More psychiatrists will help, but we can’t treat our way out of the mental health crisis
Australians for Mental Health is urgently calling for an overhaul of how mental health is approached in New South Wales, after the ABC’s Four Corners program revealed a mental health workforce in crisis.
Last night’s program revealed wards and facilities are under-resourced in New South Wales, becoming increasingly unsafe for staff and patients.
“Psychiatrists are quitting in droves, more and more people are requiring help but not getting the level of care they need in an appropriate time frame. This is a dangerous situation we are in,” Australians for Mental Health Chief Executive Chris Gambian said.
The episode featured stories of mental health professionals feeling pressured to discharge patients to make room for others, even if they didn’t feel the person was well enough to leave.
It also included details about violent incidents in hospitals, including one security guard being stabbed by a patient who tried to escape after waiting hours to be seen by a doctor.
“Psychiatrists are telling us there is a demand for services, and that they are seeing more young people come into emergency rooms for mental ill health. This crisis is out of control and requires bold reform now.
“Mental ill-health is complex, and it is often influenced by many factors including the cost of housing, employment, access to social services and community connection. These are all areas governments are responsible for. This isn’t just a matter for health and mental health portfolios,” Chris Gambian said.
Australians for Mental Health is advocating for a whole-of-government approach to mental wellbeing which takes into account the various aspects of life that influence someone’s mental health.
“I don’t want to see heartbreaking stories like this on national television in the future. I want to see governments held to account for shaping a culture and society that allows people to flourish, not become so unwell that they reach crisis point.
“We need timely and affordable access to high quality services no matter where you live and what your financial situation is in Australia, but we also need a greater focus on how so many aspects of our lives influence how we feel, such as having secure housing and having places to come together. There is a way through this, but it demands radical reform and bold leadership,” Chris Gambian said.
For interviews: contact Kathleen Ferguson on 0421 522 080