Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc
Issue: FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014
Medicare Needs a Revamp - But Not at the Expense of Those Who Need It Most Mark Metherell, Consumers Health Forum of Australia
The Consumers Health Forum urges the Federal Government to establish a comprehensive inquiry aimed at ensuring Australia retains universal access to quality health care. “Recent disclosures concerning a proposed $6 co-payment to see the GP, and Medibank Private’s trial of a scheme giving preferment to GP patients with health insurance, point to a disturbing erosion of Medicare’s goal of access for all to primary health care,” says CHF spokesman, Mark Metherell.
159 Kings Road
“The central aim of a national health scheme is to ensure access to quality health care for all. The introduction of cost barriers, and enhanced access for insured patients that leaves behind the uninsured majority, strikes at the heart of Medicare and the role of primary healthcare.
Pimlico QLD 4812
“CHF is alarmed that the Commission of Audit may consider recommending co-payments such as the one proposed for GP visits as a budgetary measure. “Such a measure would accelerate the trend towards a two-tiered health system in which many Australians, even those with health insurance, must pay substantial out of pocket costs for necessary treatment.
Tel: (07) 4725 3664
“We urge the Government to resist the temptation to introduce this ad hoc response that could in fact lead to higher healthcare costs in the long run, and poorer health for those on low incomes and the chronically ill. ”In its submission to the Commission of Audit and in its budget submission, CHF has argued that there are alternative programs which could result in bigger savings in the health budget, and not put consumers’ health outcomes at risk. “Medicare turns 30 years old next month and CHF acknowledges that it is in need of a revamp to meet contemporary demands arising from such developments as widespread chronic illness and population ageing. “CHF understands that the Government needs to respond to Medicare’s rapidly increasing costs. But before making changes that weaken Medicare’s universal coverage, the Government should look at ways to make Medicare more cost effective, such as:
Acting to reduce waste and unnecessary services in the health system Moving to strengthen community-based care to reduce expensive hospitalisations Reforming the “revolving-door” nature of Medicare that currently rewards activity rather than quality and outcomes Strengthening the role consumers can play in supporting a sustainable and effective health care system continued on next page
PO Box 979 Hyde Park QLD 4812 Fax: (07) 4725 3819
Email: townsville@mifnq.org.au www.mifnq.org.au MIFNQ reserves the right to edit articles for publication. The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of MIFNQ.
Page 2 of 20 continued from previous page “There is already significant evidence that cost barriers mean that consumers are delaying getting the care they need. The COAG Reform Council’s report on Australia’s healthcare performance found that almost 9 per cent of consumers said they delayed seeing a GP because of the cost in 2011-2012. “While proponents of the co-payment idea for GPs suggest that a ‘modest’ co-payment provides a reminder that health care is not free, consumers already know this. On average every one of us is paying more than $1000 each year directly for health services and products, nearly 50 per cent of us are paying for private health insurance and most Australians are also making contributions to Medicare through the tax system. “In relation to the co-payment proposal and Medibank GP trial, CHF’s greatest concern is the impact on Australia’s most vulnerable health care consumers. These include low income families, older health care consumers and consumers with poor health and chronic conditions. The proposed changes would reinforce the trend towards a two tiered health system, one for those who can afford to pay, and a second best system for those who can’t. This proposal does nothing to address the reality that poorer Australians suffer poorer health. “CHF argues that there needs to be an ongoing investment in primary health care, where early identification of issues, prevention and early intervention can be the focus of treatment. In this, GPs continue to be seen as a cornerstone of primary health care, and the team leader when it comes to managing chronic conditions which are in part driving increased health expenditure. There is a need to ensure that there are not disincentives built into the system that result in more acute care, poorer health outcomes and more expense in the long run. “Consumers play a central role in increasing the sustainability of our health system. They need to be engaged in an active conversation on what Australia’s health system should look like, and how we can fund it in a way that is sustainable. Informed consumers who are active in their health care can make decisions about what sorts of tests, medical procedures, medications and services will best serve their health needs and this will contribute to a more sustainable health system overall”.
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“CHF calls for an Inquiry into Medicare that focuses on how it should be remodelled to ensure that in the future it continues to meet its objectives of providing healthcare to all Australians in a way that is sustainable and affordable,” Mr Metherell said.
Townsville
We need your help.
Street Address: 159 Kings Road,
We ask that you encourage consumers in your network to respond to a CHF survey at:
Postal Address: PO Box 979
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QQS9MXS Please share this link widely. The views and experience of your network is vital in securing solutions that will work for consumers. We encourage people to contribute to our discussion on the OurHealth website. We are also keen to build our bank of consumer experience to support our research and advocacy on this topic. If you would like to share your personal story with CHF, please email Policy and Communications Officer, Priyanka Rai at p.rai@chf.org.au or phone 02 6273 5444.
Philippa Harris, Queensland Education & Training Manager P: 07 4725 3664 PIMLICO Q 4812 HYDE PARK Q 4812
Regional Queensland Alison Fairleigh, Rural Coordinator P: 07 4725 3664 E: AFairleigh@mifnq.org.au
Sunshine Coast Judy Kiellerup, Regional Coordinator (SQ) P: 07 5442 1651 Postal Address: PO Box 5080 NAMBOUR Q 4560
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PeerZone & Assisting Families– New Workshops in Townsville Glenda Blackwell / Feb 7 2014
Two new programmes are being offered at MIFNQ in 2014 in Townsville. PeerZone is a series of three hour peer led workshops in mental health and addiction where people explore recovery and whole of life wellbeing. Why PeerZone?? PeerZone helps to solve a number of problems: It enhances the wellbeing for people with mental distress It provides professional development and support for the peer workforce It is very cost-effective There are five main themes for workshops. Glenda Blackwell from MIFNQ in Townsville recently completed • Understanding ourselves training as a facilitator in an • Empowering ourselves exciting program for people • Working on our wellbeing recovering from mental distress. • Connecting to the world • Exploring our unique identities PeerZone works on three levels for participants: • Invites participants to rebuild a more positive story of their lives. • Offers tools for whole of life wellbeing. • Creates a community of mutual support
In this Edition Medicare Needs a Revamp But Not at the Expense of Those Who Need It Most ......... 1 PeerZone & Assisting Families– New Workshops in Townsville ..................................... 3 CEO’s Update ............................... 4 Committee Chatter .................... 5 It’s Cyclone Season - Make Sure You’re Prepared! .............. 6 Revive & Thrive is Message from Flying Doctors .................. 7 Mental Health Service & Programmes Review ................ 9 Resilience: Acceptance & Commitment Therapy with Russ Harris ................................ 10 Ann Smith Awarded OAM For Her Advocacy Work For Mental Health Patients ........ 11 Discovery of 'Teen Gene' Could Hold Promise For Combating Severe Mental Illnesses....................................... 12
ASSISTING FAMILIES: • For families, friends and carers of people who are living with a mental illness • Flexible and informative modules to support and educate families and carers • Interactive • Counselling available Modules include information on topics such as depression, psychosis, grief and loss, difficult times, self- care, the Mental Health Act and others.
