Negative attitudes towards mental illness are again in the spotlight with moves to stop plans for two housing facilities for people with mental illnesses in the Narre Warren area, reports the Casey Weekly.
Locals are concerned about increased traffic in the area, insufficent public transport and the site's location near a bus stop "where many young people congregate", as well as it being close to Scout and Guide halls. Their concerns are seen to be perpetuating old myths about mental illness. Locals and Australians in general are urged to quash outdated views on mental illness.
Similar points were raised during forums held in mental health week in October. Leaders in the field raised the point that increased awareness of mental illnesses and exposure to people with mental illness is the best way to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and normalise mental illness within the community. Considering one in five Australians will suffer from a mental illness at some stage in their lives, and all Australians will be affected by mental illness, this negative attitude towards mental illness needs to stop!
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