Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, influencing how individuals think, feel, and act. It affects daily functioning, relationships, and the ability to cope with stress (World Health Organization 2018). In Australia, mental health disorders are a leading cause of disability, with one in five Australians experiencing a mental health condition each year (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2018). This article explores various mental health treatments, highlighting evidence-based approaches, and provides guidance on accessing services in Australia.
Keywords: Mental health treatment, Mental health services, Psychotherapy, Mental health in Australia, Depression treatment, Anxiety treatment, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Accessing mental health services, Early intervention in mental health, Mental health support
Understanding Mental Health
Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It determines how individuals handle stress, relate to others, and make choices (Herrman et al. 2014). Mental health disorders can range from common conditions like depression and anxiety to severe illnesses like schizophrenia.
Common Mental Health Conditions
- Depression
Depression is characterised by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and can lead to various emotional and physical problems (American Psychiatric Association 2013). It affects approximately 1 million Australians each year (Beyond Blue 2020). - Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders involve excessive fear or anxiety and behavioural disturbances. Types include generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder (American Psychiatric Association 2013). - Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is marked by mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. It affects about 1.8% of Australians (Black Dog Institute 2017). - Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder characterised by delusions, hallucinations, and impaired functioning (McGrath et al. 2016).
Approaches to Mental Health Treatment
Effective mental health treatment often involves a combination of therapies tailored to the individual’s needs.
Psychotherapy
Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy involves working with a mental health professional to address emotional difficulties and mental illnesses.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is an evidence-based therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours (Beck 2011). It is effective for depression, anxiety disorders, and other conditions. - Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Originally developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT combines CBT techniques with mindfulness strategies (Linehan 2014). It is effective in reducing self-harm behaviours and improving emotional regulation. - Psychodynamic Therapy
This therapy focuses on unconscious processes as they are manifested in behaviour, helping individuals understand unresolved conflicts (Shedler 2010).
Medication
Medication can be an essential component of treatment, particularly for moderate to severe mental health conditions.
- Antidepressants
Used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, they help balance neurotransmitters in the brain (Malhi et al. 2021). - Antipsychotics
These medications manage symptoms of psychosis, such as in schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (Galletly et al. 2016). - Mood Stabilizers
Used primarily for bipolar disorder to control mood swings (Malhi et al. 2015).
Lifestyle Interventions
Incorporating healthy lifestyle choices can significantly impact mental health.
- Exercise
Regular physical activity reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety (Schuch et al. 2016). - Nutrition
A balanced diet supports brain function and emotional well-being (Sarris et al. 2015). - Sleep Hygiene
Adequate sleep is crucial for mental health; poor sleep can exacerbate symptoms (Freeman et al. 2017).
Mindfulness and Complementary Therapies
Mindfulness practices and complementary therapies can enhance traditional treatments.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Combines mindfulness strategies with cognitive therapy, effective in preventing depression relapse (Kuyken et al. 2016). - Complementary Therapies
Practices like yoga, acupuncture, and meditation can alleviate stress and improve mental health (Pilkington et al. 2016).
E-Mental Health Services
Digital technologies provide accessible mental health support.
- Online Therapy
Internet-based CBT has proven effective for various conditions (Andrews et al. 2018). - Mobile Applications
Apps offer tools for mood tracking, mindfulness, and stress management (Firth et al. 2017).
Accessing Mental Health Services in Australia
Understanding how to access mental health services is vital.
Medicare and Mental Health Treatment Plans
Under Medicare, Australians can access mental health services subsidised by the government.
- Mental Health Treatment Plan
Developed with a General Practitioner (GP), it provides access to up to 20 sessions with a mental health professional per year (Australian Government Department of Health 2021).
Private Health Insurance
Some private health funds cover psychology and psychiatry services. Check with individual insurers for specific coverage.
Community and Online Resources
- Beyond Blue
Offers resources and support for depression and anxiety (Beyond Blue 2020). - Headspace
Provides mental health services for young people aged 12-25 (Headspace 2021). - Lifeline
A crisis support hotline available 24/7 (Lifeline Australia 2021).
Importance of Early Intervention
Early recognition and treatment of mental health issues lead to better outcomes.
- Reduced Severity
Early intervention can prevent conditions from worsening (McGorry et al. 2013). - Improved Recovery Rates
Prompt treatment increases the likelihood of full recovery (Marshall et al. 2005).
Reducing Stigma and Promoting Mental Well-being
Stigma remains a barrier to seeking help.