PROGRAMS STARTING SOON BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL For all enquiries and expressions of interest please contact Glenda at MIFNQ: Phone: 07 47253664 Email: gblackwell@mifnq.org.au. Developed in New Zealand by Mary O’Hagan and Sara McCook-Weir seen here with Glenda at training at Solas.
Calendar of Events – February & March 2014....... 13 Advocates Want Law Abolished After Thousands Taken Off Electoral Roll For Being Of 'Unsound Mind' ..... 14 Aussie Program Helping Depressed Youth ..................... 15 Schizophrenia Linked to Pregnancy Complications, Study Suggests ......................... 16 Mental Health Advocates Welcome Review's Rural Focus ............................................ 17 Coffee Break .............................. 18 Mi Networks AUSTRALIA .... 19 Membership Application Form............................................. 20
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CEO’s Update One of the great attributes of MIFNQ is its willingness to form meaningful relationships with other organisations where such relationships result in better outcomes for people with a mental health issue, carers and family members. No single organisation has the capacity, skills or knowledge to address all of the issues a person might have. It makes sense to seek out and work with organisations that complement the Fellowship's work. We have an impressive history of building good relationships and partnerships. These are based on the same principles and values as the strong relationship developed with our colleagues as part of the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia. I am very grateful for this because it supports and underpins the new and existing partnerships we have with many other agencies. We know that people who come to MIFNQ for information, advice, referral and direct services have varied and sometimes complex needs. The literature supports this self-evident observation and we know that people's needs related to housing, drugs, alcohol and tobacco, employment, education and training, family support and so on require the organisations that specialise in these areas to work together around them. Easier said than done! Issues related to confidentiality, funding body requirements, jurisdictional matters, privacy and so on can create blockages that are not enabling but in fact create artificial barriers to good service provision. Government funding is often provided on a competitive basis which is creates issues around joined up person centred service delivery as organisations jostle for limited funding. We cannot and should not let these barriers get in the way of what a person or their family needs. We should be striving to break down these barriers and maintain a clear focus on the needs of the people who require a wide range of disparate services. MIFNQ aims to work collaboratively with its partners and friends and I think we are very good at it. As 2014 unfolds I am sure we will see many opportunities to work in this way both with government agencies, local Hospital and Health Services and our community partners. This is the way forward to a brighter future for people with a mental illness, their families and carers, the mental health community sector and our partners and friends.
Jeremy Audas Chief Executive Officer
Jeremy Audas, CEO
MIFNQ Office Locations TOWNSVILLE (Head Office) 159 Kings Rd, Pimlico Q 4812 PO Box 979 Hyde Park Q 4812 P: (07) 4725 3664 F: (07) 4725 3819 E: townsville@mifnq.org.au FREE CALL: 1800 455 455
MACKAY 14-16 Wood St, Mackay Q 4740 PO Box 729 Mackay Q 4740 P: (07) 4041 2543 P: (07) 4951 2955 F: (07) 4953 0509 E: mackay@mifnq.org.au
CAIRNS Suite 13,129a Lake St, Cairns Q 4870 PO Box 816N Cairns Q 4870 F: (07) 4041 2872 E: cairns@mifnq.org.au
SUNSHINE COAST Living Proof PO Box 5080 Nambour Q 4560 P: (07) 5442 1651 F: (07) 5442 1651 E: coolum@mifnq.org.au
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Committee Chatter My phone rang today while I was busy preparing my holiday unit for guests. I was busy and did not want to talk to – let’s call him John – the neighbour of my house rented out to tenants. John wanted my tenant to clean up a pile of palm fronds in his yard so that they wouldn’t blow into his place if the cyclone got going. I suggested to John that he talk to my tenant – I was busy! Of course I relented – I quickly realised that the unit cleaning would have to wait while I hurried home to contact the tenant – who was happy to move the fronds. He wasn’t going to be too busy to do the right thing by his neighbours.
Bob James, President
But I was! At least for a few minutes, I was too busy. And, in the end, how hard was it for me to contact my tenant? My tenant found it easy to do the right thing. Was I too focused on what I was doing to give proper attention to my community? Are we too concerned with ourselves? In our rush to do what is on our minds, do we forget about the rest of our community? Or should ‘they’ just look after themselves? With more potential cyclones heading our way [and remembering ‘Yasi’, just three years ago], it is timely to think of those times when our own problems are all the same problem – when our individual aims and troubles are overwhelmed by one threat so large that it is everybody’s problem. What’s the point in cleaning up one yard if the next yard is full of rubbish which might land on your home regardless of where the wind picked it up from. Getting immunised against contagious disease is like that. Or making sure we’re not breeding mozzies that will spread dengue fever. There is no real point just one person doing the right thing – we all need to. And if just someone doesn’t, it can impact on us all. Then of course, there are those folk who find it difficult to do those necessary jobs. People with a physical or mental disability and perhaps older folk. How can we expect them to clean up their yards without us to help them. And so we should! This is what ‘community’ means. It is us people living closely together, maybe minding our own business most of the time, but NEVER FORGETTING OUR NEIGHBOURS. If we haven’t seen our neighbour for a while, maybe we should knock on their door to make sure they are all right. Even ‘hermits’ [I have one of my family] need to be looked in on occasionally – who knows what can go wrong with our poor old bodies and minds that might disable us and leave us alone and in danger. A fall, a stroke, depression so severe that we cannot move; these can do it and so can so many other happenings. So, after we have helped our neighbours or at least checked up on them after this little cyclone passes, we can pat ourselves on the back and feel a little smug. But, we should be doing this ALL the time – thinking of others who might need just a friendly word or a hand or to be checked up on in case of problems. Then, we will be returning to the world of my childhood over half a century ago when that’s what we all always did.
