Models & concepts: Overview
There are three major topics in this theme: demographics, primary care concepts and risk factors. Through these we examine the incidence and prevalence of mental illness. We discuss the ‘burden’ of mental illness and disorders on the individual, family and community. Health promotion and early intervention are explored in the mental health context. We also look at cultural influences on the experience of mental health and expression of mental ill health.
Demographics
- Incidence and prevalence of mental illness in the community. We initially look at the worldwide statistics then concentrate on the incidence of mental illness in Australia.
- Cost and burden of mental health disorders will be explored so that you can evaluate the impact of mental illness issues has on individuals, families and communities. This in turn will aid your understanding of the need for mental health promotion, illness prevention and focused service delivery.
Primary care concepts
- The prevention model – what are concepts of primary prevention and how do they relate to mental health promotion?
- Social attitudes – a primary health care approach takes into account factors such as, social, family, cultural and environmental issues when looking at what influences an individual’s mental health.
- Stigma and the media – how does the media portray mental health and what impact does this have on our attitudes?
Risk factors
- Socio cultural issues – the interactive relationship between mental health and socio cultural factors such as gender, sexuality, poverty, migrant and indigenous status.