Out of the Blue
Government funding and community initiatives have brought anxiety and depression out of the blue and into the public arena.
Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon is today expected to announce a $15 million measure to fund workshops that will train 24,000 mental health clinicians.
The announcement follows the annual National Mental Health Report named NSW, Queensland and Tasmania as the biggest underperformers in mental health funding.
“Tackling these challenges requires a long-term, co-ordinated effort from all governments to ensure better mental health services across the country,” Ms Roxon told The Australian.
The impact of mental illness within the Australian population has become increasingly apparent. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), one in five adults will experience a mental illness at some stage in their lives.
‘Making Life Work 2008’ is an initiative of Urban Life church aimed at preparing and equipping the community to face the challenges of everyday.
Throughout April, clinical psychologist Susan Tanner will lead a panel of experts in a series of seminars and courses on anxiety and depression.
Co-ordinator and General Practitioner Dr Gary Franks described depression as the “disease of the 21st century” and acknowledged our society’s habit of throwing the illness into the “too hard basket.”
“It seemed as though every second person I came across knew somebody with anxiety or depression, had an eating disorder, or was grieving the loss of a loved one. I thought we better take the opportunity to offer people information and care,” he said.
For more information, or to register call Urban Life church on 9532 1611.
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