The federal government and the Black Dog institute have launched an e-health initiative to support those living with anxiety.
As more Australians turn to the internet for medical help, a new federally-funded website is offering tools and tips to those battling anxiety and depression.
The interactive self-help website - mycompass.org.au - was launched by the Black Dog Institute and the federal government yesterday.
The developer, Professor Judy Proudfoot, says it's designed to help people suffering anxiety, stress or depression who may not seek help because of a lack of time, lack of access to face-to-face services or a fear of stigma.
"Research clearly shows that early psychological intervention can reverse mild to moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety," she said.
The website taps into this research by providing an interactive program that includes online psychological tools, round-the-clock monitoring of moods and behaviours and motivational tips via email and SMS.
"It provides a suite of simple strategies that will educate people to self-monitor and self-manage unhelpful thoughts and behaviour," Proudfoot said.
"It's easy to access and simple to understand so you can improve your long-term mental health while you're waiting for the bus or having lunch."
As four in five Australians turn to the web for information about their health, Federal Minister for Mental Health, Mark Butler said it was critical to develop online tools that provide good information and advice.
"Anything we can do to help people take the first step in asking for help is a good thing," Butler said.
According to the Black Dog Institute more than three million Australians experience some form of mental illness each year, with the majority of cases involving anxiety and depression.
AAP
sheila o'regan
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Thank goodness something is now being done by the Federal Government and Black Dog Institute for the wider community of people to help themselves with their unique mental health diffiulties. I personally know of people who are afraid to go to Psychiatrists because of lack of finance and no health fund who could benefit greatly from this initiative. I am a trainee enrolled nurse, and we got only 1 week out of an 18month course to study mental helath. I believe the Endorsed Enrolled Nursing Course in all training Institutions across the whole of Australia need to review the fact that only 1 week is given to trainee nurses with regards Mental Health, which I believe is one of the fastest growing health concerns not only in Australia but across the whole universe. After all we are the nurses of the future who have to deal with mental health difficulties in clients/patients - can we reall7 justify only 1 week of study in the Enrolled Nursing Course for Mental Health. That simple isn't enough to equip us for our role with real people in crisis. We need to be helped more throughout our course to learn about mental health, if we are to work with clients - afterall mental health clients are not only found in Mental Health facilities, but are found in all walks of life, not just in hospitals.
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
I agree with Sheila. So many people in our society everyday are dealing with cgallenges in life and peer pressure of life of teens makes it even more difficult for the society...all these need to be onsidered..
anita
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
Don't feel bad because of the training that is given to student ENs Sheila.
I work full time as an EEN and I am also the primary carer for 3 people with mental health issues. I can assure you that Division 1 nurses are not being trained any better.
When I take my relatives to hospital because they are experiencing acute psychosis & unable to manage in the community & I need support, it is me that looks after them, ensures the safety of my people, the staff and other patients & that their medications are given in a timely manner. After 12 hours in emergency ward, these still very sick people are discharged to my care because hospital staff think I can manage better than they can and I am left exhausted, wondering how I will cope, who will look after them whilst I am at work & I think "how on earth people with no training cope?"
The real shame is the lack of specifically trained RPN and the failure of all (hospitals, training organisations, governments, unions & registration bodies) to recognise the need for these specialist nurses.
A skill has been lost & no one is screaming loud enough!
Anni
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
I read with interest and concern the above postings and sympathise with them. I teach Mental Health on the EEN program and despair at the small amount of time provided in the curriculum. However, there are post enrolment programs available for those wishing to pursue further information and understanding. Good on you all for writing in the first instance.
Note: your email address will not be displayed
sheila o'regan
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Thank goodness something is now being done by the Federal Government and Black Dog Institute for the wider community of people to help themselves with their unique mental health diffiulties. I personally know of people who are afraid to go to Psychiatrists because of lack of finance and no health fund who could benefit greatly from this initiative. I am a trainee enrolled nurse, and we got only 1 week out of an 18month course to study mental helath. I believe the Endorsed Enrolled Nursing Course in all training Institutions across the whole of Australia need to review the fact that only 1 week is given to trainee nurses with regards Mental Health, which I believe is one of the fastest growing health concerns not only in Australia but across the whole universe. After all we are the nurses of the future who have to deal with mental health difficulties in clients/patients - can we reall7 justify only 1 week of study in the Enrolled Nursing Course for Mental Health. That simple isn't enough to equip us for our role with real people in crisis. We need to be helped more throughout our course to learn about mental health, if we are to work with clients - afterall mental health clients are not only found in Mental Health facilities, but are found in all walks of life, not just in hospitals.
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
I agree with Sheila. So many people in our society everyday are dealing with cgallenges in life and peer pressure of life of teens makes it even more difficult for the society...all these need to be onsidered..
anita
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
Don't feel bad because of the training that is given to student ENs Sheila. I work full time as an EEN and I am also the primary carer for 3 people with mental health issues. I can assure you that Division 1 nurses are not being trained any better. When I take my relatives to hospital because they are experiencing acute psychosis & unable to manage in the community & I need support, it is me that looks after them, ensures the safety of my people, the staff and other patients & that their medications are given in a timely manner. After 12 hours in emergency ward, these still very sick people are discharged to my care because hospital staff think I can manage better than they can and I am left exhausted, wondering how I will cope, who will look after them whilst I am at work & I think "how on earth people with no training cope?" The real shame is the lack of specifically trained RPN and the failure of all (hospitals, training organisations, governments, unions & registration bodies) to recognise the need for these specialist nurses. A skill has been lost & no one is screaming loud enough!
Anni
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
I read with interest and concern the above postings and sympathise with them. I teach Mental Health on the EEN program and despair at the small amount of time provided in the curriculum. However, there are post enrolment programs available for those wishing to pursue further information and understanding. Good on you all for writing in the first instance.