Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc
Exposure/ritual prevention therapy boosts antidepressant treatment of OCD
Issue: OCTOBER 2013
Adapted by Medical News Today | 16 Sep 2013
NIMH grantees have demonstrated that a form of behavioral therapy can augment antidepressant treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) better than an antipsychotic. The researchers recommend that this specific form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) - exposure and ritual prevention - be offered to OCD patients who don't respond adequately to treatment with an antidepressant alone, which is often the case. Current guidelines favor augmentation with antipsychotics. In the controlled trial with 100 antidepressant-refractory OCD patients, 80 percent of those who received CBT responded, compared to 23 percent of those who received the antipsychotic risperidone, and 15 percent of those who received placebo pills. Forty-three percent experienced symptoms reduced to a minimal level following CBT treatment, compared to 13 percent for risperidone and 5 percent for placebo. The study, published September 11, 2013 in JAMA Psychiatry, was led by Helen Blair Simpson, M.D., of Columbia University, in New York City; and Edna Foa, Ph.D., of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. In an accompanying editorial, grantees Kerry Ressler, M.D., and Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D., of Emory University, Atlanta, note that antidepressants are effective in treating only a subset of OCD patients. They add that the targeted form of CBT works via different mechanisms "such as retraining the brain's habit-forming circuitry to unlearn compulsive rituals”. Matthew Rudorfer, M.D., chief of the NIMH Somatic Treatments Program, which funded the study, said that in demonstrating how different patients respond best to different approaches, it helps to move the field toward the goal of more personalized treatment. References: Simpson HB, Foa, EB, Liebowitz MR, Huppert JD, Cahill S, Maher MJ, McLean CP, Bender Jr. J, Marcus SM, Williams MT, Weaver J Vermes D, Van Meter PE, Rodriquez CI, Powers M, Pinto A, Imms P, Hahn C-G, Campeas R. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy vs Risperidone for Augmenting Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder – A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry, Sept. 11, 2013. Ressler, KJ, Rothbaum BO. Augmenting Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment – From Brain to Mind. JAMA Psychiatry, Sept. 11, 2013.
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Brain clues reveal risk of psychotic illness Medical News Today | 9 Sep 2013
New research has shown that people with psychotic illness show similar brain changes to immediate family members who present no signs of illness. In a study published today in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, researchers at Monash University, in collaboration with The University of Melbourne and the University of Cambridge, UK, found that these brain changes represent a marker of genetic risk of developing psychotic illnesses, such as schizophrenia. Lead researcher, Associate Professor Alex Fornito, Deputy Director of Monash Clinical and Imaging Neuroscience in the School of Psychology and Psychiatry, said these genetic markers could be targeted in the development of new treatments that may help to reduce the risk of developing psychotic illness. "First-degree relatives of people with psychosis are at increased genetic risk of developing a psychotic illness," Associate Professor Fornito said. "We have found that people with psychosis and their unaffected firstdegree relatives, who otherwise present no signs of illness, show similar brain changes when compared to healthy people." Associate Professor Fornito said even at the earliest signs of illness, patients showed altered activity (when compared to healthy people) in a specific brain circuit that links a region deep in the brain called the striatum with the prefrontal cortex. This circuit plays an important role in attention, learning and memory. "The fact that we see the same brain changes in this group, in the absence of any overt signs of illness, points to a neural biomarker of risk for psychosis," Associate Professor Fornito said. "Patients who showed more severe changes in this circuit also showed more severe psychotic symptoms, providing a direct link between these brain changes and illness severity." The study examined 19 young people experiencing their first episode of psychotic illness and 25 of their unaffected parents or siblings. A group of 26 healthy unrelated participants was also recruited to draw comparison. The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, to map the activity of different brain systems. The study also found a change in brain activity that was specific to patients but not their relatives. Associate Professor Fornito said this change may reflect a 'switch' that determines whether a person transitions from an at-risk state to full-blown illness. "We know that activity in brain circuits linking the striatum and prefrontal cortex are heavily influenced by the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is a major target for all medications currently used to treat psychosis," Associate Professor Fornito said. "The difficulty is that these drugs have rather diffuse effects on the brain, affecting many different systems. They also often have unpleasant side effects. "Our findings point to a more specific treatment target. We are currently investigating whether we can selectively improve activity patterns in the affected brain circuits using non-invasive magnetic stimulation techniques. If successful, using these techniques in at-risk populations may help delay, minimise or prevent the impact of psychosis onset." Approximately three in 100 people will experience a psychotic episode at some point in their life. Psychotic disorders have been estimated to cost the Australian economy over $2 billion each year.
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Embedded mental health clinicians 'saving lives' www.abc.net.au By Gordon Taylor – 10 Oct 2013
Fewer mentally ill people are being taken into police custody thanks to a new initiative by ACT police. Under the scheme, mental health clinicians work alongside police, advising them on how to deal with people suffering a mental health emergency. This is helping to de-escalate situations and has seen a 40 per cent drop in the number of mental health patients entering Canberra's justice system. "The clinicians can provide advice to the attending officers to reduce the level of attendance or the stigma of the attendance," Deputy Chief Police Officer David Pryce said. "They might provide advice on the approach that police take, they might even speak directly with the person if that's able to be done." In the past most mentally ill people in an emergency situation were held in police custody for their own protection and taken to a mental health facility. But there have been cases where the inability to defuse a situation has had deadly consequences. Two years ago, Nathan Doherty was shot dead by police in Wanniassa after he threatened them with a knife and a meat cleaver. The 27-yearold had struggled with mental illness for much of his life. In 2001, Jonathan Crowley suffered a psychotic episode and threatened several people with a bamboo martial arts stick. When police officers were unable to subdue him, they shot him in the neck, leaving him a quadriplegic. ACT chief psychiatrist Dr Peter Norrie says the new scheme offers better protection to mentally ill people caught up in confrontations with police. "I have no doubt it's saved lives," he said. "It's hard to quantify but I'm certainly confident that it's not only saved lives, it's also markedly reduced distress and produced some really good outcomes for people who would have otherwise been in the justice system." Because of this success, the current three-day a week project will now be extended to seven days. The joint initiative between ACT Health and police is a first in Australia, and has also included the intensive training of hundreds of police on the beat.
In This Edition
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Exposure/ritual prevention therapy boosts antidepressant treatment of OCD................................ 1 Brain clues reveal risk of psychotic illness ...................................................... 2 Embedded mental health clinicians 'saving lives' ......................................... 3 CEO’s Update ....................................... 4 Committee Chatter ............................ 5 Targeting isolation and restraint in mental health facilities..................... 6 Border Mail awarded for mental health campaign ................................. 8 Cairns Hospital staff rally over mental health beds shortage ......... 8 New Zealand Ranks Low in WellBeing Index; How to Improve Mental Health, Fight Depression10 Lift for mental health as Headspace arrives in Rockhampton................11 Youth mental health program to be developed in Isa................................11 Apps have potential for mental health benefits...................................12 Depressed workers suffer in silence ...................................................13 Mental health focus of youth forum .................................................................13 Up Up and Away ...............................14 MIFNQ Townsville Clubhouse.....15 D2DL Townsville Update ..............15 Mental health under spotlight ....16 Keys to Understanding...................17 Flash Mobbing With a Motivation .................................................................18 Guide a helpful kit for all...............18 Stigma sticks to mental illness in the workplace ....................................19 Removing stigma of mental illness vital ........................................................20 Beyondblue report shows doctors are at most risk of mental health issues.....................................................22 Free online program to help SMEs manage mental health....................24 Better mental health support......25
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CEO’s Update October 6 to 12 is National Mental Health Week and I am pleased to say that a number of wonderful activities have occurred to raise awareness of mental health issues. Our Mackay staff and Clubhouse members have been leading and contributing to a number of activities that have attracted great interest. On Tuesday 8th I was privileged to attend a Conversation Café run by MIFNQ and attended by over 55 people discussing the theme of recovery.
