In times of darkness, there is always light

EARLIER this week was World Mental Health Day and if there was ever a time for Australians to focus on the issue, this is it. Especially after the three years of China-virus induced dislocation, loss of freedom, school closures, bankruptcies and government overreach putting ever increasing numbers of Australians at risk.

According to the 2021 national census, the most common health issue is mental illness, with 2,231,543 Australians affected. A more recent ABS survey also paints a disturbing picture with 43.7 per cent of Australians aged 16-85 experiencing a mental disorder. Titled the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, the study concludes the most common forms of mental disorder include anxiety, depression and substance abuse. The suicide rate is especially alarming with eight Australians, on average, ending their lives each day.

Such is the prevalence of anxiety and depression it should not surprise you that Australia has such high rates of alcohol and drug abuse. According to the Criminal Intelligence Commission, Australia has the highest methylamphetamine (ice) consumption per head of population compared to 24 other countries.

Research suggests 33 per cent of Australians regularly exceed the recommended daily use of alcohol leading to the situation where the impact of alcohol abuse amounts to $64 billion a year in terms of health, workplace, road accident and personal costs. Add other drugs and there is no doubt Australia is suffering a drug and alcohol-induced epidemic. What’s to be done?

Viktor Frankel, who was imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps during the Second World War and who suffered and witnessed unspeakable acts of cruelty, suggests those who survived held on to a more spiritual and enriching view of life.

While acknowledging suffering and pain are ever present, Frankel writes: “The consciousness of one’s inner value is anchored in higher, more spiritual things, and cannot be shaken by camp life”. It’s also vital to recognise no matter how isolated and despondent one feels, one is never alone.

Comfort and reassurance comes from the love of family and friends and the belief not all is lost.

Bruno Bettelheim was another who experienced the horror of concentration camps and he argues to be resilient and able to deal with adversity children from an early age must encounter the myths, fables and stories that deal with loss and suffering and that teach optimism and courage.

Instead of being surrounded by digital technology, children also need to be physically active, to take risks and to play competitive sports where they learn how to cope with defeat.

Schools, instead of being consumed with identity politics and victimhood, need to teach students that life involves set-backs and the challenge is how one copes with what Shakespeare describes as ‘the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune’.