Post by Willow on Nov 28, 2013 20:47:58 GMT 9.5
ALLAN FELS THE AUSTRALIAN NOVEMBER 28, 2013 12:00AM
MENTAL health remains a weak point in our society, our health system and our economy.
In the National Mental Health Commission's second report card on mental health and suicide prevention, released this week, we shine a light on shocking and stubborn disadvantage.
We have focused on some very specific problems, such as issues with alcohol and drug misuse and with the justice system. However, in each case deep problems emerge that are symptomatic of much bigger problems in our approach to mental health.
The commission was horrified to learn this year that only 7 per cent of the 340,000 Australians who have co-existing mental illness and substance-use disorders are estimated to receive treatment for both problems.
It is scandalous that the presence of one of those challenges means exclusion from services designed to help the other.
Prisons have become our new mental health institutions. Last year, 38 per cent of all people entering prison reported having been told they had a mental illness and 87 per cent of those in the juvenile justice system in NSW were found to have at least one psychological disorder.
It costs taxpayers up to $1 million each year for each person with a mental health disorder or cognitive impairment who comes into frequent contact with the justice system, and that doesn't count the wasted potential and the impacts on families and communities.
This highlights the significant economic advantages of tackling mental health problems properly.
Prisoners with poor mental health have more extensive and early imprisonment histories, poorer school attainment, higher unemployment rates and higher rates of substance abuse.
Incarceration often makes their mental illness worse and rarely treats their illness appropriately. Each stage of the justice system needs significant reform.
Right now, only 25 per cent of young people and 15 per cent of boys and young men with mental health problems receive treatment of any kind.
Forty-four Australians, on average, take their own lives each week, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are two times more likely to die by suicide.
Australia needs to find a better way to support good mental health and recovery based on early intervention and investment in social supports and services across people's lives.
All levels of government, business, schools, service providers and the community must also work better together to make sure that, whatever door is knocked on, there is someone behind it who can see a person's potential and lead them to the right support, care and treatment.
Tackling the causes, rather than the symptoms; preventing mental illness and suicide in the first place; promoting good mental health for everyone; and timely support when things start to get tough is the best economic and social renewal strategy that we can invest in.
Australia needs to do better at mental health. That will require vision and political courage.
Allan Fels is chairman of the National Mental Health Commission.