By Zubaida Baher

Introduction

This report examines the crucial topic of mental health supports available in communities. It outlines the key issues of accessibility, affordability and stigma surrounding current support systems. Various formal supports like counselling as well as informal options through community programs are surveyed. A human-centered approach is advocated to comprehensively meet diverse needs through locally integrated care. Addressing the multi-faceted challenges of mental wellness requires optimising supports at all levels.

Core Issues Pertaining to Mental Health Supports

Figure 1: Core Issues Pertaining to Mental Health Support Source: (Author, 2024)

The core issues relating to mental health supports include accessibility, affordability, and stigma (Javed et al., 2021). Many people do not have access to local counseling services or have long wait times to access services. The costs associated with seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist can also be prohibitively expensive. Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health prevents some from seeking the help they need (Brower, 2021). In Australia specifically, there is a shortage of mental health professionals in rural areas making it difficult for many to access supports (Fitzpatrick et al., 2021). Telehealth has helped somewhat but more resources are still needed to serve remote communities.

Human-Centered Approach

A human-centered approach prioritises compassionately meeting diverse needs through purpose-driven, locally-integrated care minimising barriers of cost, access and stigma.

Figure 2: A Human-Centered Mental Health Experience Source: (Egizi et al., 2022).

A human-centered mental health experience focuses on meeting people where they are, through compassionate care navigators who develop personalised care plans (Leclerc et al., 2020). Services beyond just treatment offer social support through innovative community models. This holistic approach aims to foster a sense of belonging and purpose through affordable, meaningful options tailored to each individual's unique situation and recovery goals.

Factors Involved in Mental Health Supports

Figure 3: Factors Involved in Mental Health Supports Source: (Author, 2024)

The factors involved in effective mental health support include availability, affordability, acceptability and awareness. Support services must be available when and where people need them. This can be a challenge in Australia's vast rural areas with limited services. Affordability is also important as costs can prevent access (Javanparast et al., 2020). Services should be inclusive and respect various cultural needs and beliefs to be acceptably utilised. Finally, awareness of available services plays a big role. Many Australians still don't know what support exists in their community. More education is needed to reduce stigma and improve early intervention. Telehealth has helped address some barriers but targeted community outreach is still critical (Fisk et al., 2020).

Resolving the Core Issues Related to Mental Health Supports

Resolving the core issues pertaining to mental health support require multi-faceted approaches. Expanding services through telehealth and mobile units can improve accessibility in remote areas.

Figure 4: Telehealth Source; (Molineux, 2024)

Implementing integrated primary care models and strategic coordination between providers can further enhance access. Public education and anti-discrimination policies can effectively combat stigma by promoting awareness and empowering help-seeking (Stuart, 2021). Most importantly, collaborations between diverse stakeholders through community-driven participatory planning attuned to local needs can lay the foundations for systematically addressing current challenges and building sustainable mental healthcare systems of the future.

Social Ecological Model

Figure 5: Social Ecological Model Source: (Ceasar et al., 2020)

The social ecological model can be applied to the mental health supports report to examine factors influencing mental health at multiple levels (Hu et al., 2021). Individual-level looks at biological/psychological factors while relationship factors assess family/social support networks. Community-level analyses available formal/informal community supports. Societal-level explores broader systems like social determinants, stigma or policies (Friedman et al., 2022). This holistic approach aligns well with the report's aim to improve accessibility, affordability and acceptability of support options. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, optimising mental health support requires a holistic understanding of challenges and collaborative multi-level solutions. By addressing issues of accessibility, affordability, acceptability and awareness through compassionate, human-centered systems attuned to community needs, more Australians can access the timely, effective assistance integral to their well-being and recovery. 

Author Biography

Zubaida Baher
ACA member Level 1

As a dedicated counsellor currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to my practice. With a Master of Science degree and a published paper on carrier identification of thalassaemia (an inherited genetic disorder that affects the blood and causes lifelong anaemia. I have a strong academic background that complements my practical skills.

References

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