School news
A new resource package of ideas has been released for secondary school teachers using the novel "Saving Francesca" by Melina Marchetta (Penguin, 2003) as a class text. The package assists teachers to explore some of the underlying themes relating to parental mental illness within this award-winning book using associated credible Australian resources. The focus of the package is to utilise the themes within "Saving Francesca" to increase student's understanding of mental illness and its effect on families; reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and increase students' 'help seeking' behaviour.
Developed by staff from the national COPMI (Children Of Parents with a Mental Illness) and MindMatters initiatives, with assistance from a wide range of reviewers in the mental health and education sectors, the package is available for download from the COPMI website http://www.copmi.net.au/ (see the Downloads section) and MindMatters website http://cms.curriculum.edu.au/mindmatters/resources/pdf/other_resources/savingfrancesca.pdf
The COPMI and MindMatters initiatives are funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
22 June 2005
21 June 2005
SIEC Altert #58, June 2005
Media Influences on Suicide
The influence of the media on suicidal behaviour is a topic that has long been discussed in the suicide prevention arena. Media can either help or hinder suicide prevention efforts. This 3-page edition of SIEC Alert addresses the role media plays, both negative and positive, and provides brief information to guide responsible media reporting. A list of resources, including links to full media reporting guidelines available online, are provided. read more...
Media Influences on Suicide
The influence of the media on suicidal behaviour is a topic that has long been discussed in the suicide prevention arena. Media can either help or hinder suicide prevention efforts. This 3-page edition of SIEC Alert addresses the role media plays, both negative and positive, and provides brief information to guide responsible media reporting. A list of resources, including links to full media reporting guidelines available online, are provided. read more...
20 June 2005
Consulting with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities
"Why Didn't You Tell Us? Because You Didn't Ask"
A guide for South Australian Government Agencies on consulting with culturally and linguistically diverse communities which contains information useful to everyone consulting these communities.
"Why Didn't You Tell Us? Because You Didn't Ask"
A guide for South Australian Government Agencies on consulting with culturally and linguistically diverse communities which contains information useful to everyone consulting these communities.
A Plan for Action 2005-2007
Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing A Plan for Action, VicHealth's second mental health promotion plan, has been designed not only to guide VicHealth's work in mental health promotion, but also as a resource for those across a range of sectors who are seeking to maximise opportunities to promote mental health and
well-being in their programs, policies and practices. The plan presents a framework to guide practice which addresses key determinants of mental health and broad strategies for addressing them, along with settings for
action and population groups for whom mental health promotion is a particular priority. Up-to-date evidence on factors influencing mental health and well-being and the benefits of mental health promotion are
also included.
From AICAFMHA News: News In Brief Issue #5.06
Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing A Plan for Action, VicHealth's second mental health promotion plan, has been designed not only to guide VicHealth's work in mental health promotion, but also as a resource for those across a range of sectors who are seeking to maximise opportunities to promote mental health and
well-being in their programs, policies and practices. The plan presents a framework to guide practice which addresses key determinants of mental health and broad strategies for addressing them, along with settings for
action and population groups for whom mental health promotion is a particular priority. Up-to-date evidence on factors influencing mental health and well-being and the benefits of mental health promotion are
also included.
From AICAFMHA News: News In Brief Issue #5.06
The Mental Health of America
(adapted from Ivanhoe Newswire)
Four studies published in the June issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry delve into mental health among Americans, and the results are surprising. The first study, from researchers at Harvard in Boston, found more than 26 percent of adults had symptoms in the previous 12 months that would give them a diagnosis of a mental disorder. Most were classified as serious or moderate. The study was conducted on more than 9,200 adults. A second study looked at the lifetime prevalence of mental illness in the United States. The same
researchers from Harvard found half of American adults had symptoms that would qualify them as having a mental disorder over the course of their lives. Most of the disorders began in childhood or adolescence....
The NCS-R results will yield much-needed information about the burden of disease, medical comorbidity, and global patterns of illness. This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: Archives of General Psychiatry, 2005;62: 617-627; 593-602; 603-613; 629-640 and 590-592
(adapted from Ivanhoe Newswire)
Four studies published in the June issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry delve into mental health among Americans, and the results are surprising. The first study, from researchers at Harvard in Boston, found more than 26 percent of adults had symptoms in the previous 12 months that would give them a diagnosis of a mental disorder. Most were classified as serious or moderate. The study was conducted on more than 9,200 adults. A second study looked at the lifetime prevalence of mental illness in the United States. The same
researchers from Harvard found half of American adults had symptoms that would qualify them as having a mental disorder over the course of their lives. Most of the disorders began in childhood or adolescence....