Jeremy Audas, CEO This event, from 10am until 2pm was an opportunity to explore the concept of recovery and hear some personal stories and reflections that were quite inspiring. The Choir of Unheard Voices opened the event and the book and DVD about the Choir was launched. On Sunday the 13th the Choir performed at the Holy Trinity Church as a prelude to the Mackay Roads to Recovery Walk. Also in Mackay Sandi Winner, a member of the MIFNQ board has organised a Q and A event with a panel of experts being questioned by the audience in the style of the ABC TV program of the same name. Everyone connected to MIFNQ in Mackay has put in a huge effort to raise awareness of mental health no more so than the people who participate in our programs. In Townsville MIFNQ participated in the Family Fun Day on the Strand, coordinated by the Townsville Intercultural Centre and later in the week Townsville Clubhouse members organised the Roads 2 Recovery walk along the Strand culminating in a sausage sizzle. This year’s walk was bigger and better than our inaugural walk in 2012 and I am sure it will grow in years to come. Congratulations to all involved in these events, especially in light of the amount of work involved. I’m sure you will agree that it is heartening to see such commitment and passion. SOLAS has been one of our closest allies and partners in the delivery of community mental health programs in the Townsville region and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rhonda Clark for many years at the helm of SOLAS as CEO. Rhonda is retiring soon after a long period working in and for the mental health community. She has been an invaluable contributor to the sector at many levels and will be fondly remembered for her strong stand on many issues and her important advocacy for people with a mental illness. I wish her well for the future in the knowledge that she has left SOLAS in a strong position. Recently I met with the Qld Mental Health Commissioner, Lesley van Schoubroeck along with Adrianne Hicks and Bernie Triggs, staff from the Cairns Mental Health Carers Hub. The Commissioner has an important job to do in Queensland and it is very pleasing to see that she is listening to consumers and carers, government and community as she moves around the state. She acknowledges that there is a lot of work to do in enabling better services and reducing pressure on hospital services, some of this involves a process to bring about better local decision making and decentralisation of the sector. In an interview on ABC local radio on October 1 she states that “The voices of consumers and carers are not quite a part of the system; the non-government sector is not as big (in Queensland). She went on to say that the focus needs to shift from beds and treating sickness to getting people back into the community. At MIFNQ we firmly believe that this is the case and support decentralised decision making, incorporating consumers and carers into decision making at a local level and ensuring that their voices are heard in policy making decisions. We look forward to hearing more about the Commissioner’s strategy and its implementation. Until next time, Jeremy Audas Chief Executive Officer
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Committee Chatter Another annual meeting has come and gone, signifying another year completed and another starting. Your new Management Committee has yet to meet, so there is little news since we reported to the AGM.
What we can advise is that we have passed yet another hurdle on our way to seeing our new Townsville building actually begin to be built. The City Council has completed its planning process and we have notified the Federal Government accordingly, so they can start putting money into our bank account for the building and the State Government, so they can give permission to the builder to take over the site.
Bob James, President
We have great challenges ahead over the next year. As I said in my report to the Annual General Meeting – “We have a new Federal Government which does not even have a Minister for Mental Health and we have a State Government which has cut primary health services. We have bureaucracies which have made it harder for small organisations like our fellowship to compete for funding with the big national charities, or even big profit-oriented corporates. Opportunities to build our services also exist, as the NIDS scheme gets underway and clubhouses financed partly by job funding schemes are developed. The changes in government bring threats and opportunities. We must be ready for both. We are still the best organisation in north Queensland to provide non-clinical support to people with mental health issues and their families and carers. We make sure that the funding bodies and their advisors know this and that other bigger organisations know that they need to partner us if they want to effectively connect with our people.� We have to listen to our governments, talk with them and work hard to ensure that our programs continue to be funded and continue to expand to meet the huge unmet needs of our community. We can take heart from the new Federal Health Minister, Peter Dutton making mental health the first priority of his first 100 days. All the news is not bad. We have to look forward to our uncertain future with optimism and a desire and plans to achieve our goals for our community. Bob James President
MIFNQ Management Committee President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Committee Members
Bob James (vacant) Jenny Chapman Sandra Hubert Alf Musumeci Donella Pickles Bruce Rampton
Promoting Recovery Through Services in the Community
Targeting isolation and restraint in mental health facilities www.theconversation.com – 9 Sept 2013
Most developed countries have laws that permit the detention and treatment of individuals with severe mental health problems without their consent. Practices such as restraint and solitary confinement (often referred to as “seclusion”) are sometimes used to manage certain behaviours. Earlier this year, the United Individuals with severe mental health problems can be detained without their Nations special rapporteur on consent-Shutterstock torture, Juan E. Méndez, called for: an absolute ban on all coercive and non-consensual measures, including restraint and solitary confinement of people with psychological or intellectual disabilities … in all places of deprivation of liberty, including in psychiatric and social care institutions. While the statement is not legally binding in Australia, it indicates that, from a human rights perspective, these practices are no longer acceptable. Different types of restraint Seclusion is defined in mental health legislation as the deliberate confinement of a person, alone, in a room or area that he or she cannot freely exit. Rates of seclusion vary markedly across mental health facilities in Australia. The term restraint is more difficult to define as it can refer to: physical restraint: where bodily force is used to control a person’s freedom of movement chemical restraint: where medication is given primarily to control a person’s behaviour, not to treat a mental health problem or physical condition mechanical restraint: where a device (such as straps, safety vests or mittens) is used to control a person’s freedom of movement. A 2009 report by the National Consumer and Carer Forum also refers to emotional restraint, where the individual consumer is conditioned to such an extent that there is a loss of confidence in being able to express their views openly and honestly to clinical staff for fear of the consequences. A priority for mental health care In 2005, Australian health ministers agreed on National Safety Priorities for Mental Health. One of the priority areas was reducing the use of, and where possible, eliminating the practices of restraint and seclusion. The National Mental Health Seclusion and Restraint (Beacon Site) project was established two years later to target these practices in Australian public mental health services and ran until 2009. Since then, an annual forum has been held to highlight research in this field. The next forum will be held in Canberra later this year.
continues next page
News in Brief
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Twitter doubles as rural mental health tool ABC Rural – By Virginia Tapp 20 Aug 2013
A social media coach says there are important mental health benefits for farmers who connect with others via platforms like Twitter. Alastair Rayner holds workshops to show farmers how to join social media platforms and increase the general public's understanding of what happens day-to-day on a farm. He says while Twitter is largely used to distribute information outside the farming community, it can also help farmers themselves by allowing them to overcome isolated working conditions. "The other thing that is really important is that it is reconnecting people. "There is a great camaraderie of people sharing ideas through social media. Yes, it is happening in a cyber-environment, but it is a great way of keeping people connected. "I think in terms of rural health and rural mental health - it is a
really important thing as well."
continued from previous page Last year, the National Mental Health Commission released A Contributing Life: The National Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. One of its ten recommendations echoed the 2005 national priority, in targeting the reduction of “the use of involuntary practices and work to eliminate seclusion and restraint”. In order to carry out this recommendation, the commission has called for all states and territories: “to contribute to a national data collection to provide Not all restraint is physical in mental comparison across states and health facilities-ephotography territories, with public reporting on all involuntary treatments, seclusions and restraints each year from 2013.” Progress towards elimination What progress has been made towards the elimination of these practices as urged by the special rapporteur? A recent report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare indicates that the use of “seclusion” for those who have been involuntarily committed to mental health facilities is falling. The service culture is also changing. An article by Joel Margarey in The Australian highlighted that the Canberra Hospital reduced its rate of seclusion by 88% in a year “by including consumer representatives in seclusion incident review meetings”. However, it is very difficult to get a clear picture of what is happening in relation to restraint practices, partly because of difficulties with definition and partly because reporting requirements differ markedly across states and territories. Most Australian mental health laws contain restrictions on the use of mechanical restraints (New South Wales has guidelines). The Tasmanian Mental Health Act 2013 and the New South Wales guidelines refer to physical and chemical restraint and the South Australian Mental Health Act 2009 sets out the principle that “medication should be used only for therapeutic purposes or safety reasons”. None refer to emotional restraint. Where the use of restraint is regulated, it is done so by reference to the concepts of necessity and reasonableness. The New South Wales guidelines, for example, state that: “in the use of [physical or mechanical] restraint, staff must be satisfied that the intervention is reasonable and accepted as safe, competent professional practice i.e. the least amount of restraint/force necessary to respond to the situation [emphasis added].” Similarly, sections 56 and 57 of the Tasmanian Mental Health Act 2013 allow for an individual to be subject to restraint if his or her mental health practitioner authorises it as necessary and is satisfied that it is a reasonable intervention. concludes next page
News in Brief
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Mental Health Study: Substance Abuse and Mental Disorders Kill More People Than HIV, Diabetes
www.au.ibtimes.com/articles By Reissa Su|29 Aug 2013
A new worldwide study revealed that more people were either dying or getting sick due to mental disorders and substance abuse than from AIDS, diabetes and tuberculosis. Australian and American researchers have discovered that disorders relating to depression have the largest percentage of 40 per cent of global death. Young girls and women over 14 years of age were usually the victims. Data taken from the 2010 Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) showed that mental illness and drug abuse were the ones to blame for non-fatal diseases in the whole world. The study took data from 187 countries and found mental illness and drug abuse to be the fifth biggest cause of death.
