Mental Health Australia

"Social and emotional wellbeing is integral to the way our people maintain good mental health. Therefore, it should be accounted for in the wider mental health system, in the same way we account for su***de prevention. The work of Gayaa Dhuwi to achieve the highest attainable standard of social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and su***de prevention outcomes for our people is fundamental to the wide-scale systemic changes our mental health system needs."

Thank you to Rachel Fishlock, CEO of Gayaa Dhuwi - Proud Spirit - Australia for providing a special message to share in the Mental Health Australia CEO Update this NAIDOC Week.

Read the full message here: https://mhaustralia.org/newsletters-bulletins/ceo-update-national-mental-health-report-card

Held across the country from 7-14 July 2024, NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s theme is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud, which honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture.

Find out more information about NAIDOC Week here: https://www.naidoc.org.au/

More work needs to be done to address the ongoing gaps in the system to ensure people can get support for their mental health concerns early and before problems snowball.

The latest National Mental Health Report Card data shows that the proportion of adults with high or very high levels of psychological distress has significantly increased over the last decade from 10.8 per cent in 2011 to 14.4 per cent in 2022.

This highlights the need to see a real commitment from all sides of government to deliver the transformational change that is needed in the lead-up to the Federal Election.

Read the full report card here: https://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/publications/national-report-card-2023

Mental Health Australia is deeply concerned that the national rates of mental ill-health are not improving, with some cohorts even experiencing worsening mental health, as highlighted in today’s 2023 National Mental Health Report Card from the National Mental Health Commission.

It is clear from this data that significantly more investment and reform is needed to build the mental health system the Australian community needs and deserves.

Between 2007 and the 2020-2022 period, an estimated 1.1 million more people in Australia reported experiencing a mental disorder.

The proportion of young people aged 16-24 years with a mental disorder in the last 12 months increased from 26 per cent in 2007 to 39 per cent in 2020-2022. For young women, this increase was even larger: from 29 per cent in 2007 to 46 per cent in 2020-2022.

The report card paints an alarming picture of mental ill-health among young people, particularly young women. The government must work in partnership with the sector and people with lived experience to radically improve access to mental health supports and invest properly in prevention to turn this trend around.

Read Mental Health Australia's media release here: https://mhaustralia.org/media-releases/national-mental-health-report-card-highlights-need-urgent-action

Between 2020 – 2022 an estimated 1.1 million more people in Australia reported experiencing a mental disorder in comparison to 2007.

The National Report Card 2023 released today by the National Mental Health Commission provides a concise and data-driven view of mental health and wellbeing in Australia. It draws together relevant events and data on a set of core indicators to reflect on the 2023 calendar year and understand how the system is faring.

Read more here: https://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/publications/national-report-card-2023

Refugee Week (16-22 June) is a time to celebrate the contributions of refugees from diverse backgrounds, and acknowledge the courage, strength and resourcefulness that exists within refugee communities as they work to rebuild their lives in a foreign country.

This year’s theme, 'Finding Freedom: Family' pays tribute to the profound role that familial bonds play in the lives of those forced to flee their homelands and recognises that most often it is family connections and the strength of chosen bonds that ground refugees with a sense of solace, support and belonging.

Mental Health Australia Board Director Marie Piu facilitated our Lived Experience Perspectives panel discussion today at the Members Policy Forum, on the theme of equity and inclusion.

We thank our very special panellists for joining us to talk on these important topics: Uncle Joe Miller, National Network Member from the Black Dog Institute’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Centre; Helen Day, Consumer Co-Chair, National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum; Kerry Hawkins, Carer Co-Chair, National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum; Lew Ching Yip, Lived and living experience advocate, and Embrace Project Lived Experience Group member; and Bradley Foxelwin, Lived Experience Director ACT Health.

This morning Mental Health Australia was joined by 130 CEOs, executives and leaders from across 77 member organisations for our Federal Budget Members Policy Forum in Canberra.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP, and Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Su***de Prevention, the Hon Emma McBride MP both gave an overview on what this week's budget announcements will mean for mental health.

Mental Health Australia is disappointed that the national outcry for more mental health support has not been fully funded in the 2024-2025 Federal Budget.

As the national peak organisation, Mental Health Australia has consistently advocated for mental health reform to be prioritised.

“Australia needs urgent mental health reform to address the crisis we’re facing. As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently stated, ‘We can always do better when it comes to mental health.’ Why haven’t we seen investment that matches the level of need in the 2024- 2025 Federal Budget?” says Mental Health Australia CEO Carolyn Nikoloski.

While the level of funding does not match the level of need, there are welcome investments in the budget.

“We are nonetheless pleased to see the Australian Government announcement of a $361 million package for mental health. It shows they’re listening to the sector and we’re heading in the right direction.”

Mental Health Australia strongly advocated for funding a national low-intensity digital mental health service, and this has been delivered. This is an important investment that will enable more people to get support for their mental health early and free of charge – before their problems snowball.

Mental Health Australia is also pleased to see the government announce funding to increase the clinical capacity of Medicare Mental Health Centres, building on the established Head to Health network, and funding to Primary Health Networks to deliver increased wrap-around care for people whose support needs are complex. Together, these announcements mean more people will be able to get mental health support that’s right for them, across the continuum of need.

“We have seen some gains in this Federal Budget,” Ms Nikoloski says.

“While we welcome these investments, they are broad, but not deep. We need to move beyond a piecemeal approach when it comes to funding mental health, and make sure we have the foundations in place to deliver on long-term reforms that will change the trajectory of mental health in Australia."

Read Mental Health Australia's full media release on the Federal Budget here: https://mhaustralia.org/media-releases/funding-mental-health-falls-short-federal-budget

Finding effective support for psychosocial disability is a challenge, with many people finding themselves caught between the NDIS and the mental health system.

Jordan Frith of the National Mental Health Consumer & Carer Forum (NMHCCF) says many people with psychosocial disability have been left "in the lurch".

Read her interview with ABC News here:

What is psychosocial disability and how is it different to a mental health condition? Advocates say psychosocial disability is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatised areas of disability.

Mental Health Australia acknowledges the distress many are experiencing right now. The impact of this incident both for the people directly affected, and more broadly, may have lasting repercussions. Traumatic events such as these can cause significant psychological distress, which is why it is important to connect with supports if they are needed during this time:

Head to Health: 1800 595 212
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
SANE Australia Helpline: 1800 18 SANE (7236) or sane.org
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36 or beyondblue.org.au
Headspace: 1800 650 850 or headspace.org.au
ReachOut: reachout.com

NSW Health has also bolstered its mental health supports, which can be reached on 1800 011 511.

With such events, it is natural that the community wants answers. While we will know further as the coronial investigation proceeds, there are also some things we may never know. It is imperative we are careful not to stigmatise people with lived experiences of severe and complex mental illness, and their family, carers and supporters, and we encourage everyone in communicating about this incident to follow Mindframe’s guidelines for non-stigmatising language.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has acknowledged that governments “could always do more” to support those with mental ill-health, and in an interview on ABC Radio National, said “This is an issue which we need to deal with. You can never do enough in an area like [mental health]. There’s no question about that.”

Mental Health Australia will continue to work with the community, sector and the Australian Government to reform our mental health system, to make sure that everyone in Australia can access the crucial mental health services they need. Continued investment and commitment from the Australian Government in the upcoming Federal Budget is vital to address this need.

CEO Update: Supporting each other during this challenging time I want to personally extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those directly affected by the tragic events this weekend at Bondi Junction in Sydney. This is a time for mourning across Australia.

After the devastating events at Bondi Junction our thoughts and condolences go out to everyone impacted by the incident.

Traumatic events such as these can cause new or trigger existing mental health challenges. Anyone experiencing distress can access supports 24/7:

Lifeline on 13 11 14

Beyond Blue’s Support Service on 1300 224 636

https://mhaustralia.org/need-help

We urge the media to adhere to Mindframe’s safe reporting guidelines: https://mindframe.org.au/guidelines

While new information is still coming out Mental Health Australia will have no further comments for now, other than to reinforce our mission to work collectively towards a mentally healthy and safe community for all.