The NCS-R results will yield much-needed information about the burden of disease, medical comorbidity, and global patterns of illness. This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: Archives of General Psychiatry, 2005;62: 617-627; 593-602; 603-613; 629-640 and 590-592
14 June 2005
LIFE (Living is for Everyone)
Launch of LIFE (Living is for Everyone) website On Wednesday May 11, the
Living is for Everyone (LIFE site) was successfully launched at
Parliament House in Canberra by the Hon Christopher Pyne, Parliamentary
Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing. The LIFE website has
been developed by Auseinet as part of its commitment to facilitating
networks for information exchange and learning under the Australian
Government National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS). The site
includes access to online and print based resources, Australian
statistics, information about suicide prevention projects, resources
related to the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples, conference listings, links to media reports,
and related sites.
To visit the site go to: http://www.livingisforeveryone.com/
Launch of LIFE (Living is for Everyone) website On Wednesday May 11, the
Living is for Everyone (LIFE site) was successfully launched at
Parliament House in Canberra by the Hon Christopher Pyne, Parliamentary
Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing. The LIFE website has
been developed by Auseinet as part of its commitment to facilitating
networks for information exchange and learning under the Australian
Government National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS). The site
includes access to online and print based resources, Australian
statistics, information about suicide prevention projects, resources
related to the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples, conference listings, links to media reports,
and related sites.
To visit the site go to: http://www.livingisforeveryone.com/
10 June 2005
New York State Recommends Use of TeenScreen Mental Health Check-Ups to
Prevent Teen Suicide
NEW YORK, June 8 /PRNewswire/ --
The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) recommends that local communities conduct voluntary teen mental health screenings, and specifically encourages use of the Columbia University TeenScreen Program, as part of the state's suicide prevention efforts. The recommendation is contained in the state's new suicide prevention plan, Saving Lives in New York: Suicide Prevention and Public Health. Each year New York loses over 1,300 lives to suicide.
The TeenScreen Program provides consultation, training, screening tools, software and technical assistance free of charge to schools and communities who want to implement their own voluntary mental health screening programs. In addition to OMH, TeenScreen has been endorsed by the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health and more than 30 national health, education and social service groups. Source: Columbia University
Prevent Teen Suicide
NEW YORK, June 8 /PRNewswire/ --
The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) recommends that local communities conduct voluntary teen mental health screenings, and specifically encourages use of the Columbia University TeenScreen Program, as part of the state's suicide prevention efforts. The recommendation is contained in the state's new suicide prevention plan, Saving Lives in New York: Suicide Prevention and Public Health. Each year New York loses over 1,300 lives to suicide.
The TeenScreen Program provides consultation, training, screening tools, software and technical assistance free of charge to schools and communities who want to implement their own voluntary mental health screening programs. In addition to OMH, TeenScreen has been endorsed by the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health and more than 30 national health, education and social service groups. Source: Columbia University
06 June 2005
Media report
Triple J's HACK program is focusing on mental illness for the week
commencing 6th June 2005. It featured a number of young carers from NSW
and explores the issues relating to families. You can also listen to the
audio from the program. The interview can be downloaded from the website
at http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hack/notes/s1386333.htm. It will be on
the front page for about a week, after which time you can get it from
the Archive file for June.
Triple J's HACK program is focusing on mental illness for the week
commencing 6th June 2005. It featured a number of young carers from NSW
and explores the issues relating to families. You can also listen to the
audio from the program. The interview can be downloaded from the website
at http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hack/notes/s1386333.htm. It will be on
the front page for about a week, after which time you can get it from
the Archive file for June.
03 June 2005
Identifying the student at risk
Adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg is conducting a series of one-day workshops for school staff through the Australian Principals Centre (now part of the Australian Council for Educational Research). Schools are often in the front line in the provision of psychological 'first aid' to a generation of school students whose psychosocial health is said to be well below that of their parents at a similar age, and therefore the series of skills-based workshops is tailored to the needs of school staff who are in pastoral care positions.
(From: ACER e-news - May 05)
Adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg is conducting a series of one-day workshops for school staff through the Australian Principals Centre (now part of the Australian Council for Educational Research). Schools are often in the front line in the provision of psychological 'first aid' to a generation of school students whose psychosocial health is said to be well below that of their parents at a similar age, and therefore the series of skills-based workshops is tailored to the needs of school staff who are in pastoral care positions.