Bob James
President
MIFNQ Management Committee President
Bob James
Vice-President (vacant) Secretary
Jenny Chapman
Treasurer
Sandra Hubert
Committee Members
Alf Musumeci Karyn Weller Bruce Rampton
Promoting Recovery Through Services in the Community
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It’s Cyclone Season - Make Sure You’re Prepared! www.townsville.qld.gov.au/resident/Disaster/cyclones/
A tropical cyclone is a massive collection of whirling wind and dense cloud mass, spiralling clockwise around a central eye of exceptional low pressure. With winds reaching speeds in excess of 200km/h, cyclones can be extremely dangerous. On average, 10 cyclones occur in the Australian region each year. The Bureau of Meteorology keeps the public informed by issuing cyclone watches and warnings. Cyclone Categories The severity of a tropical cyclone is measured by a category determine by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). Cyclone categories range from 1 for weaker cyclones to 5 for the most severe cyclones. This helps the community assess the severity of the cyclone and take appropriate actions. Things to do once a cyclone warning is issued When the cyclone impact is imminent: • Turn off power, water or gas if advised by the Local Disaster Management Group or Ergon Energy. • Turn off outdoor LPG tanks to reduce the risk of fire if tanks are damaged or dislodged. • Unplug small appliances. Appliances may be affected by power surges, as the cyclone approaches. • Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors. Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, sinks, plastic bottles, cooking pots and any other safe storage containers. • Turn off major appliances if the power is lost. Power surges when electricity is restored may cause damage to your appliances if left on. • Retrieve your emergency kit ensure this is close by at all times. During a cyclone: • Stay in the strongest room of your house. This should be on ground level in a small interior room, unless there is a risk of flooding when the first floor would be safer. • Choose a room or place in your house which has as many walls as possible between you and the outside winds. • Stay away from windows. • Protect yourself from flying objects by lying on the floor under a table or other sturdy object. Cover yourself with a mattress, rugs, or blankets. • Be aware that during the eye of the cyclone, winds will seem to stop, then return fiercely in the opposite direction. • Be aware of possible flooding. Most cyclones regardless of intensity drop large amounts of rain and cause severe flooding even when they are no longer a cyclone.
After a cyclone: • Do not venture outside until you have heard the official word that the cyclone has passed. The calm may just be the eye or the cyclone may turn and hit your area a second time. • Continue to listen for weather warnings and advice. The cyclone may redevelop or turn direction threatening your area again. Flooding is also likely. Officials will issue public safety notices on such things as contaminated water supplies. • Help injured or trapped neighbours. If the situation is life threatening, call '000'. • Check to see if neighbours, especially those with special needs, require assistance. This will help relieve the strain on emergency services who will be stretched to the limit. • Be wary of fallen power lines and notify Ergon Energy. Treat all power lines as live and keep your distance. • Look for fire hazards, mainly broken or leaking gas lines and gas cylinders. • If there is a sewage overflow on your property, notify the council. • Take pictures of the damage to your home for evidence in insurance claims. • If the power has been out for some time, perishable food may have started to go off. Throw out any food that came into contact with floodwater. • Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until authorities have advised supplies are safe. • Use the telephone only for emergency calls. Arrange to have one family member or friend outside of the impacted area call others to let them know of your situation. Demands on the telephone system for emergency calls will be high and parts of the system may be damaged.
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Revive & Thrive is Message from Flying Doctors Future Beef Northern Muster Newspaper – December 2013 edition
Support networks in action. The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) health promotion officer, Elizabeth Lynch, coordinated a series of free Revive and Thrive workshops in several central and north-western Queensland communities in November. About 120 people participated in the seven workshops that gave participants access to a range of information and particular contact points for further information as Philippa Harris tells workshop participants well as providing the that knowledge is important for someone opportunity for taking control of their well-being. participants to catch up with other locals and socialize. ‘There are some great supportive networks in these communities that strengthen the locals. It was greatly appreciated and a privilege to be able to link in with these to deliver the workshops. The success of these activates was determined by these networks and local residents giving of their time that already has huge demands on it,” Ms Lynch said.. The organisations and implementation was a collaborative activity between government and non-government organisations. Keynote speaker at the events was Philippa Harris, a mental health nurse known for her laughter workshops and who also featured in the recent Glove Box Guide to Mental Health released as a supplement to Queensland country Life, October 13, 2013. Philippa explained to participants that just as station work vehicles and watering points require services and to be checked regularly and maintained, as humans, our wellbeing also requires checking. During dry times, health and wellbeing checks maybe the first thing to be placed on hold. The pressure that individual’s face may be managed in the short term but can have a high price to pay when this pressure is constant for an extended length of time. An important step towards taking control of your well-being can be increasing your knowledge. Under stress, the brain triggers an alarm that activates the fight-or-flight response, increasing the production of adrenaline and cortisol, which work together to speed heart rate, increase metabolism and blood pressure, enhance attention, the immune system and anti- inflammatory response, and lower pain sensitivity – all good things when your very survival is on the line. When the stressful situation is over, the body goes back to normal. However, under constant stress, the body is unable to reset. High adrenaline and cortisol levels persist, potentially causing blood sugar imbalances and blood pressure problems and whittling away at muscle tissue, bone density, our immune system and inflammatory responses. These persistent high levels negatively affect the part of the brain responsible for encoding new memories. Put simply, too much stress can almost make us ‘forget’ how to make changes to reduce that stress, limiting the mental flexibility needed to find alternative solutions, and triggering general adaptation. This makes us feel unmotivated and mentally exhausted. COMMON EXTERNAL CUASES OF STRESS Major life changes Financial Problems Work Being too busy Relationship Difficulties Children and Family COMMON INTERNAL OR ‘SELF GENERATED’ CAUSES OF STRESS Inability to accept uncertainty Unrealistic Expectations Pessimism Perfectionism Negative Self-Talk Lack of Assertiveness continued on next page
COMMON WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF STRESS OVERLOAD ● Cognitive symptoms – memory problems, inability to concentrate, poor judgement, racing thoughts, anxious, constant worry, seeing only negatives. ● Emotional symptoms – moodiness, irritability or short temper, feeling overwhelmed, inability to relax, sense of loneliness and isolation, depression or general unhappiness. ● Physical symptoms – aches and pains, diarrhoea or constipation, nausea, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, frequent colds, loss of sex drive. ● Behavioural – eating more or less, sleeping too much or too little, isolating self from others, procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities, nervous habits such as nail biting, and use of alcohol, cigarettes or drugs to relax. The more signs and symptoms you notice in yourself, the closer you may be to stress overload THINGS THAT INFLUENCE YOUR STRESS TOLERANCE LEVEL Support network – A strong network of supportive friends and family members is an enormous buffer against life-s stressors. Sense of control – Have confidence in yourself and your ability to oversome or persever through challenges; take stress in your stride. People vulnerable to stress tend to feel like things are out of their control. Attitude and outlook – Stress-hardy people have an optimistic attitude. They tend to embrace challenges , have a strong sense of humour, accept that change is part of life, and belive in a higher power or purpose. Ability to deal with your emotions – You are extremely vulnerable to stress if you don’t know how to calm and soothe yourself when you’re feeling sad, angry or afraid. The ability to bring your emotions into balance helps you bounce back from adversity. Knowledge and preparation – The more you know about a stressful situation the easier is it to cope. You may not be able to predict the end of the drought, but you can prepare for an increase in your level of stress and that of those around you.