- Education
Increasing awareness reduces misconceptions (Corrigan et al. 2012). - Open Dialogue
Encouraging conversations about mental health promotes acceptance (Reavley & Jorm 2014).
Conclusion
Mental health treatment encompasses a range of therapies and interventions aimed at improving psychological well-being. Accessing appropriate care, engaging in healthy lifestyle practices, and utilising available resources are crucial steps towards recovery. In Australia, numerous services and support systems exist to assist individuals on their mental health journey.
References
- American Psychiatric Association 2013, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), 5th edn, American Psychiatric Publishing, Arlington, VA.
- Andrews, G et al. 2018, ‘Computer therapy for the anxiety and depression disorders is effective, acceptable and practical health care: an updated meta-analysis’, Journal of Anxiety Disorders, vol. 55, pp. 70–78.
- Australian Bureau of Statistics 2018, National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, ABS, viewed 10 October 2023, https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health.
- Australian Government Department of Health 2021, Better Access to Mental Health Care: Fact Sheet, viewed 10 October 2023, https://www.health.gov.au/.
- Beck, JS 2011, Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond, 2nd edn, Guilford Press, New York.
- Beyond Blue 2020, Facts and Figures about Mental Health, viewed 10 October 2023, https://www.beyondblue.org.au/.
- Black Dog Institute 2017, Facts and Figures about Mental Health, viewed 10 October 2023, https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/.
- Corrigan, PW et al. 2012, ‘The impact of mental illness stigma on seeking and participating in mental health care’, Psychological Science in the Public Interest, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 37–70.
- Firth, J et al. 2017, ‘Mobile phone app-based interventions for mental health: systematic review and meta-analysis’, Journal of Medical Internet Research, vol. 19, no. 5, e194.
- Freeman, D et al. 2017, ‘The effects of improving sleep on mental health (OASIS): a randomised controlled trial with mediation analysis’, The Lancet Psychiatry, vol. 4, no. 10, pp. 749–758.
- Galletly, C et al. 2016, ‘Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for the management of schizophrenia and related disorders’, Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 50, no. 5, pp. 410–472.
- Headspace 2021, About Headspace, viewed 10 October 2023, https://headspace.org.au/.
- Herrman, H et al. 2014, ‘What is mental health? How is it defined?’, Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 231–233.
- Kuyken, W et al. 2016, ‘Efficacy of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in prevention of depressive relapse’, JAMA Psychiatry, vol. 73, no. 6, pp. 565–574.
- Lifeline Australia 2021, About Lifeline, viewed 10 October 2023, https://www.lifeline.org.au/.
- Linehan, MM 2014, DBT Skills Training Manual, 2nd edn, Guilford Press, New York.
- Malhi, GS et al. 2015, ‘Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for mood disorders’, Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 49, no. 12, pp. 1087–1206.
- Malhi, GS et al. 2021, ‘Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for mood disorders: major depression summary’, Medical Journal of Australia, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 184–191.
- Marshall, M et al. 2005, ‘Early intervention in psychosis‘, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, no. 4, CD004718.
- McGorry, PD et al. 2013, ‘Early intervention in psychosis: concepts, evidence and future directions’, World Psychiatry, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 232–242.
- McGrath, JJ et al. 2016, ‘Schizophrenia: a concise overview of incidence, prevalence, and mortality’, Epidemiologic Reviews, vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 105–113.
- Pilkington, K et al. 2016, ‘Yoga for depression: the research evidence’, Journal of Affective Disorders, vol. 89, no. 1–3, pp. 13–24.
- Reavley, NJ & Jorm, AF 2014, ‘Willingness to disclose a mental disorder and knowledge of disorders in others: changes in Australia over 16 years’, Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 162–168.
- Sarris, J et al. 2015, ‘Nutritional medicine as mainstream in psychiatry’, The Lancet Psychiatry, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 271–274.
- Schuch, FB et al. 2016, ‘Exercise as a treatment for depression: a meta-analysis adjusting for publication bias’, Journal of Psychiatric Research, vol. 77, pp. 42–51.
- Shedler, J 2010, ‘The efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy’, American Psychologist, vol. 65, no. 2, pp. 98–109.
- World Health Organization 2018, Mental Health: Strengthening Our Response, WHO, viewed 10 October 2023, https://www.who.int/.
How to get in touch
If you or your NDIS participant need immediate mental healthcare assistance, feel free to get in contact with us on 1800 NEAR ME – admin@therapynearme.com.au.