Even mild mental health problems could have health implications-Reuters
Mental health is described as a state of well-being in which a person is able to acknowledge his or her own capability in dealing with the normal challenges and stresses that life will bring. A person is said to be in good mental health when despite these stresses, he or she is able to be productive and contribute to betterment of the community. Mental health is disrupted when an individual gives in to stress and becomes incapable of coping.
conclusion This, of course, raises the question of the circumstances in which such practices can be considered necessary and reasonable. Some may argue that an absolute ban may not be the best approach in relation to restraint and seclusion because the practices may sometimes be necessary to ensure the safety of an individual or third party. Many countries are exploring ways to ensure they are seen as a last resort. A 2012 Draft Strategy by the Mental Health Commission of Ireland has identified nine interventions that can reduce, if not eliminate, the use of seclusion and (physical) restraint including “patient, family and advocate involvement” and “training and education”. Next steps The National Mental Health Commission has engaged an interdisciplinary team of ten researchers from the University of Melbourne, including myself, to investigate the extent of seclusion and restraint in Australia. The project will actively involve people with experience of mental health problems, families and other supporters, and will use multiple data collection methods. We will also look at comparable countries with the aim of identifying workable approaches to the reduction and elimination of these practices. The UN special rapporteur’s call for an absolute There are currently no guidelines that refer to emotional restraint in mental ban on restraint and solitary health facilities-shutterstock confinement in psychiatric institutions certainly challenges the status quo of how these practices are regulated in Australia. Working towards their elimination needs a collaborative approach that goes beyond purely a legislative response.
Border Mail awarded for mental health campaign
www.bordermail.com.au 2 Oct 2013
THE Border Mail has received an award from the Mental Health Association of NSW in recognition of its Ending the Suicide Silence campaign, launched in August last year. The award was presented yesterday at Parliament House in Sydney by the state’s Mental Health Minister, Kevin Humphries, to mark the start of Mental Health month. Mental Health month, in partnership with the Mental Health Association and Mental Health Commission of NSW was launched by the Governor of NSW, Professor Marie Bashir.
News in Brief
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Mary Valley to host disabilities farm stay scheme Lucinda Kent | ABC News | 2 Sep 2013
Queensland's first farm stay for people with a disability will be built in the Mary Valley in the state's south-east. The $1.5 million Honeybee Farm will offer short-term hands-on farm visits for people with Down's syndrome and their families. Activities like caring for animals and preparing food are designed to teach disabled visitors how to live independently. Farm stay coordinator Allan Rainbow says he hopes to inspire similar programs across Australia. "We see this in some ways as a pilot program and if we can get this model working, there's no reason it couldn't be done somewhere else, absolutely," he said. "The shortfall in accommodation for disabled people is enormous the figures are staggering - that's what got me involved. There's an enormous need for this and the reaction is positive from everybody." He says the farm will be built over the next few months and host about 30 people at a time for short-term stays.
Cairns Hospital staff rally over mental health beds shortage www.abc.net.au/news - Sharnie Kim - 3 Sept 2013
The Together Union says it is concerned that extra mental health beds due at the Cairns Hospital next year will not be enough to solve chronic overcrowding. Cairns Hospital staff rallied yesterday over concerns psychiatric patients are regularly being treated in the emergency department (ED) because of a shortage of mental health beds. They say it is a dangerous situation which is causing gridlock in the ED. The union's Dr Sandy Donald says management should consider sending some patients to hospitals elsewhere in the state to address safety concerns and poor flow of patients through the ED. "There is nowhere I have heard of that is even close to what we have in Cairns," Dr Donald said. "The fact that we often have people for days in the emergency department, we've had 15, up to 17 mental health patients in the ED and what's unique here is we've got nowhere else to send them short of Townsville." The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service says it is urgently trying to solve its chronic shortage of acute mental health beds. Health service CEO Julie HartleyJones says management is working on both long and shortterm solutions, including emergency funding from Queensland Health. "We've got 10 more inpatient beds coming online at the end of 2014, so what capacity can we do in the short-term, what funding will we require?" she said. "The Department of Health has requested a plan from us as to what we would require to do that, so that plan's in the process of being written, it's being consulted with relevant staff and we will submit that as quickly as possible." She says while it will be necessary to send some patients with complex needs elsewhere, the solution will not work on its own. "We have sent patients to Townsville but obviously it's quite traumatic sending them down on a flight with a nurse escort, then being discharged and them coming back up here and not having any local family," she said. "So what I'm keen to do is really look at planning mental health services in the far north so we can Julie Hartley-Jones, CEO, Cairns & Hinterland Hospital & Health Service be as independent as possible in providing health services locally."
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Mental Health First Aid Training
The Mental Health First Aid Program is run by Mental Health First AidTM (MHFA) Australia, a national nonprofit 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. Final Program for 2013: 3rd & 4th December Youth Mental Health First Aid is for adults who live or work with young people. This course also addresses self-harm and eating disorders. Final Program for 2013: 5th & 6th November 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.
New Zealand Ranks Low in Well-Being Index; How to Improve Mental Health, Fight Depression www.ibtimes.com/articles Reissa Su | Sept 9, 2013
According to the New Zealand Sovereign Wellbeing Index, most New Zealanders are depressed. The results of the recent study revealed the need to improve the country's mental health and well-being. Tracy Clelland, a lecturer at the University of Canterbury, said According to the New Zealand Sovereign New Zealand ranked low in the Wellbeing Index, most New Zealanders well-being index compared to are depressed. The results of the recent most countries in Europe. She study revealed the need to improve the country's mental health and wellbeing. suggested increasing the number of local events where people can come together. She said it would be better for neighbours to get to know each other or knock on their doors once in a while. A high Well-Being Index is equivalent to good mental health. Since New Zealand has one of the poorest well-being statistics, Ms Clelland said that in order to maintain a high well-being, Kiwis need to support people to flourish and not leave them in anguish. She described flourishing as experiencing life is going well. To have a good mental health meant to feel good about life. Ms Clelland said flourishing is a characterization of good mental health. Although an individual's well-being can be influenced by various factors, well-being can also be affected by how a person thinks. Personal values, behaviour and attitudes can change people's thinking. New Zealand's low rating in terms of well-being only demonstrated the need to improve one's outlook in life. Two-thirds of young Kiwis were found to be in a depressed mood. Depression is known as a medical condition in which a person may experience emotions like sadness, hopelessness and discouragement. How to improve mental health and fight depression If you know someone who is feeling a little down lately or you start feeling depressed, you can use these five steps to improve well-being based on scientific evidence: 1. Connect with people. It is important to establish contact with family, friends, neighbours, classmates or colleagues. Spend some time to develop and nurture these relationships. 2. Engage in activities. This doesn't mean going to the gym every day to work out. You can take a walk around the neighbourhood or park. Play football or go biking with your friends. Find something that you enjoy doing and make it a part of your life. 3. Learn something new. If you keep on learning, this will give you a sense of achievement and renewed self-confidence. Take cooking lessons or learn how to play a musical instrument. There are a lot of possibilities that you could take. 4. Give to others. Sometimes, the smallest things matter the most. Say "thank you" when someone gives lends you a helping hand. Smile at the janitor in your school. Volunteer at your local community centre. 5. Be aware. Take notice of your surroundings and the people around you. Help a friend who is going through a rough time. Being mindful can help you change how you feel about life's challenges.
News in Brief
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Commission will remain independent www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au 19 Sept 2013
The National Mental Health Commission looks forward to continuing to play a key role in providing independent advice to Government, particularly in light of being given the new task of undertaking a comprehensive review of mental health services and outcomes. Contrary to some media reports suggesting the Commission will be absorbed into the Department of Health, the Commission understands it will simply now report to the new Health Minister, The Hon Peter Dutton MP. Chair Professor Allan Fels said, "Our independence is critical to credible reporting and advice and to driving transparency and accountability. “As I have said previously, we will continue to bring a whole of life, whole of portfolio perspective to our work. In doing so, we will provide clear, independent advice to Government and engage with all relevant portfolios and sectors. “We look forward to working with the new Government, the Minister for Health and other relevant portfolio Ministers, to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians.�
Professor Allan Fels
Lift for mental health as Headspace arrives in Rockhampton www.centraltelegraph.com.au Christine McKee|16 Sept 2013
HEADSPACE is coming to Rockhampton in a huge boost to mental health services for young people. The Rockhampton centre will be a consortium led by Medicare Local and managed by former CQ University lecturer, Simon Burgess. He said the centre would be open by January 1 or earlier, "if a lot of ducks lined up before then". Headspace is designed to help young people aged 12-25 who are going through a tough time by providing support for problems like depression, anxiety, bullying and body image. Among its ambassadors is TV personality Ruby Rose who four months ago cancelled part of a tour to concentrate on winning her own battle with depression. Rose told Cleo magazine she had been sexually abused by a family member and began having suicidal thoughts at age 12. "That is why I work so closely with Headspace and the government on bullying. "I believe it's the secrets that keep us sick ... reaching out is so important when you feel alone," she said. Headspace is an initiative of Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation, and was the brain child of former Australian of the Year, Professor Patrick McGorry. It will run as a not-for-profit social enterprise with a café to serve the centre and for hospitality training. Funded by the Federal Government, Mr Burgess said Headspace had good bipartisan support. "Headspace works to destigmatise mental health and is about early intervention," he said. "We're not reinventing the wheel … there's a diverse range of professional organisations working together to a common goal." The centre will be staffed with doctors, youth workers, social workers and mental health nurses and also acts as a co-ordination and referral centre. Young people are encouraged to become part of a reference group to help design and input into the centre. A group of 12 young people aged 16-20, and some of their parents, made a valuable contribution to the practical design and layout of the centre in 155 Alma St when the invitation was extended last week. "They had a lot of good ideas, like asking to have a shower and laundry included," Mr Burgess said. A Facebook page is being established, which will allow young people to be part of the process without being directly involved in the reference group. Anyone who would like to know more or become involved can contact Simon at sburgess@cqmedicarelocal.com. Getting Help: If you, or someone you love is hurting, call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 Lifeline on 13 11 14.
