Mental+Health

= **Mental Health** =


 * Student Name:** Lagata Lilly
 * Student Number:** 07239203
 * Unit Code:** PUB209
 * Unit Title:** Health, Culture and Society
 * Unit Coordinator:** Dr Julie-Anne Carroll
 * Tutor:** Sophie Miller
 * Word Count:** 1846



= Mental Health. =

The cultural artefact is [|www.beyondblue.org.au]. Beyondblue is an Australian independent not for profit organization working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and other related disorders. The state and territories governments with beyondblue are dedicated to the key goal of raising community awareness about these disorders and reducing the associated stigmas. Beyondblue works in partnership with many community groups such as healthcare services, schools, workplaces and the media. Beyondblue supports people living with depression and their carer's by providing information and effective treatment options as well as promoting their needs and experiences with policymakers and healthcare service providers. Beyondblue also supports general practitioners and other healthcare professionals by improving training and support for these mental health disorders.

= **Public Health Issue** =

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG, 2006) states that mental health is a problem for Australian communities and the effects are felt nationwide. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW, 2011) a diverse range of social, environmental, biological and psychological factors can influence an individual's mental health and consequently lead to a mental health disorder. COAG goes on to point out that mental health costs billions of dollars a year, which includes the costs of treatment, lost productivity and lost participation in the work force and the permanent loss of those who commit suicide (Stock, 2011).

= **Literature Review** =

As stated above, COAG (2006) states that mental health is a problem for Australian communities with effects felt nationwide. For example mental health costs approximately $20 billion each year, which is related to the costs of treatment, lost productivity and participation in the work force. They also state that there is a poor connection between health services which increases cost and efficiency. According to the AIHW (2011) the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) conducted the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (SMHWB) during August-December 2007. This survey was designed to provide lifetime prevalence estimates for mental health disorders. The survey collected information on three major groups of disorders: anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder, affective disorders such as depression (AIHW, 2011) and substance use disorders such as alcohol dependence (Gray, 2010). The sample consisted of 8,841 participants nationwide (16-85 years) who were asked about their mental health experiences throughout their lifetime. Mental health and wellbeing was measured using a modified version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). The CIDI is a comprehensive interview instrument developed by the World Health Organization(WHO) and designed to translate self-reported symptoms to a diagnostic category based on the International Classification of Disease 10th revision (ICD-10).

The results showed that the symptoms of a mental health disorder were experienced at some time during the past twelve months by an estimated 3.2 million (20%) people of the population aged between 16 and 24, while 7.3 million (45%) reported a lifetime mental health disorder. Women were more likely than men to have experienced symptoms of a mental health disorder during the past twelve months (22% of women compared to 18% of men) and young women reported the highest rates (30% aged 16 to 24). Women were more likely than men to report the symptoms of anxiety disorders during the past twelve months (18% of women compared to 11% of men). Women were also more likely to report affective disorders (7% of women compared with 5% of men). Men were more than twice as likely to report the symptoms of substance use disorders (7% of men compared with 3% of women). Young men reported the highest rate of substance use disorder (16% aged 16-24). Young people were much more likely to report a mental health disorder in the past twelve months (26%) and there was a steady reduction in this rate with increasing age. Just over one third (35%) of people with a 12 month mental health disorder had accessed services for mental health problems. General practitioners provided the service most frequently used and women were more likely than men to have consulted any service.

People with affective disorders were much more likely to use health services than those with an anxiety or substance use disorders. Those experiencing multiple disorders or co morbidity (Whiteford, 2000) were also much more likely to use health services than those with only one disorder (AIHW, 2011). According to Whiteford and Buckingham (2005) there have been substantial changes structurally at the governmental level under the National Mental Health Strategy between 1993 to 2002. They go on to state that there is growing public and professional concern regarding the lack of resources allocated towards mental health, however, many Australians feel these policies have failed. For example changes have been implemented into Australian mental health policies that on an international level have not shown to be of benefit (Whiteford & Buckingham, 2005; Hundertmark, 2006). Whiteford and Buckingham (2005) points out that the independent organisations have recognised that they are able to provide mental health services more efficiently and effectively than the governments. Hundertmark (2006) says the implementation of supportive and encouraging roles for carers and the introduction of early intervention programs for young people. The independent organisations have developed and expanded over the years.