Page 8 of 20 continued from previous page WHAT CAN YOU DO? Rather than simply living with stress, learn how to effectively master stress levels and build emotional resilience to helop you feel and perform better on a daily basis, and protect yourself from the long-term damaging effects of stress. Get some exercise: Studies show that aerobic exercise helps counteract the effects of stress. Regular exercise promotes good sleep, reduces depression and boosts self-confidence thorugh the production of “feel good: hormones (endorphins). You may lead a physically demanding lifestyle on the land, but a 20 minute walk in the afternoon with the family will still be benefical. Have a laugh: We all know from personal experience that a good laugh can make us fell better, and this is increasingly backed by studies showing that laughter can reduce stress. Even just thinging about something funny can have a positive effect on reducing stress and the damage it causes to your brain. Watch your favorite comedt DVD, or phone a friend and reminisce about the good times. Socialise: When you experience stress overload, its easy to let personal connectionsand social opportunities fall off your list of priorities. But ample evidence shows that maintaining socail relationships is critical for mental and physical health. Don’t miss an opportunity to spend time with family, friends and even pets. This will give you a sense of belongin and help you remember how good it feels to be with those you love. Relax: Easier than it sounds right? But relaxation – a walk around the yards, focusing on your breathing, meditation, tai chi, yoga, or whatever helps to quiet your mind and make you feel at ease – can decrease blood pressure, respiration rate, metabolism and muscle tension. Meditiation, in particular, is tremendously beneficial for managing stress and building mental resilience. Think positive: How you think aobut what causes your stress can make a difference. Simply changing the way you look at certain situations, taking stock of the positive things in your life and learning to live with gratitude can improve your ability to manage stress and build brain resilience. Be grateful: Showing that you appreciate your family, friends and loved ones for the positive aspects they bring to your life has a powerful calming effect. It is impossible to feel negative when you are feeling grateful for all of the good things and people you currently have in your life. Being grateful brings greater perspective and makes your worries appear as they are – temporary. Take control: Studies show a direct correlation between feeling of phsycological empowerment and stress resiliency. Take charge – deal with unhelpful sources of stress before they build up and become a bigger problem. Make choices – look at areas in your life where you could manage your situation better or change the way you respond.
Call Lifeline’s 24 hour crisis support 13 11 14 Online counseling available 8AM – midnight www.lifeline.org.au
Greenvale Power Surges Workshop Reproduced with permission from The Greenvale Informer – Nov 2013
The above workshop was provided through Frontier Services, DRFSS (Dalrymple Rural Family Support Services, Mental Health Illness Fellowship and Diane Rogers (consultant).
Diane Rogers, Philippa Harris & Jeanie Brooks
The program was funded through Mary McKillop Funding. What a fun day it turned out to be, women of the area coming together for a common cause, finding a way to help individuals relax and take time out for themselves throughout their busy lives. We were taken through various relaxation techniques and meditation as a way of stilling the mind from all the concerns that affect us in our daily lives. The children of participants were also taken care of, they were provided with activities throughout the morning, one even joined us in the belly dancing session which proved to be a huge success. Thank you to everyone representing the Frontier Services, who were numerous. Thanks to Jeanie Brooks, Philippa Harris & Diane Rogers who presented the program. Also in attendance from Savannah Health Services were Paula Ransom & Anna Burley. Also Di and Suzanne from RAFS (Remote Area Family Services), we all had a great time. Thank you to the Three Rivers Hotel staff for the lovely morning tea that was provided, I don’t think anything was left at the end of it! YUM!
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Mental Health Service & Programmes Review Mental Health Commission / Feb 4 2014
The Minister for Health Peter Dutton announced the Terms of Reference for the review of mental health services and programmes. The wide-ranging review being undertaken by the National Mental Health Commission fulfils a Coalition election commitment and is aimed at delivering mental health services and programmes more efficiently and effectively. All existing programmes across the government, non-government and private sectors will be reviewed. Mr Dutton said the Government was committed to building a world-class mental health system that delivered appropriate services to support people experiencing mental ill health and their families. “To do this, we need to know what really works and ensure that existing resources in the mental health sector are being targeted as effectively as possible. “At the same time, we must work within the fiscal constraints that are facing all Australian governments, getting maximum value for taxpayers’ dollars while ensuring people living with mental health issues get the support they need.” The review should identify gaps in service delivery, inefficiency, duplication and excessive red tape. The National Mental Health Commission (NMHC) will engage with state and territory governments and other stakeholders in undertaking the review. Chair of the NMHC Professor Allan Fels said: “The Commission welcomes the opportunity to conduct this important and timely review and looks forward to delivering its report to the Government in late November.” Detailed terms of reference are available on www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au National Mental Health Commission This review will examine existing mental health services and programmes across the government, private and non-government sectors. The focus of the review will be to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of programmes and services in supporting individuals experiencing mental ill health and their families and other support people to lead a contributing life and to engage productively in the community. Programmes and services may include those that have as a main objective: • The prevention, early detection and treatment of mental illness; • The prevention of suicide; • Mental health research, workforce development and training; and/or • The reduction of the burden of disease caused by mental illness. The review will consider: • The efficacy and cost-effectiveness of programmes, services and treatments; • Duplication in current services and programmes; • The role of factors relevant to the experience of a contributing life such as employment, accommodation and social connectedness (without evaluating programs except where they have mental health as their principal focus); • The appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of existing reporting requirements and regulation of programmes and services; • Funding priorities in mental health and gaps in services and programmes, in the context of the current fiscal circumstances facing governments; • Existing and alternative approaches to supporting and funding mental health care; • Mental health research, workforce development and training • Specific challenges for regional, rural and remote Australia; • Specific challenges for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; and • Transparency and accountability for outcomes of investment. The final report will be provided to the Government by 30 November 2014.
Uncovering the Irrationality of the Angry Mindset Glenda Blackwell Feb 10 2014
A short summary drawn from the book “The Anger Fallacy: Uncovering the Irrationality of the Angry Mindset” by Steven Laurent and Ross G Menzies.
Anger and empathy work against each other. If you’re angry you can’t really be empathising with the person you’re angry at. It’s not about misunderstanding, like when you over interpret something and get it wrong, but is more like being intellectually short-sighted. When we come into contact with another mind, one that’s not our own, and only see it from the outside, through our own thoughts and feelings, our viewpoints can become blinkered and one sided. Anger is like judging someone without fully understanding them. Anger is not bad but we need to see for what it is. Its characterised by paranoia, false ideas and assumptions and limited vision, but it sort of had to be that way. Evolution demanded it. The anger response had to be quick, automatic and nasty, and whether we like it or not, the angriest, most dogmatic and tribalistic of our ancestors survived and reproduced. So no one is to blame for our intellectual flaws, our quick responses when confronted with opposing ideas, or our sometimes short-sighted lack of empathy. However WISDOM in man takes considerable work, a little like getting dogs to stop barking at strangers.
