the ability to affect those in the demographic of teenagers to even the elderly (Napoleon, 2010). This affects their overall wellness levels, and when overall wellness levels drop people become more prone to depression. Ultimately, alternative studies have shown that 15% of patients whom are diagnosed with depression succumb to the grips of suicide (Price-Evans, 2010).

Drugs such as marijuana are also a contributing aspect to the mental health of the global population (Tresidder and Shaddock, 2011In Australia, cannabis is labeled as the most commonly used illicit drug (Tresidder and Shaddock, 2011In fact approximately one in three (34%) of Australians have reported use of this drug (Tresidder and Shaddock, 2011). Although the drug is illegal across all states and territories in Australia, having become almost a taboo, the drug marijuana has become more socially accepted by the population over the past decade, almost being compared to alcohol (Tresidder and Shaddock, 2011). In current research it has been found that Cannabis use is closely related to mental health issues. Lubman and Baker (2010), discuss the affects of marijuana: the sense of calmness and relaxation, euphoria and perceptual alterations, but in some individuals experience different reactions from this illicit drug: paranoia, anxiety, depression, panic attacks and psychosis, all of which can potentially cause death. But why is the government letting individuals have minor possessions of cannabis for personal use (Tresidder and Shaddock, 2011 and Lubman and Baker, 2010). This is yet another public health issue. (Lubman and Baker, 2010).

Gambling is yet another factor influencing potential mental health problems. Australia remains to have over 20% of the world’s poker machines, ranking the world’s heaviest gamblers (Bret, 2009), but why is this a problem? In current research it has been found that gambling can cause psychiatric conditions such as: major depression, bipolar disorder, antisocial personalities, anxiety and attention deficit disorders (Woolley, 2003,Coman, Burrows, and Evans, 1997). These conditions have been the result of significant financial troubles such as: bankruptcy, loss of employment and poverty as a direct result of wagering (Coman et al., 1997). The effects of this are quite substantial and can eventually result in suicide attempts and possibly death (Coman et al., 1997). But what is the public health system trying to do about this issue?

Australian Politicians such as Julia Gillard are considering a pokies reform, which entails the players to gamble with only a set amount of money (Cassidy, 2011). This will help prevent the likelihood of potential gambling problems. However the possible issue with this is that players will only have to budget whilst in pubs or casinos, but if they play online there would be no limit. This is simply putting a bandage on a bullet wound.

Suicide appears to be a common occurrence in those struggling within society. Over 2,000 Australians die each year due to suicide, yet the figures are currently decreasing, with over 2,300 suicidal deaths recorded in the year 2000 compared to just over 2,100 in 2009 (Life Communicators, 2011). Additionally, statistical studies have shown that in Australia, over three quarters (77%) of all suicidal deaths in Australia are male cases, as well as suicides mostly taking the lives of those aged between 30 and 44 years old. However, Australians fall behind in suicide rates, compared to other nations such as India and the United States (Life Communicators, 2011).

The aforementioned research findings further justify the necessity for government budgets to put forward funding towards its public health systems, programs, foundations and media awareness. Doing this will ultimately aid and support the whole of the community through mental health issues.


 * CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ANALYSIS **

Another factor we need to consider when dealing with mental health issues is how different groups are affected when it comes to mental health. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Women are more likely to report behavioral or mental issues, and were more likely to attempt to commit suicide, while Men were more likely to successfully commit suicide (ABS, 2011). Adolescents ranging from 18 to 24 years of age were the most likely to commit suicide and along with aboriginals from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Many studies have identified a strong link between suicide and diagnosable mental illness. It has been recognized that woman are more likely to commit suicide as they are expected to report behavioral or mental issues more often than men. But this is not the case. In fact, three in four suicides are committed by men (approximately 30,000 suicide attempts every year) whereas women make up the remaining 25%. However, attempted suicide is a different story, there is approximately 10 times more attempted suicide than suicide each year, and the majority of this are woman (Science Daily, 1998).

Another group influencing Australia’s mental health incline is the Aboriginal communities. In recent studies it has been found that fewer Aboriginals are likely to drink alcohol compared to non-Aboriginals, but it has also been discovered that the Aboriginal’s who do drink alcohol are more likely to succumb to alcoholism (Gray, Saggers, Sputore and Bourbon, 2000). Brady, Dawe and Richmond (1998) discus how alcoholism and the socio-economic background of Aboriginals (lack of funding) links to substance abuse, depression, and stress.

An approach the public health system is taking at the moment to help prevent these problems is a mental health organization called Beyond Blue. This organization centers itself on providing a national focus on certain mental health problems such as: depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, by informing the nation to call the hotline and help friends, family members and peers in need. They inform individuals by placing posters like the one illustrated above in toilet cubicles, magazines and in advertisements. These posters show addictive behavior, illustrating how individuals do not realize they need help. Overall the organization aims to create a society that understands and responds to the personal and social impact of depression. (Beyond Blue, 2011) Even though the public health system has done a passable job with this organization there are still problems with its effectiveness alongside the Australian culture.

A problem with this is how the Australian culture relates to the theory of collectivism and individualism. An Individualistic culture can be defined as the increased value one has in their self, ‘I’ (Western society’s such as Australia), over the values of togetherness, ‘we’ (Eastern society’s such as Asia), and not on the perception of selflessness. Sanchez-Burks (2003) implies that collectivists’ tend to allow relational togetherness while individualist do not. Based on the research of Scott, Ciarrochi and Deanne (2004) it has been suggested that individualistic cultures are more likely to repress to depression or suicide. This related to individualistic cultural values i.e. western societies are more likely to have smaller social support networks, lower emotional competence, lower intention to seek help, and poorer mental. Ultimately this can be related to the high suicide rates in Australians. (Scott et al., Veenhoven, 1998 and Hazelwood and Shakespeare-Finch, 2011).