The methodology for studies on mental health conducted in Australia has been mostly in the form of surveys (ABS, 1997; ABS, 2007; AIHW, 2011; Luntz, 2009; Whiteford, 2000). Connelly (2009) states that surveys collect information on knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. However, Shi, Taylor, Goldney, and Gill, (2010) states that in interpreting the data, caution must be heeded due to the limitations of a response bias from participants. For Example the participant may not participate in the survey as they do not want the surveyor to think they are a failure (Gray, 2010). Many surveys are also limited by poor development as the questions may not be clear enough for the participant to understand (Connelly, 2006). In the case of a participant with a mental health disorder, their brain may not be functioning at an optimal level (Luntz, 2009; Porter & Evans, 2009; Shi et al., 2010) and therefore, the participant may have difficulties comprehending the questions. These limitations suggest that the statistics of 45% of Australians suffering from a mental health disorder in the past 12 months (AIHW, 2011) may be significantly higher. = **Cultural and Social Analysis** = One of the cultural forces contributing to mental health disorders is the western diet of fast food (Luntz, 2009), soft drink (Shi et al., 2010) and alcohol (Gray, 2010). These foods lack the necessary nutrition obtained from fresh fruit and vegetables for healthy brain functioning (Luntz, 2009; Porter & Evans, 2009; Shi et al., 2010). Many personal life events also contribute. For example, sexual abuse (Wilson, 2010), bullying (Smokowski & Kopasz, 2005) and domestic violence (Helfrich, Fujiura & Rutkowski, 2008; Meltzer, Doos, Vostanis, Ford & Goodman, 2009). Shi et al. (2010) states that people from a low socioeconomic background are at a high risk of mental health disorders. For example people with low incomes, disabilities and those who identify as Indigenous people are at the highest risk. Additionally, there is a high rate of mental health disorders in people with increased visceral fat and insulin resistance. In addition to the above mentioned factors, Piachaud (2008) states that a major contribution to mental health disorders is the global political conflicts resulting in violence such as international wars. The AIHW (2011) points out that the rates of these disorders are higher in males aged between 16−34 years (23%) and in females aged 16−24 years (30%) compared with their older age cohorts. As previously stated, COAG (2006) explains that mental health disorders lead to a loss of productivity and participation in the work force. Consequently the ABS (2007) states that people with a mental health disorder may find it nearly impossible to ascertain and maintain employment which may inadvertently lead to Co morbidity (Whiteford, 2000). Raising awareness of mental health concerns is important as it aids in decreasing the associated stigma attached to mental health According to Kalkhoff, Djurich and Burke (2007) research in sociology of mental health disorders are continually exploring the different aspects of labelling theory. Labelling theory is based on the premise that deviance is a label given to individuals’ and their behaviour by those in positions of authority. An example of this label is manic depression as defined by the authority of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of MentalDisorders Fourth Edition (Ruscio, 2004). According to labelling theory, no individual or behaviour is deviant unless it is specified by society (Gray, 2010; Ruscio, 2004). Symbolic interactionism focuses on the way negative labels are applied to both the deviant and the consequences of the labelling process (Kalkhoff et al., 2007; Ruscio, 2004). According to Kalkhoff et al. (2007) when a negative label is applied publicly and powerfully, the label becomes part of a person’s identity. For example a person with schizophrenia may internalise the negative label associated with this mental health disorder (Gray, 2010). Labelling theory concerns itself mostly with those very special roles that society provides for deviant [| behaviour] called deviant roles, stigmatic roles or [|social stigma] (Ruscio, 2004). Social stigma is defined as the negative stereotypes and prejudices held by society to exclude the deviant from society (Corrigan, 2004; Gray, 2010; Ruscio, 2004). Social stigma’s of people with mental health issues is both dangerous and unreliable (Corrigan, 2004). Additionally, Gray (2010) states that that society’s reactions to mental health problems depend on whether the deviant behaviour is stable or not.

= **Analysis of the Artifact and Personal Reflections** = The cultural artifact Beyondblue is a good representation of the increased awareness of mental health in Australia in 2011. Beyondblue represents the Australian governments and independent organizations acknowledgement of the needs of people who suffer from mental health issues and the social stigma surrounding this area which is derived from labeling theory. Beyondblue shows their desire to work together to continually explore professional research and provide awareness, training and support of mental health disorders to the general community, health professionals and patients living with mental health disorders. Previously, I became aware of the vast amount of people affected by mental health issues while studying a diploma of relationship counseling. However, since then I have held only a general knowledge and interest in mental health due to the fact, I feel, that I did not personally know of anyone having been diagnosed with any mental health disorders.

