"We need better organization, not more spending, to improve the nation's mental health."

Around 4 million Australians struggle with various mental illnesses ("Mental health services in Australia, Overview of mental health services in Australia - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare", 2022). Approximately $2.3 billion was recently allocated by the Australian government to prevent mental health problems ("Generating power every time you hit the road - Rutgers CAIT", 2022).


However, people also require increased funding and better organisation. In order to highlight the significant effects of mental health issues on Australian society and the public's concern over the quality of current service provision, the Productivity Commission and the Victorian Royal Commission jointly published a report in 2021.

Government and Non-Government Funding in Australia


Developing a national network for young adults in mental health facilities will cost $487 million as part of the Australian government's significant investment in treating mental illness and budgeting for treatment services ("Generating power every time you hit the road - Rutgers CAIT", 2022). Similarly, $278 million will be used to increase the headspace youth services, and $288 million will be used to specifically treat depression through repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation ("Generating power every time you hit the road - Rutgers CAIT", 2022). The budget for digital mental health services exceeds $100 million.


To ensure that mental health services are available to Australians, efforts are being made to raise funds. It is simpler to access mental health services worldwide in the modern era of technology. But it's important to realise that this does not always equate to real improvements in people's mental health. In order to improve people's mental health in Australia, it makes sense to spend more money on treating mental illnesses.

Uncomfortable as it may be, funding increases for mental health have not improved population mental health in Australia or any other nation. To effectively treat mental health issues, the nation needs a better organisation with a team of GPs and psychologists.


Fund Allocation is a challenge


There are obstacles in the way of organisations dealing with mental health issues using the funding to reorganise the teams. However, despite better GP, counsellor, allied health, and psychological funding through Medicare, mental health issues have increased in Australia (Praskova et al., 2018, p. 2). However, the Australian Bureau of Statistics has been monitoring the data and statistics for the National Mental Health over this time, and the data show that the number of people with mental illness has not decreased at all.


Additionally, there has been a sharp rise in the suicide rate among young people. Australia's mental health services have advanced as a result of expanded mental health illness services. People still need a reputable organisation that can provide the right services or counselling to those suffering from mental health conditions. Any person dealing with life knows that it is a very delicate subject.


It is not similar to any other illness that can be treated with two sessions or by taking an antidepressant by itself. Instead, the mental health issue needs to be treated with both cognitive therapy and medication and by a counsellor who fully comprehends the emotional level.


Fundraising is an opportunity to set up effeciently


Simply raising money won't do anything. However, an effective team of psychologists and counsellors can deliver better care in a well-run organisation. As a result, Australia needs mental healthcare professionals who have the necessary education and training to comprehend human psychology in order to lessen mental health disorders and inspire people to lead happy and hopeful lives. The federal government has allocated $46 million in 2021 for parenting support and education ("Generating power every time you hit the road - Rutgers CAIT", 2022).


Similarly, $54 million has been set aside for child mental health to ensure the future of the country. Of course, money is needed to keep the organisation afloat. To treat children, however, it is necessary to have qualified psychologists and counsellors who have a thorough understanding of children's psychology. Every person's recovery from mental illness is unique. Consequently, it requires more time to recover from any upsetting, stressful, or traumatic life events.


Only improved internal services within the organization, not increased funding, make it possible to provide mental health services in Australia. The long-term advantages of the mental health system put in place for better organisations must be the main point of attention. It will open the door to concentrating on the services that can significantly improve people's mental health on a national scale.


References

 

Browne, G., Cashin, A., & Graham, I. (2011). Children with Behavioral/Mental Health Disorders and School Mental Health Nurses in Australia. Journal Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 25(1), 17-24. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-6171.2011.00306.x

Generating power every time you hit the road - Rutgers CAIT. Rutgers CAIT. (2022). Retrieved 9 March 2022, from https://cait.rutgers.edu/generating-power-every-time-you-hit-the-road/.

Mental health services in Australia, Overview of mental health services in Australia - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2022). Retrieved 12 March 2022, from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/mental-health-services-in-australia/report-contents/summary-of-mental-health-services-in-australia/overview-of-mental-health-services-in-australia

Praskova, A., Patterson, S., Erskine, D., Baumgartner, B., Bennet, C., Sawney, V., & Emmerson, B. (2018). Metabolic monitoring of people with severe mental illness who are homeless: A successful quality improvement initiative. Journal Of Psychiatry And Behavioral Sciences, 1(3). https://doi.org/10.33582/2637-8027/1011