News in Brief
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Youth mental health program to be developed in Isa www.abc.net.au/blogs 26 Sept 2013 , 9:00 AM by Emma Cillekens
The outback city of Mount Isa and surrounding communities will be used as a test site for a nation-wide program to help young people with mental health issues. Deadly Thinking is a program that already exists to improve the social and emotional well-being of Indigenous adults living in remote communities. Now the Australasian Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health wants to rewrite the program to suit youth and will run a pilot of that program in North West Queensland. The organisation is consulting with people in and around Mount Isa today to ask them what they think needs to be in the youth mental health program. Project officer Michelle Leenders says the area was chosen because of its proximity to remote indigenous communities and the high rate of youth suicide in the area. "The area is a greater high needs in young people," she said. "And if we can actually do some proactive stuff for people when they are younger, they are not going to need the services of mental health facilities when they are older because they will have the skills and ways to process information and get over problems."
Apps have potential for mental health benefits www.examiner.com.au By ROSITA GALLASCH -Sept. 16, 2013
MORE than 1.5 million mobile phone apps and web-based programs should be used to help a generation of young people tackle mental health issues, according to Michael Carr-Gregg. The respected adolescent psychologist said the fact that every young person had a smartphone or iPad had to be taken advantage of by professionals when it came to addressing mental health needs. Dr Carr-Gregg spoke at the first of four workshops and forums hosted by the University of Tasmania Department of Rural Health at the Launceston General Hospital yesterday. He discussed evidence-based apps and programs that Tasmanian professionals such as psychologists and social and youth workers could use to treat, diagnose and provide information on particularly prevalent issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and eating disorders. ``This adds a level of efficiency and cost-effectiveness which is really important,'' Dr Carr-Gregg said. ``This is terribly exciting, particularly for rural and regional areas where it's hard to get access, and to me that's so exciting because we've got a workforce shortage, and so using evidence-based programs that can make a difference to the psychological wellbeing of young people, the statistics really shocked them.'' According to the latest research, 20 per cent of young Australian men did not think life was worth living and the number of young women requiring hospitalisation for self-harm had increased by 50 per cent since 2000. He said the use of apps and programs was almost a necessity these days because of the prevalence of devices, the vast breadth of information available, their cheapness and accessibility 24-7 and a level of anonymity, in that you would disclose something on an app that you wouldn't say in person. Dr Carr-Gregg said an example of a web-based program helping people to reduce and kick a cannabis habit was Clear Your Vision. He said it was undergoing random trials and had so far been found to be as effective as face-to-face intervention.
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Plenty of local initiatives during Mental Health Week Mary Bolling – www.gladstoneobserver.com.au
BEATING DEPRESSION: Anglicare staff (from left) Robynne Cooper, Nicole Lees, Sinead Geoghegan, Hajer Torjman, Colleen Brandon, (back, from left) Kathy Horton, Gena Hitzke, Jessica Wolski, Shaun Comber, Mellissa Holzheimer and Marcelo Medina have a laughing session to promote Mental Health Week. Photo Mike Richards GLALAGH
5 Oct 2013
HOW to cope with depression and mental health issues have been in the spotlight in Gladstone over recent months. And next week's national Mental Health Week will see plenty of local initiatives to help people tackle the problem. Anglicare Gladstone is hosting several events, and is still taking bookings Wednesday's Laughter Session. The free event, held from 10am until midday, and again at 5.30 until 7.30pm, will encourage participants to laugh away stress, and discuss how to access support from the community. "It's everyone's responsibility to respond and ensure those experiencing mental health issues know they are not alone," spokeswoman Robynne Cooper said. "We believe mental health is about everyone and together we can make a difference." The sessions will be held at the Gladstone Tennis Association Hall on Glenlyon St. Register on 49728220. Everyone is welcome at Anglicare's Mental Health Week barbecue at Apex Park, on Friday, October 11. From 11am until 1pm, the friendly event is a chance to connect with others.
Depressed workers suffer in silence www.skynews.com.au
- 16 Sept 2013
Almost nine out of 10 people living with depression would rather 'suffer in silence' than confide in their work colleagues, research shows. This is because many fear that revealing their problem will harm their career prospects, a new report has found. Researchers are calling for employers to implement better support networks for their staff to ensure their mental health is protected. The report, titled The Elephant in the Boardroom: Getting Mentally Fit for Work, surveyed more than 4000 Australians with depression and stress disorders. Of these, 89 per cent believed the stigma in the workplace could be reduced if mental health disorders were given the same care and compassion as physical illnesses. Another 79 per cent wanted to see a mental health policy in place which listed all employees' rights and prohibited an organisation from discriminating against someone with a mental illness. Study author Graeme Cowen says simple things in the workplace can make life easier for someone who's having a tough time. 'One of the things is having a manager or people around them who seem to care about them as a person,' Mr Cowen told AAP. 'Having emotional support is perhaps the most important thing. 'However, he said it was equally important that other support systems were introduced across the workforce. 'Organisations need to make available easy to find, anonymously accessed, resources and information. 'I have never seen stress levels higher amongst Australian employees. He warned that employees risked making the situation worse for themselves by remaining silent, as managers could mistake their symptoms for laziness or incompetence. 'A boss could see it as a performance management issue, rather than someone who needs help and assistance.' Mr Cowan will present his report at the National ComCare Conference in Canberra on Thursday.
Mental health focus of youth forum
www.centralwesterndaily.com.au By Nicole Kuter – 16 Sept 2013
YOUNG people in regional areas with mental health problems are commonly forgotten by the system, according to an expert in the field. University of Sydney School of Rural Health associate professor Catherine Hawke said there was a lack of services available in regional areas and children often did not know how to seek help. She would like to see a youth forum set up in the region, inviting all schools in the central west to get together to Associate Professor help address the problem. “You need to Catherine Hawke, University identify the people before they get to the of Sydney School of Rural point of severe depression,” she said. Health That was the emphasis of a youth forum hosted by the university at the Bloomfield campus last week. continues next page
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Entertainment Book
The Entertainment™ Book is a local restaurant and activity guide, which provides hundreds of up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers from the finest restaurants, cafés, attractions, theatres and accommodation. Entertainment™ Books have been distributed by fundraising organisations throughout Australia and New Zealand for the past 18 years. MIFNQ will again be selling these books as a way to raise funds to aide in our efforts to assist those living with mental illness while supporting their carers and families.
The 2013|2014 Far North Queensland Book can be ordered from your local MIFNQ office or online at https://www.entertainment book.com.au
continued from previous page The Youth Health Forum Building and Supporting the Mental Fitness of Young People was streamed live from The Children’s Hospital Westmead to the School of Rural Health in Dubbo and Orange on Wednesday. Dr Hawke said the turn-out from community members and health organisations was promising, with the issue of mental health in young people becoming increasingly prevalent. She said there were warning signs to watch out for in children who were at risk of developing mental health problems. “Children who are quite anxious, withdrawn, have trouble socialising and are difficult to manage who otherwise would not be,” she said. Dr Hawke said it was important for parents and teachers to work together to talk with the child and help them access the services they need. “We know that one in four young people experience mental health issues and it is a matter of connecting young people with the services that are available and letting them know what is there,” she said. She said the youth forum would equip schools with the knowledge of how to spot children in trouble and where to get help.
