The Ripple Effects of Mental Illness  

Like a pebble thrown into a pond…

the ripples of mental illness impact on nearly every Australian,

whether you’re a family member, partner, friend or colleague of

someone with a mental illness

Or you have experienced, are experiencing, or will experience

Mental illness & the Stigma attached

The Ripples don’t have to hurt.

 Sarah McFarlane-Eagle

   The World Health Organisation predicts that

                          by 2020 mental illness will be the

                                                second leading cause of 

                                                                   death and disability

Mental illness is expensive for the community to manage and treat

Mental illness is expensive for society, families, businesses, friends, carers and individuals in a variety of ways, financially and beyond.   A way to reduce costs is to have mental health early intervention initiatives that empower Australians to manage their own wellbeing, in an attempt to prevent mental illness. 

Mental illness is highly prevalent

One in five will have a mental illness in any 12 month period and almost half (45%) will have a mental illness at some point in their lives.   For each person who suffers from a mental illness, there are friends, family members, carers, and colleagues, who also feel the impact of mental illness, and the stigma surrounding it.

No one is immune from developing a mental illness, it doesn’t discriminate

Reducing the stigma attached to mental illness is essential and an urgent matter that needs addressing now

People with mental illness often report feeling embarrassed, ashamed and a burden on others, which can prevent them from seeking treatment.  This can lead to devastating consequences, such as suicide.  (Every 4 hours someone in Australia commits suicide, every 15 minutes someone attempts suicide).

The symptoms of mental illness are challenging enough for individuals to deal with, even without the added weight of stigma

People with mental illness often report feeling very alone, that no one could understand where they’re at mentally.  The prevalence rate of mental illness however indicates people are far from alone.  However, the side effects of loneliness can be reduced through education, by breaking the silence surrounding mental illness and encouraging people to speak openly about their experiences.