Advocating for Quality Mental Health Care for All
The National Association of Practising Psychiatrists is dedicated to quality mental health care for all
Mental illness is a widespread issue in Australia – as it is in other developed countries – that has substantial impact at the personal, social and economic levels.
According to an Australian Bureau of Statistics study from 2007, one in five people aged 16 to 85 years experience one of the common forms of mental illness, and workplace survey Australia’s Biggest Mental Health Check-In conducted in 2018 revealed that 36 per cent of respondents suffered from depression, 33 per cent from anxiety, and 31 per cent from stress. At the same time, Australian governments have made major changes in the way mental health is funded and managed.
These changes not only impact people with mental health issues, but also the services that are there to support them.
The National Association of Practising Psychiatrists (NAPP) was formed in 1996 by many concerned psychiatrists who saw an increasing emphasis on cost-cutting and managerialism becoming a danger to effective care of their patients. Political advocacy on behalf of patients and psychiatric professionals became an enduring priority.
With ongoing health reform, such as the roll out of the NDIS, it is predicted that many mental health services will simply disappear.
NAPP is committed to advocate on behalf of patients and practitioners to ensure clients get quality mental health care which is accessible to all who need it. NAPP is working with other bodies and government agencies to find a good balance in funding and delivering quality services to people with mental health issues.
Quick mental Health facts
45.5% of Australians experience a mental disorder at some point in their lifetime
22.8% of young people aged 15 to 19 show the symptoms of probable serious mental illness
33% of workers suffer from depression
Only 17 per cent of people with mental health issues seek treatment
Mental illnesses are the third leading cause of disability burden in Australia
Approximately 14 % of Australians will be affected by an anxiety disorder in any 12-month period
Less than half of Australians feel comfortable disclosing a mental health condition to a manager
Every day, at least six Australians die from suicide
How we make a difference
Advocating for Quality Health Care for All
Engaging Community
Improving and Promoting Mental Health Standards
Supporting Practitioners
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