MENTAL ILLNESS

I AM writing from the not-for-profit organisation the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia.

In particular I’m wanting readers to be aware that far too many people who have a serious mental illness are not getting treatment … and we need to get that to change.

It’s estimated less than 50% of Australians who have a serious mental illness get treatment. Obviously this is alarming.

The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia urges people who may have mental health issues to reach out and get the help they need. There is significant support out there from GPs, clinical specialists, and most importantly, community mental health services.

We have a free phone number people can call from anywhere in Australia to get guidance and just call 1800 985 944 if you need some advice on where best to go. Readers can also go to MiNetworks.org.au.

Our latest campaign highlights that 230,000 people in Australia are estimated to have schizophrenia. When you include families helping these people, around one million people are impacted.

It is utterly shameful that the average life expectancy of someone with schizophrenia in this country is now just 54 years old. We have to do so much more to support people with schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia can and do recover.

We also highlight that it’s time there was much more government funding for mental health services in all areas of Australia. Current mental health services are grossly inadequate and this needs to change.

TONY STEVENSON, National CEO, Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia