Counselling Connection

Learn how you can become MHSS Certified here: http://mhfa.aipc.net.au/lz

Why do you want to become a mental health social supporter? Are you caring for someone now? Is it a relative or friend? If you are supporting someone, why are you doing it: do you want to, or do you feel obliged? Maybe you’re a founding member of a community chapter of Gamblers Anonymous, and you reluctantly front up to the meetings because – even though you’re a long-ago recovered gambler – the group would falter if you didn’t lend your energy... Or perhaps you are supporting your friend who is ... Read More

Our mental health system isn’t coping with the deteriorating mental health of our fellow Australians.

Mental illness is the third largest contributor to the total national health burden (13.2%), yet only receives a measly 6% of the health expenditure. And the majority of that expenditure is on clinical service provision, not early intervention. It’s a band aid solution, provided way too late. TO HIGHLIGHT why we believe it’s so important that you get MHSS certified we like to use the analogy of pool fencing. Before we had mandatory legislation to fence pools there was a relatively high incidence of drowning deaths. ... Read More

Were you aware that: 45% of adult Australians will experience a mental illness. 1 in 5 will experience a mental disorder in any 12-month period. Mental illness is the leading cause of ‘healthy life’ lost. 3 million Australians will experience a major depressive illness. And our young are most at risk: An astounding 26% of 16-24 year olds have experienced a mental disorder in the last 12-months. Mental disorders are the leading contributor to the total burden of disease among young Australians – accounting for 49% of that total. And 12% of 13-17 year olds have reported having thought about suicide. The statistics really are frightening. And our mental ... Read More

Mental Health Social Support (MHSS) is the empathy and care provided by an individual or network to a person with developing mental health concerns. MHSS involves crucial skills that everyone needs. The more people with MHSS skills, the more eyes and ears we have out in our communities able to identify the early stages of mental illness and appropriately intervene. Often the resulting consequences of mental illness – suicide, depression, substance abuse, etc – may have been better mitigated had they been identified earlier and appropriate measures taken. Our population is at more risk of mental illness than physical injury. Your chances ... Read More

Successful treatment of schizophrenia depends on a regimen of both drug and psychosocial support therapies. While antipsychotic medication can help control the symptoms of psychosis associated with schizophrenia, it cannot help the person find and maintain a job, establish effective social relationships, increase their coping skills, or teach them to communicate well with others. Poverty, homelessness and unemployment are often associated with this illness, but effective treatment can prevent this. If the person finds appropriate treatment and complies with it, they can make a full recovery. However people coping with the onset of first episode schizophrenia require all the support their ... Read More