(From: ACER e-news - May 05)
16 May 2005
Medical disorders of suicides in Australia: analysis using a multiple-cause-of-death approach
Lado T. Ruzicka, Ching Y., Choi and Krys Sadkowsky
The impaired health of a person who has committed suicide is often suggested among the proximate causes of suicidal behaviour. The introduction in 1997 of multiple-cause-of-death coding by the Australian Bureau of Statistics provided an opportunity to examine health impairments recorded on the death certificates of suicides. Data for the quinquennium 1997–2001 revealed a high prevalence of mental and behavioural disorders, in particular among women and among young and adolescent suicides. Comparison of multiple causes of death attributed to those who died in accidents with those recorded as suicides revealed that of the chronic and terminal illnesses, HIV and cancer were probably the conditions likely to trigger suicidal action.
Social Science & Medicine Volume 61, Issue 2 , July 2005, Pages 333-341
Lado T. Ruzicka, Ching Y., Choi and Krys Sadkowsky
The impaired health of a person who has committed suicide is often suggested among the proximate causes of suicidal behaviour. The introduction in 1997 of multiple-cause-of-death coding by the Australian Bureau of Statistics provided an opportunity to examine health impairments recorded on the death certificates of suicides. Data for the quinquennium 1997–2001 revealed a high prevalence of mental and behavioural disorders, in particular among women and among young and adolescent suicides. Comparison of multiple causes of death attributed to those who died in accidents with those recorded as suicides revealed that of the chronic and terminal illnesses, HIV and cancer were probably the conditions likely to trigger suicidal action.
Social Science & Medicine Volume 61, Issue 2 , July 2005, Pages 333-341
10 May 2005
Depression Gene May Weaken Mood-Regulating Circuit
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/shortcircuit.cfm
A brain scan study suggests that a suspect gene may increase susceptibility to anxiety and depression by weakening a circuit for processing negative emotion. People with the depression-linked gene variant showed less gray matter and weaker connections in the mood-regulating circuit. How well the circuit was connected accounted for nearly 30 percent of their anxious temperament, researchers at the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) found. Dr. Daniel Weinberger and colleagues report on their brain imaging genetics study in the May 8, 2005 online edition of Nature Neuroscience.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/shortcircuit.cfm
A brain scan study suggests that a suspect gene may increase susceptibility to anxiety and depression by weakening a circuit for processing negative emotion. People with the depression-linked gene variant showed less gray matter and weaker connections in the mood-regulating circuit. How well the circuit was connected accounted for nearly 30 percent of their anxious temperament, researchers at the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) found. Dr. Daniel Weinberger and colleagues report on their brain imaging genetics study in the May 8, 2005 online edition of Nature Neuroscience.
26 April 2005
RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL EVALUATES RISK OF ADOLESCENT SUICIDE SCREENING PROGRAMS
"Our findings can allay concerns about the potential harm of high
school-based suicide screening," state the authors of an article published
in the April 6, 2005, issue of JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical
Association. The authors note that while evidence for the clinical
validity and reliability of school-based screening procedures has recently
emerged, the potential harm of screening for suicide remains unstudied.
The article examines whether asking an adolescent about suicidal ideation
and behavior during a screening program creates immediate or persistent
distress or increases suicidal ideation among high school students
generally or among high-risk students with depression symptoms, substance
use problems, or previous suicide attempts, specifically.
Students from six high schools in the state of New York participating in a
school-based suicide-screening program were assessed between fall 2002 and
spring 2004. Classes within each of the six high schools were randomized
to either an experimental group (N=1,172 students) or a control group
(N=1,170 students). The experimental group received a first screening
survey with a set of questions assessing suicidal ideation and behavior;
the control group received the same first survey but without suicide
questions. Students' transient distress was measured at the beginning and
end of the first survey and again at the beginning of a second survey
administered 2 days after the first. Both groups received the same second
survey, which included suicide questions.
The authors found that
* Experimental and control groups did not differ significantly in their
distress levels immediately after the first survey or 2 days later.
* The experimental group reported no more suicidal ideation after the
survey than the control group.
* Students with depression symptoms reported more distress and suicidal
ideation than other students; however, being exposed to suicide questions
in the first survey did not exacerbate distress or suicidal ideation among
students with depression. On the contrary, among students with depression,
the experimental group had slightly lower distress scores than the control
group.
* Among previous suicide attempters, the experimental group had less
suicidal ideation than the control group.
The authors conclude that "universal screening for mental health problems
and suicide risk should continue to be at the forefront of the national
agenda for youth suicide prevention."