As I was completing this assignment on this topic, I was finding it difficult to focus. I am struggling to keep on managing since a highly stressful event that occurred in January 2011. In addition, my partner had just been admitted to hospital. Honestly, all I could hear was that MY own mental health was suffering. After completing this assignment and my recent experience, I am reminded how fragile mental health is, since an ill balance intake of vitamins and minerals may cause stress and lead to mental health disorders (Luntz, 2009; Porter & Evans, 2008;Shi et al., 2010). I pray that in the future I will continue to eat a well balanced nutritious diet, especially during those stressful times. = References = Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2008). //National survey of mental health and wellbeing: Summary of results, 2007//. Retrieved from []. nsf/mf/4326.0 = Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2008). //Mental health services in Australia 2007-08.// Retrieved from [] =6442468381& = = libID=6442468379 = Beyond Blue. (2010). //Research: Targeted research in depression, anxiety and related disorders 2007-2010.// Retrieved from []index.aspx?link _id=&tmp=FileDownload&fid=2002 Beyondblue. (2011). Retrieved October 10, from [|www.beyondblue.org.au] Connelly, L. M. (2011). Surveys, surveys, and more surveys. //MedSurg Nursing. 20//(2), 61-95. Corrigan, P. W. (2004). How stigma interferes with mental health care. //American Psychologist, 59//, 614-625. Council of Australian Governments. (2006). //Council of Australian government’s national action plan on mental health, 2006-11////.// Retrieved from [|http://www.coag].gov.au/meeti ngs/140706/docs/nap_mental_health.pdf Gray, R. (2010). Shame, labelling and stigma: Challenges to counselling clients in alcohol and other drug settings. //Contemporary Drug Problems, 37//(4), 685 – 703. Helfrich, C., Fujiura, G., & Rutkowski, V. (2008). Mental health disorders and functioning of women in domestic violence shelters. //Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 23//, 437. doi:10.1177/0886260507312942 Highet, N. J., Hickie, I. B., & Davenport, T. A. (2002). Monitoring awareness of and

attitudes to depression in Australia. //Medical Journal of Australia,// //176//(10), 63-68. Hundertmark, J. D. (2006), Australian mental health: time for an urgent reappraisal. //Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 40//(6), 609-610. doi:10.1111/j.1440- 1614.2006.01845.x Kalkhoff, W., Djurich, K., & Burke, J. (2007). Relational distance and the acceptance of mental health evaluations: A social influence approach to deviant labelling. //Sociological Perspectives, 50//(4), 493–516. Luntz, S. (2009). Western diet associated with mental health issues. [|//Australasian Science//]//,// //6//. Porter, J., & Evans, S. (2009). Nutrition and mental health research in Australia and New Zealand: a review of progress and directions for the future. //Nutrition and Dietetics, 65//(9). doi: 10.1111/j.1747-0080.2007.00168.x Meltzer, H., Doos, L., Vostanis, P., Ford, T., & Goodman, R. (2009). The mental health of children who witness domestic violence. //Child and Family Social Work, 14//(4), 491-501. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2206.2009.00633.x Piachaud, J. (2008). Globalization, conflict and mental health. //Global Social Policy, 8//, 315. doi:10.1177/1468018108095631 Reachout (2011). Retrieved October 19, retrieved from [|www.][|reachout.com/find/issues/mental-health-difficulties] Ruscio, J. (2004). Diagnoses and the behaviors they denote a critical evaluation of the labeling theory of mental illness//The Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice//, //3//(1). Shi, Z., Taylor, A. W., Goldney, D., & Gill, T. K. (2010). Soft drink consumption and mental health problems amongst adults in Australia public health. //Nutrition, 13(//7), 1073 – 1079 doi 10.1017/S1368980009993132 Smokowski, P., & Kopasz, K. (2005). Bullying in School: An overview of types, effects, Family characteristics and intervention strategies. Children and School, // 27 // ( // 2 // ), 101 — 110. Stock, I. (2011). Australian launch of global mental health movement. //Australian Nursing Journal,// //16//(5), 8-9. Whiteford, H. A., & Buckingham, W. J. (2005). Ten years of mental health service reform in Australia: are we getting it right? //Medical Journal of Australia, 182//(8), 396–400. doi: 10.1186/1743-8462-2-8 Whiteford, H. (2000). Introduction to the Australian mental health survey. //Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 34//, 193-196. Wilson, D. (2010). Health consequences of childhood sexual abuse. //Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 46//(1), 56-64.