What is it? Mental health issues affect a large number if
Australians over the course of their lives, and many of these
issues have their origins in the youth stage of the lifespan. The
terms mental illness or mental disorders are umbrella terms which
encompass a number of conditions that affect the way a person
thinks, acts and feels.
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Mental health problems, on the other hand, are negative
consequences to mental health that may occur as a result of life
stresses. These are not as severe as mental disorders, are
generally temporary and do not usually get diagnosed. Mental
illnesses: Vary in severity Are often the result of a combination
of different factors Can sometimes be effectively treated
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Mental illnesses
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The effect of mental illness on health
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Physical Health Lack of physical activity withdrawal from
regular activities and lack of motivation can lead to reduced
physical activity, which can lead to reduced levels of physical
health and fitness Lack of sleep disturbed sleeping patterns can
have an effect on every- day tasks and functioning.
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Physical Health Substance and alcohol abuse people experiencing
mental health issues are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol,
which can affect the bodys systems Self-harm people with mental
illnesses may be prone to hurt themselves through means such as
cutting, taking pills and even suicide.
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Social Health Social isolation mental illness may result in
removing themselves from social interactions. This can magnify the
effects of the condition. Strained family relationships family life
me be affected as a result of mental illness, which can weaken
family bonds.
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Mental Health Poorer quality of life people suffering mental
illness can often back away from the things that once made them
happy. This can lead to a continuous negative cycle.
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The effects of mental illness on development:
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Physical Development Impaired development through lack of
nutrition loss of appetite or eating disorders resulting from
mental illness may lead to lack of nutrients which affects healthy
growth and development.
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Social Development Reduced social experiences avoiding social
situations and interactions may impact on normal social
development.
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Emotional Development Stunted emotional development mental
health issues can lead to irregular mood swings and prolonged
periods of depression, which may affect ones emotional development
and perceptions.
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Intellectual Development Higher school drop-out rates youth
suffering mental illness are less likely to finish secondary
school, therefore leading important skills and knowledge being
unattained. Lack of concentration at school depression and other
mental health issues can lead to students being inattentive in
class and lacking motivation for school work.
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The incidence, prevalence and trends of mental health issues
Prevalence and incidence are both terms that are commonly used to
refer to measurements of disease frequency. What is incidence? The
incidence of a disease is the rate at which new cases occur in a
population during a specified period. What is prevalence? The
prevalence of a disease is the proportion of a population that is
affected by the disease at a specific time, often expressed as a
percentage. (Appropriate for chronic conditions)
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Mental disorders contribute more to the burden of disease for
youth than any other condition. What is burden of disease? The
impact of a health problem in an area measured by financial cost,
mortality, morbidity, or other indicators. It is often quantified
in terms DALYs. What are DALYs? Disability-Adjusted Life Years
(DALYs): a measure of overall disease burden, expressed as the
number of years lost due to ill-health, disability or early death.
Combination of the burden due to both morbidity and mortality in
one index. (DALYs = YLD + YLL)
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Years Lost to Disability (YLD): measure the equivalent years of
healthy life lost through time spent in states of less than full
health (i.e. disease, disability) Years of Life Lost (YLL): is an
estimate of the average years a person would have lived if he or
she had not died prematurely. The YLL basically corresponds to the
number of deaths multiplied by the standard life expectancy at the
age at which death occurs. It is, therefore, a measure of premature
mortality.
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Comparing DALYs in youth
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Comparing mental health by age group 2. 12-MONTH MENTAL
DISORDERS(a), by Age(b) - ABS, 2007
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Statistics According to the ABS (2007), about one in four 16-24
year olds had symptoms of a diagnosed mental illness in the
previous 12 months. Yet, up to 70% of young people do not seek help
when they are feeling mentally unhealthy - So rates of mental
illness may be higher than reported The overall rates of mental
illness have remained fairly constant in the 10 years up to 2007
However, deaths of young people due to mental illness steadily
decreased from 1997-2004
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Risk factors for developing mental health issues
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Biological risk factors Genetic factors those with a family
history of mental illness are at a higher risk Prenatal brain
damage damage from injury or teratogens (environmental substances
that can cause abnormal prenatal development e.g. medications,
certain foods, drugs/alcohol) can increase the risk of mental
health issues
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Behavioural risk factors Substance use illicit drug use is
linked to mental illness Physical enviro. risk factors Unsupportive
school environment bullying and feeling socially excluded can lead
to mental health issues
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Social (environment) risk factors Parental marital issues this
can lead to an unstable family situation, which is a risk factor
Early life experiences negative experiences early in life are a
risk factor for future mental health issues
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Social (community) risk factors Failure to achieve academically
those who do not achieve academically are more likely to suffer
from mental illness Social isolation this can be both a risk factor
for, and a consequence of, mental illness
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Protective factors from developing mental health issues
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Biological protective factors Body weight those with a healthy
body weight are less likely to develop mental health issues than
someone who is overweight or obese Behavioural protective factors
Food intake adequate nutrition acts to keep the body and mind in
optimal condition, which can protect individuals from mental health
issues Physical activity has been shown to reduce feelings of
stress, depression and anxiety
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Physical enviro. protective factors Supportive school
environment having a happy school environment through supportive
friends and teachers can act as a protective factor
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Social (enviro.) protective factors Socioeconomic status those
with moderate to high socioeconomic stability have less chance of
developing mental health issues than someone of low SES Family
situation a supportive family environment, free from conflict and
abuse, is a protective factor from mental health issues
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Social (comm.) protective factors Social networks those with
good social networks are less likely to develop a mental illness
Social harmony is a protective factor for mental health issues
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Strategies and programs designed to promote mental health
National Mental Health Strategy Beyond Blue - & Youth Beyond
Blue Headspace ReachOut.com SenseAbility Save-A-Mate (SAM) Our Way
Program Indigenous Hip Hop Projects (IHHP) Good Sports Good Mental
Health Program National Youth Week Lifeline - 13 11 14 Kids Help
Line 1800 55 1800 http://www.youthbeyondblue.com/tv-ads/
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Beyond Blue Beyond Blue the national depression initiative
beyondblue is a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation
working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and
related disorders in Australia. beyondblue works in partnership
with government agencies, health services, schools, workplaces,
universities, media and community organisations, as well as people
living with depression, to bring together their expertise and raise
awareness of the issue. Youthbeyondblue has a specific focus on
young people aged 12 to 25 years old. Their programs and projects
centre on early intervention and prevention of high prevalence
mental health problems for young people and also on raising
community awareness.
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Personal strategies that promote mental health Communicate with
friends and family Seek help from medical professionals Take time
for relaxation
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Your rights in using health services You have the right to
Privacy A second opinion Use of public health services Refuse or
complain about treatment Have a family member or friend present
during consultations Be treated with respect and dignity
