Media Release - Embargoed Until Thursday 14th May, 2015
New campaign urges people inTasmania who are caring for someone with schizophrenia to reach out and get free help.
The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia says it is deeply disturbing that up to 40% of people with severe mental illness in Australia - including schizophrenia - receive no treatment at all or any kind of specialised support.
The campaign highlights that continuinghigh levels of stigma and discrimination has to be tackled head-on, because schizophrenia is treatable and many people go on to lead long and productive ‘contributing lives’ with the condition.
Campaign organisers say people should never feel they are alone and urge people to ring the Mi Networks helpline to get help and support in their local area.
People in Tasmaniahelping someone with schizophrenia, and other severe mental illnesses are being urged to reach out and get help. It is estimated up to 200,000 Australians have schizophrenia (a complex brain disorder which can be treated).
A new awareness campaign from the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia highlights too many people inTasmania simply are not getting the help they need.
Campaign organisers point out schizophrenia is 10 times more common than melanoma, cot death and AIDS combined. Research shows more than 5% of people with schizophrenia end their own lives – almost 12 times the national average.
MIFA highlights schizophrenia is now impacting a million Australians, because for every individual with this illness, several people closest to them—family and friends are directly affected. David Meldrum says schizophrenia is the nation’s last ‘big un-discussable illness’. He says people still fear what they cannot understand.
David Meldrum from the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (MIFA) says latest figures show as many as 40% of people with severe mental illness in Australia (including schizophrenia) receive no treatment or any other kind of specialised support.
He says this is deeply disturbing because the sooner people get support for mental illness, including schizophrenia, the better the outcomes and recovery.
He says services are currently fragmented and there is no consistency of approach. He highlights some people may wait six weeks to even see a doctor for what is clearly a life threatening illness. He says this is totally unacceptable.
David Meldrum says all too often people with schizophrenia may face huge financial poverty, isolation and rejection.
MIFA says family carers should never feel they are alone. This year’s campaign highlightsthat families and individuals can feel that caring for a loved one with a severe mental illnessis never ending. However, help is out there.
MIFA says there are still exaggerated myths around the illness that almost suggest it is untreatable and that people with schizophrenia are very likely to be unpredictable and dangerous. MIFA says that this is simply not true.
The new campaign is focused on highlighting that the high levels of stigma around this treatable condition need to be tackled head on . Around 25% of people with schizophrenia have just one or two episodes and then completely recover. At least another 50% will continue to have episodes needing on-going medication and can have a decent quality of life with the right supports.
David Meldrum points out many medicines are available to help people. Many reduce the levels of the chemical dopamine, that can contribute to schizophrenia when out of balance. MIFA says when you get people with a psychiatric disability back to work, everyone wins.
David Meldrum said, “Too many people with this condition and the people who care for them are sadly not getting help. Often people just don’t know where to turn. That is exactly where we come in.”
The FREE helpline called MiNetworks – set up to assist people – is 1800 985 944. It will specifically support people and offer them advice as to where to go next to get support in their local community.
Wendy Groot - CEO of Mental Health Carers Tasmania - said, “One in one hundred Australians will develop schizophrenia at some stage in their life. People with severe mental illness on average live 25 years less than the general population. That’s why we want people to seek help.”
“Schizophrenia is not well understood in our community. Great work has been done on issues like depression. Virtually none has been done on schizophrenia. Governments too often see it as a ‘too hard’ issue. The Federal Government is doing nowhere near as much as it could. There still is no consistent long term policy around mental illness.”
MIFA says stigmatisation around schizophrenia remains strong and affects carers as well. It highlights schizophrenia is a condition people can get treatment for. David Meldrum added, “The critical role carers play is frequently misunderstood or overlooked. If you or someone you know or care for is living with mental illness, support is available by calling MiNetworks. We want people to understand carers for people with severe mental illness have the same needs as everybody else.”
David Meldrum says it is critical there is a national meaningful mental health plan on prevention developed in the next 5 years, with a strong focus on education and employment programs to help people with a psychosocial disability.
Wendy Grootsaid, “We are all about opening a front door to mental health services. We know many people don’t know where to go. Please contact us at or call 1800 985 944 … because we want to help. The more people seek help, the better. The more we talk about this topic openly and honestly, the more understanding there will be about what is a treatable condition."
Media enquiries to: Ross Woodward on 03 9769 6488
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