Some ways to celebrate Harmony Week from ReachOut Australia 🧡

Workforce shortages are impacting both peoples’ access to mental health services, and the wellbeing of the existing workforce. There are particular workforce challenges in remote and very remote areas of Australia, and ongoing challenges in training and adaptation of the workforce to deliver new and innovative approaches to mental health care.

That is why we are calling for the Australian Government to commit funding for the full implementation of the National Mental Health Workforce Strategy in the upcoming Federal Budget, and establish a mechanism for lived experience and sector involvement to evolve the Strategy and monitor its implementation.

We also support the open letter from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) to Mark Butler MP urging him to address mental health workforce shortages in Australia. The letter calls for urgent and sustainable investment to grow the psychiatry workforce and meet the increasing community need for mental health care ahead of the upcoming Federal Budget in May.

Zsofi struggled to get timely access to a psychiatrist, so she ended up in an inpatient ward Hundreds of psychiatrists have written to Health Minister Mark Butler about severe workforce shortages that are affecting patient care.

The theme for Harmony Week this year is 'Everyone belongs', promoting inclusivity, respect, and a shared sense of belonging - all which are essential for positive mental health outcomes.

Embrace Multicultural Mental Health remains committed to improving access to culturally responsive services and supports and empowering multicultural communities to look after their mental health and wellbeing.

Harmony Week is here! | 18 – 24 March

Harmony Week, celebrated annually in March, underscores the importance of embracing and celebrating the strengths found in our differences, be it in traditions, languages, or faiths.

Through the theme of “everyone belongs,” the week promotes inclusivity, respect, and a shared sense of belonging, all of which are essential to positive mental health outcomes.

As Australia's cultural landscape continues to evolve, the Embrace Project remains committed to improving access to culturally responsive services and supports and empowering multicultural communities to look after their mental health and wellbeing.

To learn more about engaging in Harmony Week events within your state or territory, visit https://www.harmony.gov.au/events

This International Women's Day – we ask to you consider the many older woman who face financial insecurity in retirement.

Today we rightfully celebrate the achievements of women globally, but we also ask you to take a moment to recognise the setbacks and obstacles that many women still face - particularly when it comes to financial security. In Australia, the gender pay gap remains a stubborn reminder of entrenched inequality within our workforce that can disproportionately impact women across their lifespan.

It’s fantastic to see the Federal Government taking meaningful action to address gender inequality. Many of the measures announced by the government will make a tangible difference to the lives of women of every generation. There is, however, an opportunity to introduce measures that specifically address issues facing older women.

As women climb the career ladder in Australia, their pay gap widens. Women tend to outlive men and retire earlier, compounding financial insecurity. According to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, women aged 55-64 can face up to a 31.9% gap in earnings, paving the way for retirement on shaky financial ground.

The solution starts by acknowledging the problem! Chat to your partners, mothers, sisters and friends but also - please chat to us!

Do you believe that the gender pay-gap has affected or is likely to affect your future financial security? How do you think we can close the gap for future generations of older women? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below ...

It’s .

Today we say to all the wonderful girls and women in our lives, thank you…

➡️ for standing by me when I’ve struggled.

➡️ for asking R U OK?… and sticking around for the answer.

➡️ for never judging me for what I’m feeling.

➡️ for being a constant source of love and support.

Today, and any day, reach out to a woman in your life. Start a conversation, check in and let them know you care about them.

March 8 is International Women's Day, themed: Count her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress. Flourish Australia is committed to celebrating the contributions of women, and challenging gender biases and stereotypes, today and everyday.

Have you ever wondered about the Framework for Mental Health in Multicultural Australia (the Framework) and how it could be applied to your workplace? Now is your opportunity to have your questions answered!

Explore the significance of multicultural mental health and discover how the Framework can be a valuable tool.