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Resilience: Acceptance & Commitment Therapy with Russ Harris Glenda Blackwell / Feb 10 2014
When we face really difficult and challenging situations we all have a tendency to veer towards feeling helpless / hopeless and to act in selfdefeating ways. However there are really 4 approaches to a problematic situation. This is a bit like the famous serenity prayer. 1. Leave If this is an option might be useful to consider: would you5r life be richer, fuller and more meaningful if you left than if you stayed. If you can’t or won’t leave then you have 3 options left. 2. Stay and change what can be changed: If you have to stay or you choose to stay, then take control of your actions to do whatever you can to improve the situation or prevent it from getting worse. Actions are more in our control than thoughts and feelings so: What can you do physically? What words can you say to improve things? What strengths and skill can you use? What help can you get from the people and the world around you. NOTE: You can’t control other people but you can influence how they behave so the first step is to take control of YOUR OWN physical and verbal actions. 3. Stay and accept what can’t be changed and live by your values: If you’ve done everything you can to improve the situation or prevent it from getting worse and you still can’t or won’t leave, then accept what can’t be changed. Acknowledge- this is how it is at least for now, that you don’t like it , want it or approve of it, and that it is painful. Be kind to yourself, choose the values you want to live by, and find little ways to act on those values in your everyday life. 4. Stay and give up and do stuff that makes it worse: Unfortunately many of us choose this option when life gets tough. Maybe you have to stay or choose to stay in the situation but give up.- give up on action to improve the situation or stop it from worsening, give up on living by your values, get stuck in helplessness – all too hard. And then you do the self-defeating stuff like drugs, alcohol, eat unhealthy food, withdraw from people and activities, procrastinate, avoid challenges, or escape from reality in computers, TV and other distractions, holidays, reading books, listening to music, exercising. So even in the most terrible situation we have options and choices. We just need to work on them For more information on ACT Mindfully or Russ Harris, please visit www.actmindfully.com.au.
Mental Health First Aid Training The Mental Health First Aid Program is run by Mental Health First AidTM (MHFA) Australia, a national non-profit health promotion charity focused on training and research. More information about MHFA Australia here: www.mhfa.com.au Standard Mental Health First Aid covers the most common disorders such as depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders and alcohol and drug problems. 2014 Dates: 4th & 5th March 2014 7th & 8th May 2014 5th & 6th August 2014 4th & 5th November 2014 Youth Mental Health First Aid is for adults who live or work with young people. This course also addresses self-harm and eating disorders. 2014 dates: 1st & 2nd April 2014 1st & 2nd July 2014 9th & 10th December 2014 Both courses cover the development of a 5-step action plan for mental health first aid, managing suicide, panic attacks, psychotic behaviour and general communication skills. Training Location: Arcadian Surf Lifesaving Club The Strand Rockpool North Ward Qld 4810 Duration: 2 days Cost: $100 per person Registration Forms available online at: http://www.mifa.org.au/mentalhealth-first-aid
To find out more contact our Qld Manager Education and Training, Philippa Harris on 4725 3664, or email training@mifnq.org.au.
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Ann Smith Awarded OAM For Her Advocacy Work For Mental Health Patients www.adelaidenow.com.au / 26 Jan 2014
ANN Smith has seen how the mental health system works from both sides. The Morphett Vale woman suffered a serious neck and shoulder injury while working in a library in 1986. The injury sent her into a downward spiral, which resulted in severe depression. "I suffered chronic pain 24 Ann Smith, with husband James, has received an hours a day and then I ended Order of Australia Medal for service to the up with chronic pain community through the mental health sector. Source: News Limited depression," Mrs. Smith, 60, says. "I ended up as a patient with the Mental Health Service." Once recovered, Mrs. Smith decided to sit on the Mental Health Service Advisory Community in 1990, where she learnt about the rights of mental health patients. "I sat on the committee because I did not want anyone else to go through what I did,'' she said. "Then in 1992, the Federal Government set up a Consumer Advisory Group actually involving people with a mental illness or their carers and that was how I got further involved in the mental health system." Mrs Smith is currently chair of the Citizen Advocacy, Research and Education Group. "I lobby for the rights and better and fairer services for people with mental health issues,'' she said. Mrs Smith was awarded an Order of Australia Medal last Sunday (January 26), for her advocacy work with mental health patients. "When I got the call I thought 'are you for real, ordinary people don't get OAMs'," she said. "I was totally surprised, elated and I felt very humble that someone would think enough of me to nominate me.' Mrs Smith said she hoped people with mental health issues would seek inspiration from her story. "I came from a position where I couldn't read or write, I had lost all my skills and I used to sit in a chair and stare. "I was like a baby, I was so ill. "It shows you can recover, you can come back from it, you can contribute to the community and don't be afraid to stand up for your rights and don't be afraid to ask the hard questions from doctors and your psychiatrists ... everyone has rights.'' Mrs Smith said she could not have got though her ordeal without the support of her husband James and her children, David and Ashleigh. "My family has been through the mill, but my husband stayed with me. "A lot of partners walk away because it gets too hard. "James is my rock.'' MiNetworks Helping connect you with the information and services you need. Call us on 1800 985 944
Mental Healthcare of Defence Personnel 'Better Than Ever' www.smh.com.au/federal-politics
The mental health treatment of Australian defence personnel is better than it has ever been, but it is ''nowhere near perfect'', according to experts. The body of an Australian soldier, Captain Paul McKay, was found in the United States this week after he went missing in New York on New Year's Eve. Police found no signs of foul play but Mr McKay reportedly struggled with posttraumatic stress disorder after returning from Afghanistan in 2011. Professor Peter Nasveld, from the Centre for Australian Military and Veterans' Health, said the care of Australian servicemen and women had made ''enormous inroads'' since the Dunt Review of 2009, which compared the mental healthcare support in the Australian Defence Force with world's best practice. He said the two federal departments that look after the health of ADF personnel - Defence and Veterans' Affairs - had become much smarter about ''whole of health'' treatment, including physical, mental and social health. Neil James, executive director of the Australian Defence Association, said returned servicemen and women could run into problems with posttraumatic stress disorder after leaving the force. If that happened, the responsibility for their care fell on the Department of Veterans' Affairs. But sometimes it might not know they are sick. ''The way the ADF looks after people returning from a combat zone is quite good,'' Mr James said. ''But if people aren't ready to admit they're sick then it can be hard to treat them.'' For help or information call Suicide Helpline Victoria on 1300 651 251 or Lifeline on 131 114, or visit beyondblue.org.au.