Up Up and Away
Assisting Families Launch MIFNQ Cairns MIFNQ Staff attended Assisting Families training in July 2013 and it was time to launch the program. The Launch on 09.09.2013 was held at the Oasis Hotel and attended by 25 Carers from many locations including Cairns, Pormparaaw, and Tablelands. Staff presented module one “Assisting with Mental Illness “and also provided an overview of the other modules. There were two groups and each group had two facilitators. One group needed to relocate outside and were unable to use power point but as usual flexibility paid off. The participant’s handbooks were well received and we also provided some additional information, self-care tips and resources. We had some laughs as well as some very important learning and of course most importantly the day provided an opportunity to share. It was fabulous to have such a diverse group of people come together with a common interest to learn about supporting someone with a mental illness. The group included people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds, Indigenous people and a refugee family. What a celebration of diversity of family’s. All staff and participants had a good experience on the day and feedback forms were completed by all. Participants were keen to attend future modules so we are now coordinating to deliver the Assisting Families in Cairns, Atherton and Innisfail. Like all new things we learned some lessons. The Assisting Families modules also provide an opportunity for facilitators to use and develop their own presentation skills and communication styles. The Assisting Families modules appear to be accessible to all, relevant and interesting.
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Aussie Helpers looking for volunteers as drought conditions worsen
www.northweststar.com.au 1st Oct 2013
As the drought consumes even more of Queensland, Aussie Helpers through its Buy a Bale campaign is searching for volunteers who have time on their side. According to Brian Egan, founder of Aussie Helpers, mental health was becoming an all too familiar problem as the drought worsened. ''The next step in this drought will be the mental health of the farmers, their families and local communities,'' he said. ''The mental stress suffered by watching your stock die, your family's livelihood and in some cases generations of family work fail is crushing.'' Aussie Helpers, established in 2002 has a proven track record of helping rural Queensland. In the past four months, hundreds of thousands of dollars in hay has been delivered, pamper packs distributed and hundreds of farmers have been visited and assisted. As the drought grows, more one-on-one visits are needed and Aussie Helpers is looking for volunteers, particularly retired nurses and grey nomads. Charles Alder, of Aussie Helpers said: ''We're looking for people who have a few months to spare, have a passion for caring.'' Andy and Juanita Holden have experienced first hand the hardships of drought, and they decided it was time to give back to those that helped them and signed on as volunteers.
MIFNQ Townsville Clubhouse What is Townsville Clubhouse? Townsville Clubhouse aims to assist people living with a mental illness. It is a place where people can regain the confidence and skills needed to work and live socially satisfying lives. 1. Townsville Clubhouse is a Club that belongs to the Members who join and take part in it and make it come alive. 2. Members are made to feel welcome and we anticipate their coming to Townsville Clubhouse every Thursday. 3. Every part of the Townsville Clubhouse program is shared by Members working side by side with staff. Staff and Members do the same things. 4. Each Member’s contribution is needed and wanted to make each day successful. This underlies everything we do. Members and staff members support each other, care for each other’s well-being and celebrate each other’s success. These messages: being expected; being wanted; and being needed, are at the heart and centre of the Clubhouse. The Clubhouse aims to provide skills development and social opportunities to all its Members. Thursday Clubhouse Day Timetable 10:00 - Morning Meeting - Members and staff gather for meeting to plan days activities and allocate jobs 10:30 - Group will divide into two - Hospitality and Admin. The Hospitality group will plan and prepare lunch. The Admin group will undertake tasks to build and support the Clubhouse; such as creating a newsletter using computers, printers etc, send out correspondence, including birthday cards to members, plan future activities etc. 12:30 - All members and staff have lunch together, cost $2. 1:30 - All members and staff help pack and clean up. 2:00 - All members and staff count takings from lunch then budget and plan for next week’s meal.
D2DL Townsville Update
October 2013 - New Changes - New Challenges for D2DL program
As we move into the final quarter of 2013, our Day to Day Living program is changing to meet the growing interest of members in lifestyle activities and recovery based workshops. Tuesdays will be the day for Lifestyle activities. This month we will have beading or scrapbooking in the morning, followed by a healthy $2 sandwich lunch. In the afternoon, we are being joined by Robyn and Rachael, Allied Health staff from Ozcare, who are providing a series of Lifestyle & Wellbeing workshops, covering things such as Stress and Anxiety Management; Self Esteem & Assertiveness; Diet and Healthy Living; Relaxation and Sleep Hygiene; and the Importance of Exercise. Wednesday will see the continuation of MI Recovery, our peer lead recovery program and our outreach to the Acute Mental Health Unit. Our Thursday Clubhouse Day is a resounding success and we are extending our operating hours to accommodate an afternoon program.
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News in Brief
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Using depressed cakes to improve mental health www.Q13Fox.com – 6 Oct 2013 by John Hopperstad Q13 FOX News reporter and weekend anchor
SEATTLE — A phenomenon sweeping across England and major cities worldwide hit Seattle on Saturday. The shop was a one-day, so-called “pop up” bakery that helped raise awareness about depression. It sold cakes and cookies with a dismal-looking, gray-colored outside, but when you cut them open, a brightly-colored inside symbolizes hope. “Cakes are used for celebrations. They’re usually pink. They’re usually rainbow colors. And turning it on its head, to make them gray, representing the feelings that people feel when they have depression,” said event organizer Melissa Riddington. Proceeds from the event will go to the Seattle chapter of the National alliance on Mental Health.
continued from previous page Highlight of October is of course Mental Health Week and our Clubhouse members are organizing the Roads to Recovery Walk on Thursday 10th October which also happens to be World Mental Health Day. Come down to the Water Park on the Strand at 5pm and join us for a short walk to the Gregory Street Headland and back, followed by a free sausage sizzle. The air will be fresh, the sea breezes cool and the scenery beautiful. Great for mind, body and soul. Friday morning is all about Art with Cassy Roberts. You don’t have to be able to paint or draw, just be willing to have fun. During October, we will also be updating our records, so we may ask you to help us complete some forms and tell us what interests you and what activities you would like in the future. If you want to join an activity or workshop this month ring Sally on 47253664 or call in and talk to us. To accommodate the extended hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, there will be no activities or programs on Mondays.
Mental health under spotlight
www.dailyadvertiser.com.au 19 Sept 2013
KOORINGAL High School played host to the Murrumbidgee Dramatic Minds Festival last night, which promoted mental health knowledge and worked to reduce the stigma of mental illness in young people. The festival engaged young people in a creative way to explore the issues Performers: Bethany Skupien & Jamesa Aitken from Mount Austin High School perform associated with youth Schizophrenia-Picture Addison Hamilton mental health. Students were asked to research, write and perform an original 10minute play on their chosen topic of youth mental health for the festival. Their plays focused on the causes, occurrences, outcomes, help-seeking behaviours, hope and breaking down the stigma. Each participating school was allocated with a mental health consultant, who provided feedback regarding the accuracy of the mental health content in their plays. Students who have previously participated in the festival have reported an increase in their knowledge of mental illness and an improvement in attitudes to those with mental illness. The festival has also established collaborative working partnerships between health and a diverse range of community organisations.
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Inspirational Quotes
Keys to Understanding On Friday 13.September 2013 MIFNQ Cairns staff Janice Tiller and Jaqueline Conroy presented information about understanding Schizophrenia to family carers. This information was in response to a request from a Bhutanese family who are recently arrived refugees from Nepal. MIFNQ and other organisation have been working with the family. One of these organisation’s was Life Without Barriers ( LWB ) and Tony form LWB offered a meeting space and also sent an email (below)which really sums up the day. “HI Janice, My thanks to you and Jackie for the education session on schizophrenia presented at my office on Friday by MIFNQ. The participants at the session not only included several family members caring for a person with a mental illness, but also personnel from some of the community agencies which support the family. The agencies represented were QPASTT (Queensland Program of Assistance for Survivors of Torture and Trauma), Centacare Migrant Services, and Life Without Barriers. Also present was a volunteer tutor who works with the family on behalf of both TAFE and Centacare Migrant Services, and the interpreter who was so kindly organised by yourself. The two hour presentation has helped the family to better understand the characteristics of the illness which affects their loved one, and I could see the recognition on their faces as Jacqui described many of the experiences they encounter every day, and which have previously made no sense to them. The discovery that what they are dealing with is all just a normal part of caring for someone with a mental illness has, I think, also helped them to understand that they are not alone. The agency representatives are also grateful for the information they have were provided with during the session, and for the printed and audio-visual resources they were able to take away with them. These will do such a lot to build on and consolidate the learning that was achieved during the session. Having now attended that education session, I would like to wholeheartedly encourage everyone else who gets the chance to attend to do so. It is a session not just for families and community workers, it is a session for everyone. Thank you again, and kind regards, Tony” MIFNQ will continue to provide services for the family and encourage the family to attend MIFNQ activities such as Assisting Families and carer support group. MIFNQ valued this opportunity and will continue to build on this experience when presenting Assisting Families modules and working with families.