Webinar Topic: The Framework for Mental Health in Multicultural Australia Frequently Asked Questions

This webinar is ideal for Australian mental health services, individual practitioners and Primary Health Networks seeking to build their capacity to work effectively with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

Date: Wednesday 27 March 2024
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm (AEDT)

Register now for this FREE webinar via the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_o88SAk9nTXq_gwC17ZUZTA

Safe Work Australia has made recent amendments to the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations, specifying employers’ obligation to manage psychosocial risks in the workplace. These changes, along with the new Model Code of Practice on managing psychosocial hazards at work, are a welcome recognition of the profound impact that workplace stressors can have on mental health, and a fundamental step forward.

This data shows there is still much work to do though to ensure the effective implementation of these measures in workplaces across Australia.

Read more in our latest CEO Update: https://mhaustralia.org/newsletters-bulletins/ceo-update-championing-mental-health-workplace

Today Butterfly Foundation launched the Paying the Price Report 2024.

The findings reveal an alarming increase in prevalence and cost of eating disorders in Australia – with 1.1million Australians now living with an eating disorder and the economic and social cost of eating disorders growing to $67 billion.

Read more:

Australia’s current mental health system is complex and disjointed, making it difficult for people seeking support to find an appropriate service. Similarly, health professionals can find it challenging to know where best to refer people seeking support.

Without an appropriate approach in primary care for assessing and triaging people seeking mental health support, our limited mental health resources are not being allocated most effectively. The current Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool is underutilised and not fit for purpose.

Mental Health Australia recommends the Australian Government work with the sector to develop and implement a robust mental health assessment and referral tool. This tool could build on the existing Initial Assessment and Referral tool, and be co-designed by people with lived experience and clinicians and service providers.

Last week was an important milestone in the evolution of Australia’s mental health system, with representatives of the Mental Health and Su***de Prevention Senior Officials Lived Experience Group joining us for the first induction session in Canberra.

Mental Health Australia has been working with the Department of Health and Aged Care to establish the group and is providing support to help enable its success.

The establishment of the group is part of the implementation of the National Mental Health and Su***de Prevention Agreement, which sets out the shared intention of the Commonwealth, state and territory governments to work in partnership to improve the mental health of all people in Australia by strengthening the sustainability of the Australian mental health and su***de prevention system.

Read more in our latest CEO Update: https://mhaustralia.org/newsletters-bulletins/ceo-update-lived-experience-leadership-key-successful-mental-health-reform

Mental Health Australia Chair Matt Berriman recently joined Kristina Freeman, Co-Founder, Grow Your Mind, and Ian Heininger, CEO of Charity Bounce at the 2024 Impact100 Sydney North launch to talk about Australia’s mental health crisis.

Matt and the speakers shared their insights on strategies to address the mental health crisis at a government level, policy level, and grassroots level within local communities.

For whoever needs this today 💙

People with complex mental health care needs continue to be stranded in the gaping ‘missing middle’ between the supports primary care services can provide, and emergency hospital support. Previous governments have continually failed to address this chasm in Australia’s mental health system. Urgent collaboration across governments is needed to increase access to community-based, multidisciplinary mental health care.

Mental Health Australia looks forward to the Australian Government’s full response to this Evaluation in the 2024-25 Budget, and recommends the government leverages existing infrastructure to deliver more intensive, multidisciplinary supports for people with complex care needs.

'Hear Us Out' is a great new podcast series that features the voices of young people in the NT from multicultural backgrounds, talking about life in Australia and mental health.

This podcast has been Produced by Melaleuca Australia and Embrace Multicultural Mental Health.

🎧https://open.spotify.com/show/6xwN6vKB9v7OidtQlsvqET

In 2020, the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health found that there are around 154,000 people who are not able to access the psychosocial services they need each year, and estimated the funding shortfall to provide these services would be approximately $610 million per annum.

To help fill this gap, and ensure that no one is left behind, Mental Health Australia and the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum have worked in partnership to develop 'Advice to governments on evidence-informed and good practice psychosocial services'.

This paper outlines a diverse cross-section of psychosocial services shown to be effective and valued by people with lived experience of mental ill-health, family, carers and supporters. The advice in this paper also shows the principles which should underpin the design of any future psychosocial services.

Read the paper here: https://mhaustralia.org/submission/advice-governments-evidence-informed-and-good-practice-psychosocial-services