Attitudes towards mental illness

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 Locals and Australians in general are urged to quash outdated views on mental illness.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!

Youth and Mental Health.

Mental health week last week seems to have sparked a call for extra funding for services related to young people's mental health.

Raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness at the forefront, particularly among children and teenagers. This time in life can be very challenging, especially for those who may not have the support and services they need. Many do not want to be associated with mental illness and therefore do not seek help. Instead many turn the wrong way, to alcohol and drugs. Today the Canberra Times posted an article referring to the 'slippery slide' from pressures during childhood and adolescence to self harm, drug and alcohol abuse and even death. Too many youth are entering the system too late, presenting with acute mental illness or addiction, or slipping through the cracks entirely.

Two things are required: services to help and a reduction in the stigma associated with seeking help. Sunbury College is working to fight this stigma and come up with in school programs to better mental health. A local Weekly has reported the school's program with year nine students, in conjunction with Orygen Youth Health and the Sunbury Community Health Centre, to develop a mental health resource kit for young people. This program is hoped to be implemented into other schools.

Call to combat mental illness stigma with campaigns

A Brisbane Summit on mental health this week proposed that government bodies need to act to reduce the stigma related to mental illness.

It was suggested that ongoing campaigns, such as those used for smoking and alcohol misuse, should be implemented to reduce the stigma associated to mental illness.

Others suggested that it would be far more beneficial for people to be more open about their mental illness so the general public can see that 'average' 'everyday' people have mental illness.

For more information check out this article.