A challenge we must meet

Mental health continues to be one of society’s biggest issues and Geelong is no exception.

Any discussion around mental health should be prefaced with an acknowledgment of the many wonderful and committed people doing remarkable work in the field.

It should also be acknowledged how challenging that work is – dealing with a wide spectrum of conditions and severity, difficult diagnoses and complex treatments.

Working at the coalface with people who are tragically ill and in their darkest days must be incredibly difficult and emotionally taxing and we should all be grateful to those dedicated to helping individuals and families facing what can be a truly awful ordeal.

When it comes to combating mental health problems, often there are no easy answers.

But it is clear – from those working in the system, those being treated and those trying to get help – that resourcing and access to services are significant issues. We have come a long way in our understanding of mental health.

In years past, someone suffering might have been dismissed with a “toughen up” or “she’ll be right” approach, or those afflicted simply never spoke up.

Our society is now more open in dealing with the stigma around these types of conditions and better equipped to help people.

Schools, workplaces and sporting organisations all have policies and procedures in place.

We have taken big strides forward.

There are numbers to call, experts devoted to care, campaigns to encourage open discussion, new ways to tackle conditions like depression, PTSD and anxiety.

There is ongoing research around the role of exercise, diet, social interaction and medication. But our world has also changed rapidly and that presents new and evolving challenges around mental health.

The arrival of the smart phone and the emergence of social media have had a profound impact, especially for the young.

From news feeds filled with horror, war and injustice to being subjected to bullying round the clock or dealing with feelings of inadequacy as we are constantly shown people, bodies and lives that seem almost perfect.

Clearly we are making progress but there is much to be done.

We do not have enough beds to treat people, waiting times can be extensive, some facilities are dated and inadequate and there are staffing challenges.

We must continue to learn and grow and encourage open dialogue but we also have to ensure we have the infrastructure and services in place to address what is an enormous issue … and that can’t happen overnight. It requires dedicated long-term planning.

To the families of those that have lost their battle and those that feel they were failed by the system, we extend our deepest sympathies. Hopefully these tragic incidences are lessons that become the foundation for change and evolution.

To those that work in this incredibly difficult and complex part of the health system, we offer our sincerest thank you.

And to governments and leaders, we say please keep working to ensure that we have what we need to help assess and treat mental health issues so that we can be the happiest and healthiest society possible.

“Working at the coalface with people who are tragically ill and in their darkest days must be incredibly difficult and emotionally taxing.