Discovery of 'Teen Gene' Could Hold Promise For Combating Severe Mental Illnesses
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MIFNQ Visitor Update
Douglas Mental Health University Institute / Dec 17 2013
As many parents of mentally ill adults will confirm anecdotally, the first symptoms of "something not quite right" with their children begin to appear during the teen years. It is known that during this teenaged phase of brain development, adolescents are particularly vulnerable to psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, depression and drug addiction. Researchers at the Douglas Institute Research Centre, affiliated with McGill University, have isolated a gene, DCC, which is responsible for dopamine connectivity in the medial prefrontal cortex during adolescence. Working with mice models, they have shown that dysfunction of this gene during adolescence has behavioral consequences which carry into adulthood. The breakthrough provides the first clues towards a fuller understanding of this important phase of brain development. "Certain psychiatric disorders can be related Brain scan. to alterations in the function of the prefrontal cortex and to changes in the activity of the brain chemical dopamine," says Cecilia Flores, senior author on the study and professor at McGill's Department of Psychiatry, "Prefrontal cortex wiring continues to develop into early adulthood, although the mechanisms were, until now, entirely unknown." Even subtle variations in DCC during adolescence produce significant alterations in prefrontal cortex function later on. To determine whether the findings of such basic research can translate to human subjects, researchers examined DCC expression in postmortem brains of people who had committed suicide. Remarkably, these brains showed higher levels of DCC expression -- some 48 per cent higher when compared to control subjects. Prefrontal cortex is associated with judgment "The prefrontal cortex is associated with judgment, decision making, and mental flexibility -- or with the ability to change plans when faced with an obstacle," explained Dr. Flores, "Its functioning is important for learning, motivation, and cognitive processes. Given its prolonged development into adulthood, this region is particularly susceptible to being shaped by life experiences in adolescence, such as stress and drugs of abuse. Such alterations in prefrontal cortex development can have long term consequences later on in life." Hope to reverse the course of an illness By identifying the first molecule involved in how the prefrontal dopamine system matures, researchers now have a target for further investigation for developing pharmacological and other types of therapies. "We know that the DCC gene can be altered by experiences during adolescence," said Dr. Flores. "This already gives us hope, because therapy, including social support, is itself a type of experience which might modify the function of the DCC gene during this critical time and perhaps reduce vulnerability to an illness." The psychiatric consensus is that early therapy and support in adolescence, as soon as a mental health issue first manifests itself, has dramatically greater potential for a successful outcome -- and for a healthy adulthood. This discovery is reported in Translational Psychiatry.
Just recently, Percy the Possum came into the office for another visit. Our friendly Receptionist, Margaret, and her husband Garry, brought Percy in to say goodbye as he was due to be released back into the wild. He had made an excellent recovery after being abandoned by his mother as a baby.
The above photos show Ainne Hickey, our new Office Administrator, saying goodbye to Percy!
However, not to worry, we have had a new and smaller visitor, Tigger, in the office and we’re sure we’ll get to see lots of him as he grows over the coming months!
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Calendar of Events – February & March 2014
FEBRUARY 2014 – CALENDAR OF EVENTS SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY 1
2
3
4 Discovering Art with Cassandra 12 wk course starts – TSV Clubhouse
5
6
7 Winter Olympics Begin in Sochi
8
PeerZone Facilitator Course February 3 - 6 9
10
11
12
13
14 Valentine’s Day
15 LGBTI From Dying to Thriving Workshop Thuringowa Central 9am $10
16
17 LGBTI Equal Not the Same Workshop, Thuringowa Central 9am $50
18 QLD Mental Health Commission Workshops Brisbane, 10am
19
20
21
22 Open Dialogue Awareness & Training Tour SOLAS Aitkenvale $200+
23 Open Dialogue
24
25
26
27
28
Awareness & Training Tour SOLAS Aitkenvale $200+
Winter Olympics End in Sochi
MARCH 2014 – CALENDAR OF EVENTS SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY 1
2 Clean Up Australia Day
3
4
9
10 Safe in OZ - Introduction to Working with Individuals with SelfDestructive Behaviors
6
7
8
International Women’s Day 12
13
14
15
19
20 Families & Carers
21 Harmony Day
22 Mackay Purple Day Ball for Epilepsy MECC - $150
28
29
5 Mardi Gras
Ash Wednesday
Picnic Bay Surf Life Saving Club, Townsville - 9:30am www.safeinoz.com.au
16 Australia Healthy Weight Week Starts Tomorrow 17/02/2014
17 St. Patrick’s Day
18
Forum: Navigating the Disability Landscape 10-11:30am 3896 4222
March Equinox
23
24
30
31 Working w/ Young People Who Self Harm Workshop Condon, 9am $88
25 ADHD & the Processing Disorders Wkshp Brisbane tatratraining.com
26
27
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Advocates Want Law Abolished After Thousands Taken Off Electoral Roll For Being Of 'Unsound Mind' www.abc.net.au/news / 25 Jan 2014
Almost 5,500 Australians were removed from the electoral roll in 2011-12 because they were deemed to be incapable of understanding the nature and significance of enrolling and voting. Disability advocates say there has been a 13 per cent rise in the number of people disenfranchised on the grounds of being of "unsound mind" 5,445 people were removed from the since the 2007 federal election. roll by objection on the grounds of "We're concerned that this number unsound mind in 2011-12. will only grow as our population ages and the prevalence of conditions such as Alzheimer's and dementia increase," People with Disability Australia's (PWDA) Ngila Bevan said. PWDA is calling on the Australian Law Reform Commission inquiry to recommend abolition of the "unsound mind" section of the electoral act. The Human Rights Law Centre is backing the calls, saying the wording is vague and out of touch. "It is archaic, derogatory and stigmatising language that does not reflect the true capacity of people with disabilities to make decisions about voting," HRLC advocacy and research director Emily Howie said. "Any elector can object to a person voting if a doctor certifies that they are of 'unsound mind' and don't understand the nature and consequences of voting - it can be a family member, the people in an aged-care facility." ‘Section 93(8) disqualifies a person to have their name placed or retained on the electoral roll, and, in association, from voting, if they are found to be incapable of understanding the nature and significance of enrolling and voting, due to being of 'unsound mind' Commonwealth Electoral Act, 1918 The Public Interest Advocacy centre has joined the chorus of objections, saying a lack of understanding of the electoral system may not be limited to people with disabilities. "It could be argued that people of 'sound mind' do not understand the 'nature and significance of enrolment and voting', and take chances or make 'bad' decisions, regardless of whether their disability impacts on their decision-making capacity," its submission says. All three organisation have told the Law Reform Commission that an objector should be able to prove before an independent assessor that an elector lacks the capacity to make a choice. They also argued that the provision is in conflict with Australia's international obligations on the rights of the disabled. Ms Bevan says all Australians have the right to vote. "People with disability should be provided with whatever supports they may need to exercise this fundamental right and act of citizenship," she said. "This means a right to be on the electoral role, and the opportunity to cast a vote." The Law Reform Commission's report into legal barriers to people with a disability is due to go to the Attorney-General by August 2014. Data from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) suggests many Australians do not understand electoral law on updating their location. Almost 126,929 people were "objected" or removed from the electoral roll in 2011, mostly because the AEC could not find them. In 2007, 4,812 people were removed on the grounds of "unsound mind".
