cq2; mental illness

Question 1

What is the nature of mental illness?

Answer 1

Any illness that negatively affects a person’s emotional stability, perceptions, behaviours and social well-being.

Question 2

What are the most prevalent issues in Australia?

Answer 2

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Suicide
• OCD
• Dementia
  -Bipolar disorder

Question 3

What is the extent of mental illness?

Answer 3

• Half of australians aged 16-85 had experienced a mental health disorder during their
  lifetime
• Suicide accounts for 24% of injury deaths
• 8+ people die from suicide everyday in Australia

Question 4

What are modifiable risk factors for mental illness?

Answer 4

• Drug use
• Chronic disease (e.g. arthritis)
• Stressful situations (e.g. family breakdown, occupational stress)
• Perceived self-worth

Question 5

What are non-modifiable risk factors for mental illness?

Answer 5

• Age → increased risk of dementia
• Males suffer mostly depression and addictions
• Females suffer mostly depression and anxiety
• Family history
• Uncontrolled life changes

Question 6

What are protective factors for mental illness?

Answer 6

• Awareness of social support structures (e.g. beyond blue, hotlines)
• Having stable relationships with family and friends
• Social acceptance as a legitimate health concern

Question 7

What are sociocultural determinants for mental health problems?

Answer 7

The way society perceives and stigmatises mental health is one of the most significant risk factors
- Many fail to reach out for help out of fear of being judges by others (this stigma is more significant for young males → males are 4 times as likely to take their own life)
- People exposed to violence and abuse are more at risk

Question 8

What are socioeconomic determinants for mental health problems?

Answer 8

• SED people are at greater risk of mental illness due to poverty and homelessness
• Those with low education levels have ↓ health literacy
• People in financial distress

Question 9

What are environmental determinants for mental health problems?

Answer 9

Rural and remote areas have ↓ access to health care and support for mental health
- Some initiatives may not be available in these areas

Question 10

Which groups are more at risk of mental illness?

Answer 10

• ATSI
• SED
• Aged 16-25
• Experienced trauma
• Have another health issue
• Family history