Mental wellbeing is a state in which people are able to develop their potential and work productively. Our state of mind affect how we think, feel and behave. It also helps in determining how we handle challenges, interpersonal relationships and decision making. Mental health is important at every stage of life – from childhood, adolescence through to adulthood.
Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:
- Biological factors – genetic predisposition to mental illness
- Life experiences – trauma or abuse
- Migration – due to persecution or warfare
Mental illness is quite common, with a significant number of Australian inhabitants developing a mental illness at some stage in their lives. Mental health problems also have negative implications on businesses through increased absenteeism, negative impact on productivity and an increase in costs to deal with the issue. Recognising and appropriately treating mental health problems is challenging, even more so among new immigrants and refugees because of language and culture barriers. The migration process can be divided into three components: pre-migration, migration and post-migration resettlement. Each phase is associated with specific risks and exposures. The prevalence of specific types of mental health problems is influenced by the nature of the migration experience, in terms of adversity experienced before, during and after resettlement.
Immigrants and refugees sometimes experience challenges in acclimating to their new environment. Difficulties include language and cultural barriers, the effect of cultural shaping of symptoms and illness behaviour on diagnosis, loss of family and community support, lack of recognition of professional qualifications and trauma, experienced before or after migration.
Refugees and asylum seekers living in Australia are particularly vulnerable to self-harm and suicidal behaviours, but luckily these issues can be addressed through specific inquiry, with the use of trained interpreters – meeting with families and consulting with community organisations.
In Australia, there are a several institutions that specialise in mental health care. These are:
1. Headspace
Headspace is an Australian youth organisation for mental health initiative established by the Australian government in 2006. The project is funded by the Department of Health and Ageing under the Youth Mental Health Initiative Program. Headspace offers support for those aged 12 to 25 years old on a range of issues including depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol and drug use, sexuality, sexual health, personal or family relationship issues and bullying. Young people and their families can get support at a headspace centre as well as online and telephone support service e-headspace.
2. Beyond Blue
Beyondblue is an Australian independent non-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other related mental disorders. Beyondblue works in partnership with health services, schools, workplaces, universities, media and community organisations, as well as people living with anxiety and depression, their friends and family, to raise community awareness of anxiety and depression and reduce associated stigma.
3. MH Australia
Mental Health Australia is the peak, national non-government organisation representing and promoting the interests of the Australian mental health sector and committed to achieving better mental health for all Australians. It was established in 1997 as the first independent peak body in Australia to represent the full spectrum of mental health stakeholders and issues.
4. Mission Australia
Mission Australia is a non-denominational Christian charity that provides a range of community services throughout Australia.
5. MensLine
MensLine Australia is the national telephone and online support, information and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns. The service is available from anywhere in Australia and is staffed by professional counsellors, experienced in men’s issues. MensLine Australia is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and is delivered by On the Line, Australia’s leading professional telephone and online counselling provider.