Indigenous OverRepresented in Suicide Rate: Mental Health Commissioner The outgoing Mental Health Commissioner says the state's Indigenous population is overrepresented in the suicide rate.
Three boys walk across dirt ground at a remote community
Last week, the Productivity Commission released a review into the nation's health sector as part of its report on government services. It found that WA has the third highest rate of suicide behind the Northern Territory and Tasmania. Commissioner Eddie Bartnick says there needs to be a greater level of community involvement and cultural understanding to tackle the problem. "Mental illness isn't a just a medical issue but really requiring supportive homes, supportive schools and work and a more of government and community responsibility," he said. Mr Bartnick also says the cost of providing mental health beds in Western Australia will often exceed the national average, because of the size of the state. The report found the cost per bed for WA mental health patients for the 2011/2012 period was $1,104 compared to the average of $918. Mr Bartnick says the figures are a reality of service delivery outside the metropolitan area. "Particularly in our rural areas our costs are higher but like every state and territory we are working to the national efficiency price so we've got strategies to do that," he said. Former under treasurer Tim Marney will take on the role of Mental Health Commissioner on February 17
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Aussie Program Helping Depressed Youth www.skynews.com.au / Jan 13, 2014
Thousands of young people are turning to the Headspace mental health program for help, according to a study published by the Medical Journal of Australia. The biggest issues are depression and anxiety, says the study, which is based on a census of 21,274 young people who attended 55 Headspace centres in a sixmonth period in 2013. The age group covered by the study ranges from 12 to 25, with levels of distress rising with the age of the client. More than six out of 10 clients are young women, with just under one in 100 describing themselves as intersex, transgender or transsexual. The report shows the centres have been well received by indigenous youth, but there is limited take up by immigrants from non-Englishspeaking countries. Underlying problems include work or educational problems, peer-group issues, bullying or problems with other mental illnesses, says study coauthor Patrick McGorry of the Orygen Youth Health Research Centre at the University of Melbourne. Although few young people say drugs and alcohol are their main reason for seeking help, people with emotional issues are at risk of self-medicating, says Prof McGorry, who is a Headspace director. He says families should feel confident that there is a youth-friendly place to go for help. Headspace was set up by the federal Professor Patrick McGorry government and has grown from 10 centres in 2007 to 55 in 2013. Half of Australia will have access to a centre by 2015, says Prof McGorry, but people throughout the country can access services over the internet. 'The study shows young people are voting with their feet and attending this new stream of mental health.' People visiting a Headspace office will be seen by a non-judgmental, youth-friendly person who will first of all provide a listening ear, says Prof McGorry. 'They will assess what the person needs and arrange an appropriate package of care,' he says. This could include a referral to a youth worker, a GP and a psychologist. There could also be employment and educational support. 'The great thing about Headspace is that it is an Australian innovation that has been supported by both coalition and Labor governments.' The program has been internationally recognised and experts from around the world are visiting Australia to get ideas for their own countries, says Prof McGorry.
MIFNQ Christmas Party The Townsville branch of MIFNQ hosted a Christmas Party for Townsville Corporate Service Staff, Counselling Staff and Board Members, along with their families at the Riverside Tavern on Tuesday, December 17th 2013. There were approximately 30 people in attendance and we all had a lovely night catching up!
Jan Grigg with Husband Steve
Alison Fairleigh
Ainne Hickey Dominic
with
partner
The crew on the patio at the Riverside Tavern
Schizophrenia Linked to Pregnancy Complications, Study Suggests Health Day News / Feb 6 2014
Rates of preterm births, C-sections and ICU treatment higher for mothers with the mental illness Women with schizophrenia are at increased risk for serious problems during pregnancy and childbirth, according to a new study. Canadian researchers analyzed data on births in the province of Ontario from 2002 to 2011 and found that preeclampsia, preterm birth and other serious pregnancy and delivery complications were twice as likely to occur in women with schizophrenia than in those without the mental health disorder. Women with schizophrenia were more likely to develop placental abruption (in which placenta separates from the uterus) and septic shock, to undergo induced labor and cesarean section, to be transferred to an intensive care unit, and to be readmitted to the hospital after discharge. "Traditionally, women with schizophrenia have had low fertility rates, and little attention was paid to their reproductive health," study author Dr. Simone Vigod, a psychiatrist at Women's College Hospital in Toronto, said in a hospital news release. "But recently, with fertility rates on the rise among these women, we must now turn our attention to ensuring their reproductive health and that of their babies."
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Supporting MIFNQ There are many ways that you can support us and the work we do at MIFNQ. If you haven’t done so already, why not become a member. Membership is free and an application form is on the back page or you can join online at our website. Volunteering is another way you can make a valuable contribution. We always have lots of opportunities for volunteers to make a difference to our services and programs. You may like to volunteer with administration tasks, assist with our extensive library, are a handyman or assist with our program courses which can range from reading, music, cooking, arts and crafts and a whole lot more. Many of our volunteers find they can receive as much themselves as they generously give.
About 1 percent of Americans have schizophrenia, according to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health. Symptoms usually start between ages 16 and 30. The researchers examined records for new mothers between the ages of 15 and 49, and found the risk of dying within a year of giving birth was more than five times greater for women with schizophrenia. And babies born to mothers with schizophrenia tended to have abnormally high or low weights. Women with schizophrenia also had more health problems before conceiving, according to the study, which was published Feb. 3 in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Compared to women without the mental illness, schizophrenic women were more likely to have diabetes (about 4 percent vs. 1 percent), chronic high blood pressure (almost 4 percent vs. 2 percent) and blood clots (about 2 percent vs. 0.5 percent) before their pregnancy. "[These findings provide] the information and tools to begin to look at what interventions we can put in place to help reduce the risk of pregnancy and delivery complications for women with schizophrenia," said Vigod, who is also a scientist at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences. "That might include providing better education so these women can make informed reproductive decisions, and ensuring the best medical care possible before, during and after pregnancy," he said.
