You are invited to join us in November 2011 when we will examine the impacts & outcomes of social, financial and environmental issues on Mental Health Clients and their Service Providers in Rural & Remote communities in Australia.
“In 1991 a national study of 2000 GP’s concluded the rates of depression in Urban and Regional areas were similar. The same study conducted in 2001 saw a marked increase in depression in rural and regional populations. A key factor for the increase was the rural economy and rapid rate of change in regional Australia. The rapid changes continue in 2010, with loss of services and employment opportunities. As an example the introduction of water management schemes and FIFO work forces have ensured Rural and Remote communities are continually under pressure to adapt”.
About 35 per cent of Australians named mental health as one of their country's two or three greatest challenges, in contrast to the international average of just 10 per cent, with the second-most worried country on that issue being China on 15 per cent
Social changes: the “slow death” of some remote towns has led to an increase in isolation of individuals and communities, and the exclusion of others from reasonable access to the services, education and technology, most communities take for granted.
Financial factors: the increased cost of living, crop failures, unemployment and lack of local services, are among the financial adversities negatively impacting on the mental health of our rural and remote communities.
Environmental adversities: evidenced by recent incidents of natural disaster in the form of bushfires, floods, cyclones and oil spills, the trail of death and destruction, shattered communities, and displaced people has increased exponentially.
These factors and others can severely impact on the mental health of individuals and upon community functioning, cohesion, and resource availability.
Dr Norm Barling
Symposium Chair
3rd Rural & Remote Mental Health Symposium - Impacts & Outcomes
Mercure, Ballarat 14th – 16th November 2011
