Australia's mental health system is in crisis. As the issue continues to gain attention it will no doubt become politicised in this election year. Ongoing advocacy and lobbying from esteemed psychiatrist and Australian of the Year, Professor Patrick McGorry, and the high profile resignation of Professor John Mendoza from the National Advisory Council on Mental Health have galvanised public opinion — for proof just glance at the op-ed pages of any recent Australian newspaper.
Sensitive to this, the Federal Opposition recently announced its election commitment of $1.5 billion in new funding for mental health services. This has raised the stakes. That mental health is on the political agenda is good news for Australia's most marginalised and vulnerable. Moral leadership, incorporating commitment to extra funding, innovative policy and evidence based practice must follow the rhetoric.
When Australians experience serious physical injury, in almost all cases our emergency services and hospitals provide the acute care necessary to sustain and nurture life. Sadly, thousands are unable to access a similar standard of care when it comes to mental ill health. This has a raft of implications for our communities given the overlap of mental ill health with homelessness, offending behaviour, gambling addiction, relationship breakdown, substance abuse, domestic violence and impulsive risk taking.
The Opposition proposal of large scale investment in the youth mental health model, including early intervention services for first episode psychosis in addition to increased acute inpatient services is a significant milestone in the move towards mental health reform. With 75 per cent of mental ill health occurring prior to 24 years of age, getting in early is a sound approach for preventing future episodes.
Youth specific services are essential given the unique needs and challenges inherent in working with this population. In my experience, when young people are supported by services that meet their needs they often respond quickly and positively. As crisis remits they move from risky to resilient. Early intervention makes good economic sense as it prevents the progression of an episode from mild to severe, from first episode to chronic, from negative thinking to suicidal ideation.
Both sides of politics agree that more has to be done to improve mental health services. There are votes in mental health, and if Gillard wants to lead on this issue, she can look to furthering on the Coalition's commitment. This will require innovative policy. However investment needn't occur solely within the realm of hospitals.