The cultural artifact ‘Is Everything Alright’ represents the struggles of a man going through a mental illness problem while signifying the connection between social structure and mental illness. The man displays symptoms of anxiety, depression and schizophrenia and is getting treatment by a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist continually asks the man if he is all right and the man replies with “everything is alright”. While the psychiatrist is treating the man he tries to link his “problems” back to a biological sense (pointing at parts of the brain). This illustrates how the public health system needs to analyze what is causing an individual to have a mental illness. Throughout the exploration it was discovered that mental disorders could occur due to socio-economics, alcoholism, gambling and drugs. As the patient in the music video is getting treated but doesn’t understand why he is being treated he starts to show psychosis traits; losing contact between what is real and what is not, making the problem worst. Overall the artifact has helped illustrate how the public health system needs to look into other factors influencing mental health not just the biological factors. Ultimately this can help deal with mental illness in a more accurate and enabling way.
 * ANALYSIS OF THE ARTEFACT **

After this exploration I have been able to see the connections between the socio-cultural environment and how this can affect an individuals overall health and wellbeing, possibly affecting there mental health. Before this assessment piece I had no idea of how high the prevalence of mental disorders were in Australia. I also did not realized what were the potential threats in causing a mental illness, who was at stake of becoming mentally ill and how I could help an individual in need. Ultimately, this assessment piece has given me a different view on mental health illnesses while also illustrated what individuals can do to help a friend or family member suffering with a mental illness.
 * Learning Reflection: **

ABS, (2011). Australia Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved from: [|http://www.abs.gov.au] /
 * References **

AIHW, (2011). Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Retrieved from: []

APA, (2011). American Psychological Association. Retrieved from: []

Australian Government, (2011). Mental Health and Well Being. Retrieved from: []

Australian Government, (2011). National Health and Medical Research Council. Retrieved from: []

Australian Government (2007). Department of Health and Aging. What is Mental Illness? Retrieved from: []

Brady, M., Dawe, S., and Richmond, R. (1998). Drug and Alcohol Review: //Expanding knowledge among Aboriginal service providers on treatment options for excessive alcohol use.// 17, page 67-76. Retrieved from: []

Cassidy, B. (2011). Feeling the heat on pokies reform. The Drum. Retrieved from: []

Coman, G, J., Burrows, G, D., and Evans, B, J. (1997). Stress and Anxiety as Factors in the Onset of Problem Gambling: Implications for Treatment. 13(4), page. 235 – 244. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1099-1700(199710)13:4<235::AID-SMI748>3.0.CO;2-4

Corbin, C., Welk, G., Corbin, W., and Welk, K. (2011). Concepts of Fitness and Wellness: //A Comprehensive Lifestyle Approach.// Ninth Edition

Department of Health & Human Services. (2011) Medicare and your Mental Health Benefit. Retrieved from: []

Gray, D., Saggers, S., Sputore, B., & Bourbon, D. (2000). What works? A review of evaluated alcohol misuse interventions among Aboriginal Australians. //Addiction//, //95//(1) 11. doi: 10.1046/j.1360-0443.2000.951113.x

Hazelwood, Z., & Shakespeare-Finch, J. (2011) I’m listening: //Communication for health professionals.// Brisbane, Australia: Inn Press

Henwood, B., Padgett, D., Stanhope, V. & Stefancic, A. (2011) Substance Use Outcomes Among Homeless Clients with Serious Mental Illness: //Comparing Housing First with Treatment First Programs.// Vol 47. p227-232 doi: 10.1007/s10597-009-9283-7

Holmes, L. (2003) Suicide Rates Overstated in People with Depression. Retrieved from: []

Lavikainen, H, M., and Lintonen, T, P. (2009). Alcohol use in adolescence: //Identifying harms related to teenager’s alcohol drinking.// 14(1), page 39-48. Retrieved from: []

Mental Health First Aid. (2011). Transcend. Retrieved from: []

MNMI. (2011). Australian Government of Health and Ageing. ISBN: 0642829004 Retrieved from: []

NAMI (2010). National Alliance of Mental Illness. Retrieved from: []

Napoleon, W. (2010). "Reducing binge drinking harm in middle-aged and elderly adults". //The American journal of psychiatry//, 167 (1), page. 105

SANE Australia. (2011). Retrieved November from []

Sawyer, M. G., Arney, F. M., Baghurst, P. A., Clark, J. J., Graetz, B. W., Kosky, R. J. et. al. (2001). The mental health of young people in Australia: Key findings from the child and adolescent component if the national survey of mental health and well-being. //Australia and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 35,// 806-814.

Scott, G., Ciarrochi, J., and Deane, F,P. (2004). Disadvantages of being an individualist in an individualistic culture: // Idiocentrism, emotional competence, stress, and mental health ////. // 39(2), 143 – 153. Retrieved from: [] Stevens, L. Does Mental Illness Exist? (1999) [] Tresidder, J and Shaddock, C. (2011). Policing and Cannabis use in Australia. Retrieved from: []

WHO (2011). World Health Organisation: //Suicide rates//. Retrieved from: []

Woolley, R. (2003). International Gambling Studies. //University of Western Sydney.// 3(1). Retrieved from: []

Cultural Artifact - Is Everything Alright http://new.music.yahoo.com/videos/Motion+City+Soundtrack/Everything+Is+Alright--21091928
 * Links**