Public health systems have an aim of aiding in the prevention of diseases in a country. Many diseases affect the society some of which are non-infectious chronic diseases, while others are infectious. Some of the diseases affect majority of the population in certain countries.Mental health is usually described as the way in which individuals feel, think or act as they cope with life situations. It is very important to stay mentally healthy through every stage of life. Mental illness may be as a result of disorders which are common. This paper will discuss the health care system in Australia in regard to mental health as a major concern.
Statistics on the effect of mental health illness in Australia
More than 20% of Australians suffer from mental illness at least ones in their lives. Some suffer from more than one form of the same. Around 20000 Australians are diagnosed of mental illness annually which raises concern within the health system. At least three million out of these get depressive illness while five percent suffer from anxiety. Others suffer from schizophrenia while others go through serious psychotic illnesses (1).
There have been surveys done showing that one in every five Australians is affected by mental illness. In this category, women report more on cases of anxiety and affective disorders than men. Men however, are more likely to have disorders that are as a result of substance abuse such as alcohol. They are also more prone to schizophrenia .It has also been noted that compulsive disorders are very common in both sexes with at least 90% of eating disorders occurring among women (2).
Populations most affected by mental illness are around the ages of 18 to 24 with at least 14% of children below 17years being affected by problems of mental health (2). Conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorders however occur after teenage hood with adolescents exhibiting use of drugs or high rate of suicidal thoughts. It has been noted that culture affects the access to medication since those individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds can’t access health services as often as those in the mainstream population (2).Mental health illnesses have been shown to be the main cause of absenteeism in the work place in Australia.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Discussion
2.1 Statistics on the effect of mental health illness in Australia
2.2 Types of mental problems
2.3 Factors that cause mental illnesses
2.4 Effect of mental illness in society
2.5 Actions taken to improve mental health and limitations
2.6 Suggestions to improve the mental health system
3. Conclusion
Objectives and Research Focus
The primary objective of this paper is to examine the state of mental health within the Australian healthcare system, identifying it as a critical public health concern. The research aims to evaluate the prevalence of mental health disorders, the systemic barriers to effective treatment, and the impact of current governmental policies on patient care and outcomes.
- Prevalence and statistical impact of mental illness in the Australian population.
- Categorization of various mental health disorders and their specific characteristics.
- Root causes of mental illnesses, including environmental, genetic, and social factors.
- Critical analysis of existing healthcare policies and limitations in service delivery.
- Strategies and recommendations for enhancing the mental health system through systemic reform.
Excerpt from the book
Factors that cause mental illnesses
There are a number of factors that lead to development of mental illnesses. One of them is genetics. Scientific research, has shown that mental illness is sometimes an inherited condition and may affect an individual if some one in the family also suffers from the same(6). In most cases, it is usually dormant and is triggered by a number of factors such as stress, abuse, or traumatic events.
Some infections can also lead to mental illness by causing brain damage. An example is infection by streptococcus bacteria leading to pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatry disorder which affects children (7).Brain injury through accidents may also result in mental illness. Treatment should be sought for all injuries on the head to avoid such complications.
Prenatal disruption of the brain development has also been shown to be a cause for the mental illnesses witnessed in Australia. Autism is said to be caused by poor flow of oxygen to the brain of the developing fetus (8). Another factor is poor nutrition as a result of poverty or intake of drugs. Psychological factors such as trauma in childhood, neglect, early loss of parents and sexual abuse have all been shown to have an effect on the mental health of an individual. Environmental factors such as cultural expectations have also been shown to cause metal illness when the individual is under pressure or stress.
Intake of drugs such as alcohol, smoking, and use of hallucinogens has also been a major factor contributing to mental illness in the population. Some of these drugs are illegal and the consequences of using them lead to adverse brain damage as individuals become dependent on the drugs the individuals may thus find it hard to seek help as the continue in the use of the drugs(8) .This is usually the case among the young adults and teenagers. The result is that the individual begins having memory loss, hallucinations, and may even die as a result of the same.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter defines mental health and identifies it as a significant public health issue that requires attention within the Australian healthcare system.
2. Discussion: This section provides a comprehensive analysis of the prevalence, causes, societal impacts, and existing challenges of mental illness, while evaluating government interventions.
3. Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the research findings, emphasizing that current efforts remain insufficient and calling for improved funding and a more integrated, patient-centered approach.
Keywords
Mental Health, Australia, Healthcare System, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, Depression, Substance Abuse, Public Health, Stigma, Policy Reform, Early Intervention, Ottawa Charter, Mental Illness, Disability, Healthcare Funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the current state of the mental health landscape in Australia, specifically looking at how the public healthcare system manages and addresses mental illness.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The themes include the statistical prevalence of mental disorders, causative factors, the societal effects of mental illness, and an appraisal of governmental health policies.
What is the main goal of the study?
The goal is to highlight the major concerns regarding mental health in Australia and to analyze the effectiveness of existing policies while identifying gaps in service delivery.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The paper utilizes a literature-based review and secondary research, analyzing various reports, health action plans, and data from reputable health organizations.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers clinical types of disorders, environmental and biological triggers, the economic burden of mental illness, and specific systemic failures like staff shortages and stigmatization.
Which keywords best describe this work?
Key terms include mental health, healthcare policy, public health, stigma, early intervention, and systemic reform.
How does the author characterize the impact of stigma?
The author argues that stigma prevents individuals from seeking necessary help, leads to social exclusion, and exacerbates the condition of those suffering from mental illness due to fear of judgment or arrest.
What role does the Ottawa Charter play in this analysis?
The Ottawa Charter serves as a framework to evaluate Australian health promotion strategies, emphasizing the need for healthy public policy, community action, and reoriented health services.
What specific issues regarding employment and housing are raised?
The paper identifies lack of adequate housing and low employment rates as major obstacles to recovery, as they undermine personal control and stability for those with mental conditions.
- Quote paper
- Richards Macdonald (Author), 2011, Metal Health In Australia, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/213352