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After-hours mental health help at hand www.abc.net.au – 16 Oct 2013 By Chrissy Arthur
A new package has been launched in western Queensland to ensure people with a mental health illness get the best care possible when presenting after-hours to rural health facilities. The After-Hours Mental Health Orientation Package has involved the Medicare Local and the Central West Hospital and Health Service, with input from GPs and the flying doctor. Jill Mazdon from the hospital and health service says the resource includes best practice guidelines and it is timely given the drought. "Given the current environmental situation and the number of people that are being potentially severally affected by the drought conditions, it is timely we believe because health services may experience more people accessing help afterhours or within hours," she said. "To have this available to the clinicians should be a good thing."
Central west Hospital and Health Service Glasson House Eagle Street LONGREACH QLD 4730 P: 4652 8000
District Hosptals:
Alpha Hospital Aramac Primary Health Care Centre Barcaldine Hospital Blackall Hospital Boulia Primary Health Care Centre Isisford Primary Health Care Centre Jundah Primary Health Care Centre Longreach Hospital Muttaburra Primary Health Care Centre Tambo Primary Health Care Centre Windorah Primary Health Care Centre Winton Hospital
Flash Mobbing With a Motivation 5 Sept 2013 By Laura Kajewski
Townsville’s Senior Rights activist group have adopted the teenage craze of flash mobbing to raise awareness of elder abuse, break ageist stereotypes and promote positive images of seniors throughout the community in their recent performance at JCU. When the word ‘flash mob’ comes to mind, LOUD AND PROUD: Seniors of Townsville determined to you can’t help make change (image by Dominic Concar) but imagine a crowded cafeteria of teenage school kids breaking out in song and dance to High School Musical’s “Stick to the Status Quo”. However, last Wednesday, advocates of Townsville’s ‘Seniors Creating Change’ took ‘flash mobbing’ to a whole other level, performing unexpectedly in a Human Rights lecture at James Cook University’s Central Lecture Theatre in support of preventing elder abuse. The flash mob began with members of the group standing up one at time shouting spoken lyrics, followed by campaign-focused singing and an informative PowerPoint presentation outlining the causes and prevention of elder mistreatment. Flash mobber and social worker at the Townsville Community Legal Service, Sonia Mitchell, said the performance was aimed not only to confront, but also provide aspiring human rights professionals with an understanding of a societal issue that is often overlooked. “Most people have never heard about elder abuse and don’t understand it. We hear a lot about domestic violence, family violence and child abuse, but we very rarely hear about elder abuse,” Ms Mitchell said. “Therefore, what we wanted to do was to come into the Human Rights lecture and prepare students who are going to go into the workforce and engage predominately with older people.” Targeting the younger generation, the organisation strives to promote positive images of seniors throughout the community, offering a voice to the silenced. “While five per cent of Australian seniors are abused and neglected every year, statistics reveal that such violation of human rights typically occurs in the homes of the individual and their relatives’, as well as facilities responsible for the care and wellbeing of elderly citizens,” Ms Mitchell said. Consisting of 60 members, Townsville’s ‘Seniors Creating Change’ is the only Australian Senior Rights activist group of its kind. “There’s nothing similar to ‘Seniors Creating Change’. There are older people’s advocacy groups but they tend to be lobbying groups,” Ms Mitchell said. Having previously performed in Townsville schools and the Stockland food court, senior activists have been gaining community support and they hope to achieve international recognition in the next few years. If you want to follow the journey of Townsville’s ‘Seniors Creating Change’, you can find them on Facebook
Did You Know?
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Guide a helpful kit for all www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au 7 Oct 2013
AT a time when more than 60 per cent of our state is drought declared and so many of our primary producers are facing such adversity, it seems more appropriate than ever to be launching Queensland’s first comprehensive guide to mental health services. After months of planning and preparation, the 72-page Glovebox Guide to Mental Health is ready to hit the press and will be inserted into next week’s Queensland Country Life. The guide is the result of a special partnership between QCL, Queensland Health and the Tie Up the Black Dog committee and will be launched by Queensland Health Minister Lawrence Springborg in Goondiwindi on October 11 as part of Mental Health Week. Glovebox Guide editor Penelope Arthur said the publication included a comprehensive list of mental health services and resources as well as many “personal” stories from those who have been impacted by mental illness. “It’s been a privilege to work on this publication and I would like to thank all those who have shared with us their very personal stories over the past few months,” she said. “There was a time when most of these people didn’t want to admit they had a mental illness, but they have bared all in this guide to help break down the stigma that mental illness still carries in many parts of the wider community.” “When you see the guide in the paper next week, make sure you tuck it away somewhere handy. Stick it in the glovebox or on the bookshelf because you just never know when you might need to access some of the information inside.” Glovebox Guide advertising manager Rachel Smith also thanked the many businesses who had supported the publication. “I’d particularly like to acknowledge our major partners, Tie Up the Black Dog and Queensland Health but also all those other businesses that have helped us,” she said.
Stigma sticks to mental illness in the workplace
www.heraldsun.com.au- 6 Oct 2013
Latest figures show 74 South Australians contacted the state's Equal Opportunity Commission last year seeking information about potential unfair treatment because of mental illness. From these, 21 complaints were lodged from people last financial year with conditions such as depression and anxiety. Experts warn the problem was under-reported amid fears it was just the tip of the iceberg, particularly in the state's workplaces. "We know that discrimination often occurs at work because someone has a mental illness because it is such a taboo topic," Equal Opportunity Commissioner Anne Gale said. "And our low numbers indicate just how stigmatised it is, because people don't contact us anywhere near as much as they should. continues next page
News in Brief
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Beating Bipolar Disorder www.healthcanal.com – 16 Aug 2013
People suffering from bipolar disorder can now access a unique on-line programme designed to help manage their condition. Developed by Dr Daniel Smith, Dr Ian Jones and Professor Nick Craddock from the School of Medicine’s National Centre for Mental Health, the on-line website Beating Bipolar is the first of its kind to include interactive material and videos of both patients and professionals discussing the best approaches to long-term management. Dr Daniel Smith who led the development whilst at Cardiff said: "We think Beating Bipolar is a great introduction to a disorder which can be complicated but which is ultimately manageable. "Within the NHS bipolar disorder tends to miss out on psychosocial treatment approaches so this webbased programme fills an important gap at very low cost. "We are delighted that we have been able to make the programme available for free via the internet and hope that the information and tools provided make it easier for patients and families to manage bipolar disorder more effectively." Professor Nick Craddock, Director of the National Centre for Mental Health, said: "We would like to see all NHS mental health teams recommend Beating Bipolar to those who have been diagnosed with the condition. "However, the programme may also be helpful to friends and family to help them better understand what can often be a challenging condition for everyone involved." The programme is available at: www.beatingbipolar.org.
continued from previous page "There are all kinds of assumptions that are aired, such as that someone can't work as well or as hard if they have a mental illness and that is simply not true." Ms Gale told The Advertiser that while the discrimination could occur in a number of different ways, it was often when an employee was returning back to work after having time off because of a mental health issue. Mental Health Council of Australia research shows nearly one in four Australians said they had witnessed discrimination in their workplace relating to mental illness. More than a third said they had completely ruled out the possibility of talking about mental health at work, even if it was appropriate to do so. SA Health mental health and substance abuse executive director Dave Davies said while many workplaces were successfully tackling the issue he admitted there could be improvement. Katelyn Weinert will release a balloon for "Workplaces doing a good job are Mental Health Week on Tuesday, to those where there is an openness symbolise letting go of stigma. Source: and ability to talk about issues News Limited without being criticised," he said. "What we want to see more of is training for managers in particular to better identify and deal with all things relating to mental health." World Mental Health Week starts on Monday and at noon on Tuesday, hundreds of South Australians will release balloons with their mental health wishes and promises written on them, to symbolise letting go of stigma, at Hindmarsh Square. Among those attending is Klemzig resident Katelyn Weinert, who has anxiety. The 21-year-old said while she had not experienced discrimination in the workplace setting and was fortunate to have strong support from family and friends, any discussion on the issue was welcome. "The biggest thing I want is more understanding, for there to be open conversations around mental health," she said.
Removing stigma of mental illness vital
www.the herald.com.au – 11 Oct 2013 By Kristy Platt and Ross Tynan
WITH one in five Australians experiencing mental illness in any 12month period, the chances are high that a friend, colleague or family member may one day experience a mental health problem. We can all help by empowering our loved ones to talk about their illness, and through raising awareness of the services available to support those with a mental illness. However, many people do not seek help to treat their illness for fear of the perceived stigma associated with it. continues next page
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One in 10 Aussies Use Mental Health Services
www.probonoaustralia.com.au 11 Oct 2013
In 2010-11, 9 per cent of the Australian population (or 1.9 million Australians) received mental health services, according to a report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). And almost $6.9 billion was spent on mental healthrelated services in Australia during 2010-11, equating to $309 per person. The report, Mental health services in Australia - in brief 2013 is being released on world mental health day. ”Mental health is an important health issue in Australia,” AIHW spokesperson Dr Pamela Kinnear said. “An estimated 7.3 million Australians aged between 16 and 85 (45 per cent) will experience a mental health-related disorder in their lifetime. And, one in 5 Australians in this age range experience symptoms of a mental disorder each year. “Mental health services in Australia are provided through hospitals and other residential care facilities, hospital-based outpatient care services, community mental health services, and consultations with GPs and specialists. “Spending on mental health services increased by almost 6 per cent per Australian per year over the five years to 2010-11.” There were an estimated 243,444 mental healthrelated public hospital ED occasions of service in 2010-11. “This is an increase of almost 3 per cent compared to the estimated number of visits in 2009-10,” Dr Kinnear said. More than 80 per cent of mental health-related ED occasions of service were classified as urgent (patient should be seen within 30 minutes) or semi-urgent (patient should be seen within 60 minutes). The AIHW is a major national agency set up by the Federal Government to provide regular and relevant information and statistics on Australia's health and welfare.
continued from previous page In Australia the Mindframe National Media Initiative, managed by the Hunter Institute of Mental Health, works to offer journalists support and guidance when covering mental illness and suicide. In particular, Mindframe aims to provide the media with greater understanding of the impact of stigmatising mental illness and reporting responsibly. Research tells us that negative media reporting on mental illness can add to stigma by reinforcing common myths and stereotypes. Perpetuating these misconceptions can often impact significantly on people experiencing mental illness. The media is an important source of information about mental illness, for both the general population and for people with a mental illness themselves, so it is important that the coverage is accurate and responsible. Australian research shows that media reports involving mental illness are extensive and generally well handled. There are various common misconceptions sometimes reinforced in the media, from the myth that having a mental illness is a ‘‘life sentence’’, to the belief that those who experience mental illness are more violent than someone without an illness. The truth is that someone with a mental illness is probably more likely to be a victim of violence and that most people are able to recover when given access to the right treatment and support. The good news is that the Australian media has improved remarkably over the past decade at de-stigmatising mental illness, by producing more balanced stories that provide insight into the realities of mental illness. Importantly, the media is also now more likely to challenge those who attempt to stigmatise mental illness.
CONFRONTING: Mental Illness is common, with one in five Australians experiencing it each year
Most recently, a story circulated in the international media about a ‘‘mental patient’’ fancy dress outfit sold in the United Kingdom, and three top retailers were criticised for trivialising mental health issues. One image was of a ragged, blood-spattered straitjacket worn by someone covered in blood and brandishing a machete. While a few attempted to defend the costumes as ‘‘light-hearted humour’’, it was heartening to know that the vast majority of the community (including consumers, carers and mental health agencies) argued quite rightly that if we allow costumes like this to be produced, we are commercialising common prejudices and reinforcing stigma, such as the danger posed by someone with a mental illness, and that you should be scared of anyone who has used mental health services. continues next page
News in Brief
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Werribee clinic a boon to mental health services Wwe.wyndhamweekloy.com.au By Laura Little – 16 October 2013
Access to mental health services has improved since the opening of a private clinic in Werribee. The Wyndham Clinic, a hospital on Hoppers Lane, opened last week, providing residents with access to 30 mental health beds. Chief executive David Gibson said the hospital had been three years in the making. “Wyndham Clinic fills a large gap for greater Melbourne in the provision of mental health services with a full private mental health facility,” he said. The hospital is the first private mental health centre in the city and is expected to ease demand for help while Werribee Mercy Hospital’s mental health unit is expanded. As reported by the Weekly, Mercy’s 54-bed unit is expected to open in 2016. The expansion will nearly double the hospital’s mental health capacity from 29 beds to 54. Ten beds will be high-dependency – for high-risk patients who are violent or suicidal and need monitoring. Four beds will be used to assess people experiencing short-term mental health conditions such as psychosis or drug overdose.
continued from previous page Stigmatising those with mental illness as not being able to work was recently challenged in Newcastle, as reported by the Newcastle Herald, when a cafe owner posted a job ad on its Facebook page saying people with ‘‘conditions’’ such as feeling depressed should not apply. Such views are from the dark ages and the media enable uninformed prejudice such as this to be called to account. So, as individuals, we can all challenge stigma. People should not be afraid to challenge others’ misconceptions of mental illness by, where appropriate, gently pointing out the facts – mental illness is common, recovery and management are possible, and people are not to blame for their illnesses. Comic Ricky Gervais described this perfectly when he tweeted: ‘‘Telling someone with mental illness to ‘pull themselves together’ is as helpful as telling someone with AIDS to ‘just snap out of it’.’’ For further information about mental illnesses, talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust, or contact SANE Australia Helpline 180018SANE (7263) or sane.org. If you need immediate assistance, call Lifeline on 131114. Kristy Platt and Ross Tynan work on the Mindframe National Media Initiative at the Hunter Institute of Mental Health.
Beyondblue report shows doctors are at most risk of mental health issues 7 Oct 2013 Sue Dunlevy – News Limited Network
DON'T expect any sympathy from your doctor because they are likely to be burnt out, boozing too much and as depressed as their patients. A beyondblue survey of 14,000 medicos has found one in five doctors has contemplated suicide, one in four has depression or a minor psychiatric disorder and as many as one in six is drinking at moderate risk levels. Almost half the nation's young doctors reported high emotional exhaustion and high cynicism levels. Long and unpredictable hours, the stress of dealing with patients who are dying or in pain and the risk of making a misdiagnosis are to blame for their poor mental health, doctors say. Cancer doctors who deal with patient death on a regular basis are most likely to have a minor psychiatric disorder. Emergency medicine doctors are most likely to drink at moderate risk levels and rural doctors are more likely to drink at harmful levels. Doctors say they fear seeking help for their problems because they worry it could affect their career, put at risk their right to practise and they believe they should be tougher. More than half those with a problem said lack of privacy about their condition was a barrier to seeking help and more than a third said embarrassment was a barrier. Kate Carnell continues next page
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Four Ways to Stress Less
by ABC Health & Wellbeing 14 Oct 2013
Feeling swamped by excessive pressures and demands? These stress busters can help get you through tough times as well as build your resilience to future toxic episodes.
Make time for fun - Give yourself permission to have fun regularly without feeling guilty. Not only do absorbing interests take your mind off stressors, but when you do them with friends you're developing social networks that are a vital support resource in a crisis. Learn to relax - Relaxation exercises, where you learn to progressively release tension from major muscle groups, can help reverse escalating tension. But practising relaxation regularly (even when you're not stressed) is also a buffer to becoming stressed in the first place. Simple meditation exercises that involve training your mind to pay attention are also very useful stress reduction tools. Talk it out - Talking a problem through with a friend, colleague, doctor or therapist can help to put it in to perspective and throw a new, objective view on it. It can also remedy feelings of isolation that make your stress levels worse. Talking shows you want to find effective solutions and is not a sign of weakness. Say 'no' - Being unable to say 'no' can leave you exhausted and overloaded. It's often linked to an underlying belief that it is essential to please or be liked by others at all times. Practise assertiveness skills so you can refuse excessive demands while still earning respect from yourself and those around you.
continued from previous page Ten per cent of medical students use illicit drugs two to three times a month and 6 per cent of doctors self-prescribed medications to treat their anxiety and depression, the survey found. Female doctors were more likely to talk to others as a coping mechanism while male doctors were more likely to drink, smoke and take non-prescription medication. The survey found doctors with depression were more likely than those in the general population to seek help and use medication. Beyondblue chairman Jeff Kennett said the survey was a "wake up call to the Australian medical community that more must be done to tackle things such as overwork and discriminatory attitudes". "If doctors do not deal with the mental health issues they are experiencing it can affect their ability to deliver the best care," beyondblue CEO Kate Carnell said. Former Australian Medical Association president and beyondblue adviser Dr Mukesh Haikerwal says the red tape burden faced by doctors needs to be reduced to lighten their load and doctors need to be taught other ways of dealing with stress than "hitting the bottle". Beyondblue wants medical workplaces reformed and working hours made more reasonable. It says doctors should be given support and counselling and says the stigma surrounding doctors seeking help for mental health problems needs to be broken. Bendigo anaesthetist Dr David Noble was diagnosed with depression at age 25, just after completing his medical internship. "I didn't recognise it, someone else sought help on my behalf," says the 48-year-old, who says it took him 15 years to fully recover. "If you put anyone under enough stress you can break them," he said. Dr Noble says he can't get income protection because of his medical history and he confirms the stigma around a doctor with mental illness is "very real". However, he says it is misplaced because doctors who have experienced depression have better insight into their patients, are more likely to have empathy and be better doctors. "They are the doctors you want to succeed," he said. He urges young doctors experiencing depression to seek help, "you can get help without a label," he says.
If you or anyone you know is contemplating suicide call Lifeline on 1311 14.
