As mental health prevails in most countries, Australia has the same problem emerging. According to the survey done by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in 2007 states that among every five individual one person faces some kind of mental health ageing from 16 years to 85. Disorders related to anxiety are very common and covers approximately 6% to 14% of the population. Some disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, depression are collectively known as ‘high prevalence’ illnesses. Other illnesses that are listed under ‘low prevalence’ are schizophrenia etc. that affect most of the adult population. About 80% of the population in Australia are spending more on mental health. Majority of people experience this from childhood and it affects their family, educational and social life. The outcome of the country as a whole is affected adversely because of this growing mental disorder. Government is facing huge loses every year. In primary care setting the access to the mental health has been increased due to the need. According to 2006, 1.3 million treatments of mental health cares have been developed. Moreover 4.95 million services are also provided by the psychologists and various other health professionals. There are also various awareness programs that are run by people in order to make them aware of the situations and to help them deal with it. Research programs are also done in order to make people aware about depression. In various other areas as well mental health is being given importance and many initiatives are also taken by the government along with strong partnerships.
These initiatives and cares have led Australia to be on the top of the list of countries which are dealing with mental health actively. Australia and the Gold Coast are considered as the world leader when it comes to mental health care.
Mental Health services provided
There are many health services that are provided by mental health care. From treatment and support to the mentally disabled people from extending discounts to the one who needs. Services are also provided according to the individual needs and the range of treatments they need in order to support the community. Other such facilities are:
- Providing beds for the patients in acute conditions. For every patient the beds are different such as treatment beds, aged care beds for aged people, rehabilitation beds.
- Psychiatry services for patients in an emergency.
- A care team is always ready for the acute care of the patient which is called Acute Care Team.
- There are also clinics provided for all various other tests that are needed for treatment.
- Different beds are also provided for children.
- Advisors are present in order to advice the people according to their diagnosed illness.
Access of mental health care
One can access the mental health care in many ways such as:
- Doctors are available at various centres and they are specialists so one can easily reach them.
- At times the patient is not able to visit the doctor hence in such cases one can call the specialist home for treatment.
- Inpatient cares for people who need serious care are also available in psychiatric hospitals.
- Health services are free to some consumers as well.
- Emergency departments are also there in case of an emergency.
- Availability of ambulance is also there in case of an emergency.