Full reference
Gould MS, Marrocco FA, Kleinman M, et al. 2005. Evaluating iatrogenic risk
of youth suicide screening programs: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA,
The Journal of the American Medical Association 293(13):1635-1643.
"Our findings can allay concerns about the potential harm of high
school-based suicide screening," state the authors of an article published
in the April 6, 2005, issue of JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical
Association. The authors note that while evidence for the clinical
validity and reliability of school-based screening procedures has recently
emerged, the potential harm of screening for suicide remains unstudied.
The article examines whether asking an adolescent about suicidal ideation
and behavior during a screening program creates immediate or persistent
distress or increases suicidal ideation among high school students
generally or among high-risk students with depression symptoms, substance
use problems, or previous suicide attempts, specifically.
Students from six high schools in the state of New York participating in a
school-based suicide-screening program were assessed between fall 2002 and
spring 2004. Classes within each of the six high schools were randomized
to either an experimental group (N=1,172 students) or a control group
(N=1,170 students). The experimental group received a first screening
survey with a set of questions assessing suicidal ideation and behavior;
the control group received the same first survey but without suicide
questions. Students' transient distress was measured at the beginning and
end of the first survey and again at the beginning of a second survey
administered 2 days after the first. Both groups received the same second
survey, which included suicide questions.
The authors found that
* Experimental and control groups did not differ significantly in their
distress levels immediately after the first survey or 2 days later.
* The experimental group reported no more suicidal ideation after the
survey than the control group.
* Students with depression symptoms reported more distress and suicidal
ideation than other students; however, being exposed to suicide questions
in the first survey did not exacerbate distress or suicidal ideation among
students with depression. On the contrary, among students with depression,
the experimental group had slightly lower distress scores than the control
group.
* Among previous suicide attempters, the experimental group had less
suicidal ideation than the control group.
The authors conclude that "universal screening for mental health problems
and suicide risk should continue to be at the forefront of the national
agenda for youth suicide prevention."
Full reference
Gould MS, Marrocco FA, Kleinman M, et al. 2005. Evaluating iatrogenic risk
of youth suicide screening programs: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA,
The Journal of the American Medical Association 293(13):1635-1643.
19 April 2005
Suicide and deliberate self harm in young people
Keith Hawton, Anthony James
Deliberate self harm ranges from behaviours with no suicidal intent (but with the intent to communicate distress or relieve tension) through to suicide. Some 7%-14% of adolescents will self harm at some time in their life, and 20%-45% of older adolescents report having had suicidal thoughts at some time.
13 April 2005
Study: Suicide Query Won't Plant the Idea
CHICAGO (AP) -- Asking teenagers about suicide won't make them more likely to contemplate it, as some parents and school officials fear, a study suggests. In fact, the study found that simply asking troubled students about any suicidal impulses appears to ease their distress and might make some of them less likely to try killing themselves.
For the whole story, click here: http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/8014/414107
CHICAGO (AP) -- Asking teenagers about suicide won't make them more likely to contemplate it, as some parents and school officials fear, a study suggests. In fact, the study found that simply asking troubled students about any suicidal impulses appears to ease their distress and might make some of them less likely to try killing themselves.
For the whole story, click here: http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/8014/414107
24 March 2005
The Hiddden Army
Reporter: Quentin McDermott
Broadcast: 28/03/2005
Next on Four Corners, a close-up look at what could be the toughest job in Australia – it’s hard work, low pay, few holidays, high stress... and it’s all done for love. It’s the job of caring.
Nearly 500,000 of these people are so-called primary carers. They cannot get a "proper" job because they are on call nearly every minute of every day. They want to look after their loved ones at home for as long as possible. But it’s a relentless struggle to get the help they need. Eventually, many surrender, placing family members in nursing homes or other types of formal care. These are Australia’s hidden army of carers. By some estimates their dedication saves the economy about $20 billion a year. Most primary carers report getting by on less than $200 a week.
Four Corners looks into the world of the carer – the fear and insecurity, the frustrations, failures and rewards - through four stories of love and devotion
Reporter: Quentin McDermott
Broadcast: 28/03/2005
Next on Four Corners, a close-up look at what could be the toughest job in Australia – it’s hard work, low pay, few holidays, high stress... and it’s all done for love. It’s the job of caring.
Nearly 500,000 of these people are so-called primary carers. They cannot get a "proper" job because they are on call nearly every minute of every day. They want to look after their loved ones at home for as long as possible. But it’s a relentless struggle to get the help they need. Eventually, many surrender, placing family members in nursing homes or other types of formal care. These are Australia’s hidden army of carers. By some estimates their dedication saves the economy about $20 billion a year. Most primary carers report getting by on less than $200 a week.
