Tuesday, 27 November 2012
by Natalie Muller for 270+ community radio stations
The first report into the state of Australia’s mental health services has found significant gaps in the system, particularly affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups.
The Mental Health Commission’s investigation shed light on some worrying realities, for example that 3.2 million people suffer from a mental illness each year, and that those with a severe mental illness have their life expectancy cut by an average of 25 years.
But things are worse for Indigenous people who already have a much lower life expectancy and much higher rates of suicide, unemployment, incarceration, and alcohol and substance abuse.
Australia’s first indigenous psychiatrist says there needs to be more emphasis on recognising trauma in children, to make sure they get help early on.
Hear the report by clicking http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9902