Poem
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Untitled
There comes a point in life where you hit the bottom And realise you’re a role model for young women who get hurt And go through or went through the same abuse as you. You realise they never get the chance to stand up And say STOP, Unlike you. You have the courage, the strength to say Hey, I’m black, strong, amazingly beautiful And I have a life to live And you definitely messed with the wrong, independent woman. You could even say you’re superwoman. I’m over the dark corner I’m going to put you there And make sure you don’t move throw the key away And make sure it hits the bottom of the pain you put me in Cause I have found a purpose in supporting young women I deserve respect! Every woman does To stand up and say You can’t hurt me now Best believe it , Cause I sure do
Written by a young 17 year old woman recovering from depression, who had been abused
Free online program to help SMEs manage mental health www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au 15 October 2013
MENTAL health organisation, beyondblue, used last week's World Mental Health Day to launch a free online training program to help small business owners manage mental health issues in the workplace. The Business in Mind (BIM) program addresses the unique challenges faced by smaller businesses, which often don't have money for specialist human resource services commonly found in larger organisations. The interactive online program features video interviews with SME owners giving tips about how to recognise signs and symptoms of mental health problems in the workplace and how to help an employee. There are also interviews with owners who discuss how they manage their own mental health and how to have a mentally healthy workplace. beyondblue CEO Kate Carnell said depression is common, can affect both business owners and employees, and costs the Australian economy $12.3 billion every year through absenteeism, reduced productivity and staff turnover. KNOW THE SIGNS: Many people suffer depression without seeking diagnosis or help. "The fewer people there Keep an eye out for the symptoms in yourself, are working in a business, family and friends. John Gass the greater the potential for impact, which is alarming when you consider that small to medium businesses employ around 70% of Australian workers," she said. Chief Executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Peter Anderson said ACCI and its members are pleased to have contributed to BIM online as part of its beyondblue collaboration agreement. "This online program holds great promise that our combined voices and resources can improve outcomes for small businesses and their people. I have long been concerned that workplace health and safety is wrongly seen through the prism of employer obligations to staff, whereas the well-being of business owners and their families working long and stressful hours is just as important. The case for self-care, understanding early warning signs and having the confidence to do something about them is a barrier needing to be broken. "The human and economic cost and the consequences of mental illness in workplaces can be devastating and these are outcomes that small businesses can ill afford," Mr Anderson said. Executive Director of the Council of Small Businesses of Australia (COSBOA) Peter Strong said small business people and their families will find there are great rewards in ensuring their workplaces are mental health-friendly and believes finding time to access the Business in Mind program will be a worthwhile investment.
concludes next page
BOOK REVIEW
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The Best of Times, the Worst of Times
An honest and inspiring personal account of living with bi-polar disorder. Our family's journey with bipolar Penelope Rowe and Jessica Rowe
Description There is nothing romantic, glamorous or even remotely colourful about manic-depressive illness.' - Penelope Rowe. I never felt embarrassed by Mum's illness but I did feel powerless when faced with her depression.' - Jessica Rowe. Penelope and Jessica Rowe have something in common, Bipolar disorder. Penelope has lived with it for over forty-five years although she was not diagnosed until her early thirties. Jessica has lived with it all her life as the eldest child of an ill mother. This is their story about coping with an unpredictable enemy, and the way in which, with the support of family and friends, they managed to get through each day and survive. The Best of Times, The Worst of Times is a joyful affirmation of the resilience, tenacity and courage of the human spirit and the allencompassing power of unconditional love. ISBN: 9781741146615 Aust Pub: Allen & Unwin Publisher: Allen & Unwin Imprint: Allen & Unwin Subject: Autobiography Price: AUD $26.95 inc GST
conclusion "People in the small business sector often face enormous financial pressures and a whole range of stresses which can negatively affect their health and create a stressful work environment for staff. This online resource will give small businesses access to the kind of mental health training and personal support which is available to most employees in big businesses - and will benefit them in spades," Mr Strong said.
BOOK REVIEW
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Better mental health support
www.inmycommunity.com.au Emma Young – 15 October 2013
MENTALLY ill people may not need to fear falling through the cracks any longer, with the launch of a new support system in Perth’s south-east. The first of five Partners In Recovery (PIR) programs to be launched in WA is through Bentley-Armadale Medicare Local, which serves the South Perth, Victoria Park, Belmont, Canning, Serpentine Jarrahdale, Gosnells and Armadale areas. Eventually, all Australian Medicare Locals will have the program. Mental health service provider Richmond Fellowship WA is the lead independent agency involved. Richmond Fellowship WA CEO Joe Chief executive Joe Calleja said that CalleJa with more than 35 years of experience in social services and mental health, he had seen the sectors’ limitations and the confusion surrounding mental illness. “Many support organisations aren’t mental health-specific and don’t understand what’s behind a person’s behaviour,” he said. “When clients experience a lot of rejection, in the process they learn it’s better not to accept help at all and will force the rejection by being difficult, unco-operative, resistant.” Mr Calleja said the episodic nature of this behaviour could put work attendance and attitude, and therefore income and housing, at risk. “I know people who have lost their jobs because of this sort of thing,” he said. “Education and mentoring can help agencies understand these behaviours and they will be able to respond with more empathy.” He said PIR would co-ordinate support services that until now had supported people in isolation, and allocate flexible funding to meet individual, short-term needs. He said this would bring about systematic change. “I think the Medicare Local partners feel excited about being able to make a real difference in people’s lives… and about changing the broader social services and health system,” he said.
By Susan Tanner and Jillian Ball (Distributed by NewSouth Books, $29.95, 241 pages) When depression is described as the ‘common cold of the psyche’, what follows are some sobering factors: at any time, one in five adults is feeling down; one in 10 shows more significant signs of depression. This updated edition, an introduction to the highly effective treatment known as Cognitive Therapy (CT), familiarises you with the way you think and how this affects your mood and behaviour. The self-help approach to overcoming depression has Tanner and Ball offering strategies to shed “faulty thinking habits”. Their credentials are impeccable. Tanner, is a consultant psychologist who has specialised in the treatment of anxiety disorder and depression for over 25 years, and Dr Ball is a clinical psychologist who specialises in the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and eating disorders. Questionnaires, self-tests and case studies are used from their work as they demonstrate that you can control what you think and, therefore, how you feel. There are queries to determine if you are suffering from depression, a stepby-step program to overcome it, then ways to enable you to break the circle of lethargy and overcome feelings of ineptness, unrelenting attacks of jealousy, isolation and the suicidal urges.
Wagga set for nation's top mental health care www.abc.net.au/news - 15 Oct 2013
The Riverina's new mental health unit at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital has been flagged as the best in the country. The unit will be officially opened by the New South Wales Health Minister Jillian Skinner and the Minister for Mental Health Kevin Humphries on Monday after an open day for the public this Sunday. The Murrumbidgee Local Health District's Director of Mental Health Robyn Manzie says staff for the acute beds have started work and the sub acute section is close to being fully staffed. Ms Manzie says it is a very exciting time with patients starting to move in in a fortnight. "It's a lovely facility, it's state of the art, it's probably the best in Australia," she said. "There's a community open day on Sunday the 20th of October where people are very welcome to come and have a look through the new facility. We have an official opening on the 21st of October and we start moving patients in on the 29th." The new facility expands bed numbers from 18 to 50 and includes a sub-acute section for rehabilitation. The Murrumbidgee Local Health District says a stable service is currently provided by a team of fly-in psychiatrists from Sydney, but it is hoped there will be more locally based doctors in future. Director of Mental Health Robyn Manzie says after Sunday's open day and the official opening, existing patients will move into the first 20 new beds in a fortnight. "We will also open two extra high dependency unit beds on the 29th." Ms Manzie says the new mental health unit will also provide 24 hour care for young people and it can accommodate a family member too. Director of Mental Health Robyn Manzie says the sub-acute unit will provide a good recovery environment. "There are several rooms that are larger than ordinary bedrooms." "They're close to nurses stations so there is capacity to admit a young person locally, that a family member can stay with them." "They are always a nursing, what we call 'special', if we have an adolescent or child in the unit, so there's room for that staff member to be with them on a 24-7 basis."
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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. 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.
Mi Networks AUSTRALIA
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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 http://www.minetworks.org.au/ 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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OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Received: ___________________
Membership No: ___________ Entered: ____________________ Initials: _____________________
I would like to become a member of Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc. Membership is free.
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Please select the category/categories which relate to you:
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Someone who experiences mental illness Other _____________________________
What Program/s are you currently enrolled in (if any):
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MH First Aid Respite Well Ways
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On completion return to:
Email: townsville@mifnq.org.au
Fax: (07) 4725 3819
Post: REPLY PAID 979 Membership Administration Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc PO Box 979 HYDE PARK QLD 4812