Mental Illness - the Whole Family Suffers
Mental illness is one of those terrible afflictions that have an effect on the entire family. Because of the way society perceives mental illness one of those effects can be isolation from the community and from help. But that may now be changing.
Families and carers of Queenslanders with a mental illness can now access service information and share their experiences through a new health website.
Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today Queensland Health’s new Carers Matter website will provide valuable support to families who have a loved one suffering mental illness.
“Learning that a family member or a friend has a mental illness can be very overwhelming.
“Many people ask themselves how can this happen to our family and what what can I do to help?
“The aim of this new website is to help answer these and other questions people ask about supporting someone with a mental illness.”
Mr Robertson said the website will be a valuable tool in assisting family members and carers to contribute positively to achieving the best outcomes for mental health sufferers.
“It provides information covering a range of areas, including a comprehensive list of community support services, legal and financial advice and other useful resources.
“It also contains first-hand accounts from family members and carers about how mental illness has affected their lives.
“Sharing these experiences may help other people cope, especially if they are confronting mental illness for the first time. ”
Mr Robertson said the Beattie Government was committed to improving mental health services in Queensland.
“Queensland is spending a record $472 million on mental health services this year and we will invest an extra $201 million funding on top of that over the next five years.
“That funding will provide extra doctors, nurses, case managers and therapy staff for community mental health services.
“It will also provide more funding support to non-government mental health service providers and address existing pressures on mental health services.”
Mr Robertson said the Carers Matter website also reflected the State Government’s commitment to the Queensland Government Carer Recognition Policy 2003.
“In 2004, more than $500,000 was allocated to15 health districts throughout Queensland for projects aimed at increasing the participation of consumers, carers and family members in the mental health decision-making processes.
“Ensuring these people are active in the decision-making process is one of Queensland Health’s highest priorities.
“The Carers Matter website is the culmination of a great deal of research and consultation with family members and carers and it is a major part of Queensland Health’s priority in embracing the recovery approach to mental illness.
“There are many misconceptions and misunderstandings in the community where mental illness is concerned and this website will help break down the some of barriers which exist,” he said.
The Carers Matter website is at: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/mhcarer
