| ADCA URGES PEOPLE TO ‘CHANGE NOW’ TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING – 14 October 2009 |
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The Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) strongly urges people to Act/ Belong/ Commit to improve their health by being active, having a sense of belonging, as well as having a purpose in life – all good for our mental health and wellbeing.
Supporting the World Mental Health Day 2009 theme of “Mental Health in Primary Care: Enhancing Treatment and Promoting Mental Health”, ADCA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) “It has long been recognised that the coexistence of a mental health problem with some form of substance abuse can be a significant issue that often is not managed well,” Mr Templeman said. “This issue must be managed nationally and requires close cooperation between sectors covering alcohol and other drugs (AOD), mental health, and general health. “It’s not unusual for people to respond to increased stress by consuming alcohol or by taking prescribed or illicit drugs,” Mr Templeman said. “Self-medicating with any substance won’t solve the underlying problems, and too often can lead to more health issues.” As the national AOD peak representing non-government organisations (NGO), ADCA is calling for policy makers and funding bodies to adequately fund research, education, and training as well as new models of management to address this social and public health problem. Mr Templeman said that the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2007 found that one in five Australian adults experience mental illness in any year. Evidence provided to the Senate Select Committee on Mental Health in 2006 showed that three mental health disorders – depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia cost the national economy more than an estimated $6 billion a year. “This means that most Australians are touched by mental illness at some point, either in their own lives or someone close to them,” Mr Templeman said. “When you consider how common mental health problems are in our community, and team that up with that with our culture of excusing the misuse of alcohol and other drugs, then it becomes clear why we must do more to address both.” Media Enquiries: |
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