Indigenous Spiritual Wellbeing Toolbox

Health status

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that: ‘The relationship between socio-economic status and health is well established, with people at the lowest socio-economic levels experiencing the highest rates of illnesses and death.’

Unlike people with a physical illness, people with a mental illness usually do not evoke community concern and sympathy. As well, the community has not always recognised the needs of people with a mental illness/disability, or their right to lead independent lives.

Stigma

This means a label of disgrace or shame which affects not only society's view of an individual, but also the individual's self-esteem and confidence, relationships and social life. Stigma is a major barrier to full and equal participation in society, both economically and socially.

People with a mental illness and their carers experience substantial stigma, which results in stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, marginalisation and restriction or denial of their rights.

Discrimination

People with a mental illness also experience discrimination in many areas of living. This includes denial of access to institutions (eg education) and inferior treatment by service providers across a range of facilities.

Discrimination is also reflected in the lower provision of services for people with a mental illness when compared to those for people with a physical illness.

Housing

People with a mental illness find it extremely difficult to access adequate accommodation. Sometimes individuals are unable to work because of their illness and are consequently on benefits. Mostly, the problem is due to community prejudice and discrimination.

Private accommodation providers are often reluctant to let accommodation to people with a mental illness because of fears they will 'cause a disturbance' or they won't pay the rent. Some people with a mental illness end up homeless, particularly aging, chronically mentally ill people.

Unemployment

Employment in the open labour market benefits people with a mental illness/psychiatric disability in a number of ways including:

• economic independence
• self-esteem
• opportunities for social interaction.

However, people with a mental illness face a number of barriers when looking for work including:

• attitudes of potential employers and colleagues
• the impact of the particular mental illness and treatment on their capacity to work
• limited access to employment training programs.

Lack of suitable employment opportunities for people with a mental illness increases the risk of poverty and homelessness.

Financial burden

Mental illness costs Australian industry billions of dollars in lost productivity and absenteeism, as well as the cost of public health care. A study by Sane Australia also showed that mental illness places a significant cost burden on sufferers and their families. Results of their study showed:

1. The majority of people with a mental illness live on below average incomes, with one third surviving on less than $20,000 a year.
2. The cost of living with a mental illness is high with many expenses not fully met by Medicare or social security payments.
3. The smoking rate among people with a mental illness is very high yet they often cannot afford quitting aids such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), which are not subsidised.

People with a mental illness often have to choose between going without medical treatment or without essentials such as food. (Source: SANE Research Bulletin 9:Money and mental illness (July 2009) issn 1832-8385)