This issue of the SSH includes a feature on the Schizophrenia Fellowship NSW, which emphasises the importance of supported in-community care. Peter Maher’s faith column on sexual abuse by clergy, and the aftermath for the mental health of victims, is harrowing and essential reading.
We might also consider the needs of many in our community, and how tenants in public housing are impacted by the lack of properly funded in-community mental health support services. In this context it’s alarming that the Health Minister has instructed NSW Health to make $2.2 billion in savings over the next four years. It’s a seriously false economy to cut back services – we only add to all sorts of costs later when we have to deal with the consequences. To fail to provide proper health and support services also unfairly burdens carers.
R U OK? Day is a national day of action on the second Thursday of September, dedicated to inspiring people to regularly ask each other, “Are you OK?” It’s a sound concept. This month, however, we might also reflect on the involvement of the Gloria Jean’s Coffees chain, a major sponsor of RU OK? Day. National youth mental health foundation, headspace, has called attention to links between Gloria Jean’s and the Australian Christian Lobby. The organisation has said it is particularly concerned about comments from ACL managing director, Jim Wallace, on a range of issues, including homosexuality, refugees, equal marriage and non-Christian faiths.
“Headspace supports the right of organisations such as the ACL to free speech”, reads a statement issued by headspace, “however, when that free speech has the potential to harm the quality of life of young people and perpetuate bigotry, inequality, fear and violence, we know we have a responsibility to stand up for the rights of those whose voices are so often unheard. Too many young people seek help from headspace for issues caused or exacerbated by entrenched discrimination, social isolation, bullying or negative attitudes towards difference.”
On a positive note, Professor Jane Fisher, the Jean Hailes Professor of Women’s Health at Monash University, offers some very helpful everyday wisdom. Maintaining good mental health means taking care of your physical health, enjoying warm and trusting relationships, gaining a sense of achievement and connecting with community. “Nourish good relationships, be committed to them, and get professional help to address destructive or negative relationships if necessary,” Prof. Fisher says.
“Find activities and projects in your local community. At work, you might be part of a team working on a specific project. Or you can become part of a voluntary organisation; join a choir, a parent’s group, a walking group, community garden or a team sport. Feeling a connection and sharing an interest with other people is important and it is very satisfying to do something for someone else.”