Four Corners looks into the world of the carer – the fear and insecurity, the frustrations, failures and rewards - through four stories of love and devotion
18 March 2005
Something on my Mind is a brand new Streetwize comic, aimed at young people whose parents or carers are experiencing mental illness. Developed by a group of young people in a series of comic workshops, this resource explores the impact mental illness can have on family life through Mia's, Jonno's and Miriam's stories. The comic encourages young people and families to seek help and support.
It was distributed in NSW only, and was sent to high schools, among other places.
For a sample copy, please email Alis Middleton alis@streetwize.com.au
Streetwize Communications www.streetwize.com.au
Messing with heads Date
Published: Monday, 7th March 2005
Source: ABC - Four Corners
Full story: online here
A whole generation of Australians has grown up believing that smoking pot is a harmless pastime. They need to think again. The view of cannabis as a benign drug is under challenge – not from conservative family or religious groups but from the science and medical community. Clinicians now believe that modern strains of super-strength cannabis are increasingly triggering psychoses, depression and anxiety disorders in teenagers. Many young people begin smoking cannabis before they have even hit their teens – and experts are warning that the younger the smoker, the greater the risk of mental illness.Transcript contains links to interviews with Dr Andrew Campbell (Sydney psychiatrist), Professor Wayne Hall (Director of Policy and Ethics, Institute for Molecular Bio-Science, Queensland University) and Professor Pat McGorry (Director of the Orygen Youth Health).
(From Auseinet alert service - 17/3/2005)
Published: Monday, 7th March 2005
Source: ABC - Four Corners
Full story: online here
A whole generation of Australians has grown up believing that smoking pot is a harmless pastime. They need to think again. The view of cannabis as a benign drug is under challenge – not from conservative family or religious groups but from the science and medical community. Clinicians now believe that modern strains of super-strength cannabis are increasingly triggering psychoses, depression and anxiety disorders in teenagers. Many young people begin smoking cannabis before they have even hit their teens – and experts are warning that the younger the smoker, the greater the risk of mental illness.Transcript contains links to interviews with Dr Andrew Campbell (Sydney psychiatrist), Professor Wayne Hall (Director of Policy and Ethics, Institute for Molecular Bio-Science, Queensland University) and Professor Pat McGorry (Director of the Orygen Youth Health).
(From Auseinet alert service - 17/3/2005)
8th NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH CONFERENCE
The 8th National Rural Health Conference has just finished in Alice Springs. More than 800 delegates discussed, debated and explored issues connected with rural health. ABC Rural's news reports and papers from the conference are published at http://abc.net.au/rural/events/ruralhealth/
The 8th National Rural Health Conference has just finished in Alice Springs. More than 800 delegates discussed, debated and explored issues connected with rural health. ABC Rural's news reports and papers from the conference are published at http://abc.net.au/rural/events/ruralhealth/
OCKHAM'S RAZOR:
Out of sight, out of mind
Sunday 20 March, 8.45am, Radio National
Former Liberal Senator now at the University of Wollongong, Professor Chris Puplick, reports on the shocking and tragic case of Cornelia Rau, which has highlighted the widespread nature and extent of mental illness, and the unsatisfactory and inadequately resourced treatment options. This is the everyday fate of thousands of our fellow Australians who suffer some form of mental illness - instead of being treated, they are imprisoned.
04 March 2005
HEALTH REPORT
The placebo effect
Monday 7 March, 8.30am, Radio National
This week a special feature on the placebo effect, focusing on one of the most controversial treatments around - medication for depression. Professor Helen Mayberg from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, has done research in this area. She did brain scans of people taking an active drug versus a placebo to see the placebo effect in action. And Professor Arthur Barsky from Harvard Medical School talks about nocebos. A nocebo is the flipside of the placebo and can actually bring harm. (This a repeat of a program originally broadcast on April 12, 2004.)
The placebo effect
Monday 7 March, 8.30am, Radio National
This week a special feature on the placebo effect, focusing on one of the most controversial treatments around - medication for depression. Professor Helen Mayberg from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, has done research in this area. She did brain scans of people taking an active drug versus a placebo to see the placebo effect in action. And Professor Arthur Barsky from Harvard Medical School talks about nocebos. A nocebo is the flipside of the placebo and can actually bring harm. (This a repeat of a program originally broadcast on April 12, 2004.)