Partnerships/Sponsors You might also consider becoming a business partner or sponsor of the Fellowship. Our dedicated staff put in many hours of unpaid work to enable us to provide the best service we can in the community. Business partnerships allow us keep the corporate services department running effectively and efficiently while allowing us to plan for future growth and the ever increasing demand for services. And donating to MIFNQ online is easy. Online Donations You can make secure online donations through the Give Now website through this link http://www.givenow.com.au/mifnq
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Mental Health Advocates Welcome Review's Rural Focus
The Mindful Revolution
hwww.abc.net.au/news / Feb 7 2014
Finding peace in a stressedout, digitally dependent culture may just be a matter of thinking differently
While drought puts a focus on mental health issues in regional Australia, Dr Jennifer Bowers says a more consistent policy approach would be helpful. (Anna Henderson)
Australia needs a more consistent approach to mental health policy, that doesn't fluctuate with the weather. That's the message from Dr Jennifer Bowers, from the Australasian Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, as a national review of mental health services begins. Dr Bowers says every flood, fire or drought brings renewed attention to the challenges of delivering good mental health services outside the cities, but that attention disappears too soon after the event. "It's really after that event that people need to take stock, and what happens is they throw a lot of money at it at the time, but in between times there are no additional resources or ways of actually getting in to those people to get them to prepare and help themselves in the meantime," she said. The Federal Health Minister Peter Dutton released the terms of reference for the National Mental Health Commission review this week. Dr Bowers and other mental health advocates have welcomed the review's particular focus on the specific challenges faced by rural, regional and remote communities. The chief executive of the Mental Health Council of Australia, Frank Quinlan, says he's encouraged by the government's decision to launch this review early on, which he says shows they're taking the issue seriously. In a tight budget environment, Mr Quinlan's hopeful about government investment in mental health as a result of this review, saying there's also a strong business case to be made that spending some money on good mental health services and programs now will save money down the track. The National Mental Health Commission is due to report back to government by the end of November.
Kate Pickert / Feb 3 2014
The raisins sitting in my sweaty palm are getting stickier by the minute. They don't look particularly appealing, but when instructed by my teacher, I take one in my fingers and examine it. I notice that the raisin's skin glistens. Looking closer, I see a small indentation where it once hung from the vine. Eventually, I place the raisin in my mouth and roll the wrinkly little shape over and over with my tongue, feeling its texture. After a while, I push it up against my teeth and slice it open. Then, finally, I chew — very slowly. I'm eating a raisin. But for the first time in my life, I'm doing it differently. I'm doing it mindfully. This whole experience might seem silly, but we're in the midst of a popular obsession with mindfulness as the secret to health and happiness — and a growing body of evidence suggests it has clear benefits. The class I'm taking is part of a curriculum called Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) developed in 1979 by Jon KabatZinn, an MIT-educated scientist. The raisin exercise reminds us how hard it has become to think about just one thing at a time. If distraction is the pre-eminent condition of our age, then mindfulness, in the eyes of its enthusiasts, is the most logical response.
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Coffee Break
Poetry HER LIFE by Ron Yennora That day it was raining at the evening. There was no sound except water running down the drain. I thought about the little black kitten who had blue eyes. The combination was stunning. It not my kitten, but I thought, if I buy it from the owner, what will happen later on? When the years will pass by and the kitten becomes a cat. Will she survive the cruelty of the world surrounding her? Many years passed since I met my destiny. Death. The cat at home with me. They will put her away. Then in that case there won’t be anyone to love and hate her, feed her and clean her toilet. So, I looked at the kitten for the last time, and left.
Inspirational Quotes
The above is an image of the Google homepage taken on the 7 th of February, the eve of 2014 Sochi Olympics in an effort to take a stand for athletes gay, straight or otherwise.
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Mi Networks AUSTRALIA Mi Networks is our promise that we can help connect you to information and services you need. From the moment you walk in the door or pick up the phone, we will welcome you. We will listen and discuss your needs. Many of our staff and volunteers have some understanding of what you are experiencing, in part because they’ve experienced mental illness or have cared for someone living with mental illness. Our Promise A place you are welcome -- We promise to treat you like a person, not a number. We will always have time to listen, question and discuss. We want to know how you are, what you need and how we can help. Peer Support -- Many of our staff and volunteers have lived experience: either living with mental illness or as the carers of someone with mental illness. We are people with similar experiences and we will have some understanding of what you are going through. Relevant Information -- We offer tailored and up-to-date information to assist you, your family members, friends and carers. If we don’t have the information you require, we will help you find it. Community Networks--We are linked into our local networks and have established strong and supportive working relationships with other services. We are connected to a broad range of programs, supports and information. A National Network --We offer a range of one-on-one and group support programs for you, your family members, friends and carers across Australia. If we can’t assist you on-site at one of our locations, we will connect you with someone who can. Personalised Referral -- We will refer you to the services and supports that best meet your needs. This may be a program we offer or it may be provided by someone else. We will support you to find the best fit for you. For further information go to the MiNetworks website or call 1800 985 944
Living Proof – Positive Stories of Mental Illness Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc MIFNQ-Cairns Mental Health Carers’ Support Hub MIFNQ-Day To Day Living MIFNQInc @CairnsCarersHub @MIFNQ @LivingProof @Roads2Recovery MIFNQInc
www.mifnq.org.au Townsville has an extensive collection of books, DVD’s, CDs, VHS and cassettes for members to borrow. Feel free to come in and browse around. Library Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm
Membership Application Form
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I would like to become a member of Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc.
Individual
Family
Organization
Please select the category/categories which relate to you:
Family Member Health Professional
Friend Student
Someone who experiences mental illness Other _____________________________
What Program/s are you current enrolled in (if any):
Day to Day Living Living Proof
Early Psychosis Respite
MH First Aid Well Ways Assisting Families Counselling
DONATIONS AND REQUESTS I wish to support the work of the Fellowship and I enclose a donation of:
$100 $50 $25 Other ____________________________________ Please contact me about a regular contribution I wish to donate in other ways…. __________________________________________________ Please contact me with information about helping the Fellowship through my Will YOUR DETAILS Name: ___________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Phone Home: _____________________________
Work: _________________________________
Fax: _____________________________________
Mobile: ________________________________
Email: ____________________________________________________________________________ Email Consent (please sign) ____________________________________________________________ (This consent allows MIFNQ to contact you via electronic media)
Image Consent (please sign) ___________________________________________________________ (This consent allows MIFNQ to use your image on print and/or electronic media)
On completion return to: Email: townsville@mifnq.org.au
Doc ID: Document13
Version: 1.10
Fax: (07) 4725 3819
Approved by: Chief Executive Officer
Post: Membership Administration Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc PO Box 979 HYDE PARK QLD 4812 Effective date: 16/01/2014
Review date: 16/01/2015
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The Master document is controlled electronically. One printed copy of each version is held for reference in the Quality Management System Master Document File. All other hard copies are uncontrolled.