Description
Disturbances in mental function which meet clinical criteria. Mental illnesses are
common - it is generally agreed that 18% of the population of Australia suffer from an
identifiable mental disorder. These disorders may be preceded by mental health problems.
Many mental disorders have their onset around 16-18 years of age, and since 10-15% of
children and young people have mental health problems, intervention in this group is
important. A mental health problem is when someone has
difficulty in coping with some aspect of personal, social or occupational functioning.
Often associated with life changes (for example adolescence, parenthood), stressful life
events and circumstances, life threatening illness, bereavement, major accidents, war,
divorce and unemployment. Mental health problems do not necessarily go on to fulfil the
clinical criteria for a mental disorder. |
Information & Support
Multicultural Mental Health
Australia Policy, research and links on mental health issues affecting
people of non-English speaking background (NESB).
The Mental Health Association New
South Wales Inc.
A range of up-to-date information on mental health issues.
NSWCAG NSW mental health
consumer advisory group information.
The Richmond Fellowship of NSW - a
state wide non-government organisation providing support to people with a
mental illness and/or psychiatric disability
SANE Australia
Information for people affected by mental illness, carers, professionals and the general
community in each state and territory, links to other Australian and world resources.
See
also the australiahealth.com pages on
Depression
Mood Disorder
Post Natal Depression
Schizophrenia |