The mental health of Australians is firmly on the political agenda at the highest level. The picture is bigger than just depression. Research released last year 1 revealed that, in the preceding 12 months, 5.8 per cent of adult Australians experienced a depressive disorder. The situation for our young is no rosier.
Mental illness accounts for more than half the total youth disease burden to the community.
Suicide rates for young men increased by 71 per cent between 1979 and 1997, and 1 in 5 young men and 1 in 10 young women have a drug or alcohol-related disorder 2 . We know what the problems are. In the search for solutions we need to keep our focus broad so that more Australians can reap the benefit. The profession will eagerly await the development of this initiative. Please contact the secretariat to ensure the accuracy of this information.