Demographics
In this topic we will be exploring the statistics surrounding mental illness and the concepts relating to mental health and mental illness. It is necessary to have a good knowledgebase in this area so that you can evaluate the impact that mental health and mental illness issues has on individuals and communities. To achieve this it is important to have a balanced view of the incidence and prevalence of mental disorder and mental illness in society. This in turn will aid your understanding of the need for mental health promotion, illness prevention and focused service delivery.
Statistics
Learning Journal
Before starting this topic you are required to write your own definition of mental health and mental illness. This is the starting point of your reflective journal. It is expected that your definition (as you see it at this point in time) will reflect your own experiences and acculturation.
Websites
When looking at the statistics you will find that mental illness is more prevalent than many people believe. This is not restricted to one particular group of people or to any particular country.
WHO, The world health report 2001. Mental health New Understanding. New Hope gives a comprehensive global picture of contempory issues in mental health. This website will be an invaluable resource for you throughout this topic. The links provided on this site will provide you with a global perspective of many of the issues that are discussed in this unit.
Australian Bureau of statistics website gives a comprehensive overview of issues surrounding mental health in Australia. It is important for you to spend some time working through this site
Reading
Activity (Discussion Board)
Data collected from the Australian National Survey of Mental Health (1997) indicates that females are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders while males are more likely to have a substance abuse disorder.
Why do you think this is so? Do you agree? Do you see the statistics changing in the future? What do you base your thoughts on? Post your findings to the discussion board.
Cost and burden of mental health disorders
Learning journal
The cost of mental illness can be looked at from a number of different perspectives. You are required to look at the cost from the following perspectives:
- Monetary cost to the government/allocated budget for mental health services in the state where you reside. Compare this with the Commonwealth government’s budget.
- The cost to the communities (look at what services the local government provide, what services are provided by local charities and what is their expenditure)
- The cost for the individual with a mental disorder (consider employment, personal relationships, accommodation, cost of medications etc)
- The cost to families (consider the parent of a mentally ill adolescence or elderly parent)
Write a journal entry on all of these perspectives. Were you surprised with your findings? Do you think the actual cost is underestimated? If so what can be done to improve this situation? Do you think the government is doing enough? If not, what else can be done?
Websites
Together we do better. Health facts. This site will be useful to give you some insight into the significance contribution communities can be in helping each other to maintain a positive balance.
The burden of disease and injury in Australia. This site contains a lot of information regarding the burden of disease. I strongly recommend that you take some time to explore this site.
Reading
Meadows G. and Singh B. (2001) Mental health in Australia. Collaborative Community Practice. Oxford University press Sydney page 118 outlines the cost of mental health care delivery for 1997.
Elder, Evans and Nizette (2005) pp. 83 discusses the cost and disability associated with mental disorders this will be useful for your learning journal activity. (E-reserve)
Activity
Is there a difference between cost and burden?
Can you find figures comparing the cost/burden of mental illness and physical illness?
Can you find figures finding the comparative budget allocation for mental illness versus physical illness? What does this say about social attitude?