‘R U OK?’ is an important question, but we also need to start talking about why we aren’t OK, and what can be done about that: Australians for Mental Health
Grassroots mental health advocacy group Australians for Mental Health is urging governments to get serious about the root causes of mental ill-health.
“Every conversation about mental health should be encouraged this R U OK? Day, but we also need to be getting honest about what’s fuelling the mental health crisis in this country, and get serious about addressing those issues,” Australians for Mental Health Executive Director Chris Gambian said.
Recent reporting in the media has exposed a system under strain. Stories have revealed people being discharged from care too early, emergency departments struggling with acute needs and professionals leaving the sector because of concerns about working conditions.
At the same time, suicide remains the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 44, and psychological injury is the top cause of disability claims for workers under 30.
“Awareness matters. In fact, awareness is critical. But awareness alone will not turn these numbers around. We need bold reform to improve mental wellbeing for Australians,” Chris Gambian said.
Australians for Mental Health is calling on governments to do the following to tackle the root causes of mental ill-health:
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Ensure people can access secure housing, decent work and relief from financial distress
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Ensure people have community spaces that help them gather, connect and feel safe
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Ensure timely, affordable, high-quality treatment when and where people need it
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Appoint a Wellbeing Commissioner with the power to initiate investigations and refer matters for prosecution to ensure whole-of-government accountability, and to ensure wellbeing principles are enacted
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A national framework that tests major policies for their mental health impact across portfolios such as housing, education, employment, justice and infrastructure
“R U OK? Day gets us talking. Now it is time to talk about why so many of us are not OK, the pressures that push people to the brink and the systems that fail to catch them. We need to get proactive about tackling mental distress,” Chris Gambian said.
To arrange interviews please call or text Kathleen Ferguson on 0421 522 080.
