Studies show young people living in the Southern areas of Melbourne have a less chance of gaining access to mental health services then those from Western Melbourne.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistic a national survey collected results and shows that 35% of people with a mental disorder used a health service while the remainder did not. because of the limited support networks and services available.
Teenagers across Victoria are having difficulty finding mental health services in Melbourne areas available to them. Across five different areas in Melbourne including Southern Melbourne, Outer Eastern Melbourne, North Eastern Melbourne, Inner Eastern Melbourne and Western Melbourne all show less than 50% of young people have access to these services and programs.
[infogram id=”1003f34f-ab87-47f9-9563-faf831113a7b”]Data was retracted by VSHWS (Victorian Student health and wellbeing survey) in 2014, collected from Victorian schools in all sectors across 17 DHS local areas. The results see low numbers across all areas in Melbourne and a distinct difference between them.
Southern Melbourne shows a little 25% of young people in that area have access to mental health services because of the limited programs available and minimal education and support systems around. The data may not be fully representative of the area as a whole but still paints a picture of the minimal services out there for our teens.
Western Melbourne on the other hand is almost double, with 46.3% of adolescents and children able to approach a service or program for help and support.
[infogram id=”77ec9e92-4f82-4aeb-a5e5-f3d8fdbdcd52″]The map of Melbourne also shows a vast difference in the amount of mental health services in that area.
These programs offer acute impatient services that work with young people with continuing care case management services and consultancy. Issues around relationships, social difficulties, behavioural difficulties, depression or anxiety, personality difficulties, psychosis or emotional problems are addressed through intensive group or one on one therapy are offered.
These programs are not currently available in all catchment areas.
Dr Bernard Healey runs a psychology clinic in the western suburb of Moonee Ponds. “the area has some good resources for young people to come to, but there’s always room for more.”
After practising as a psychologist for over 30 years, Dr Healey says the mental health services available in Melbourne are limited, “we need more psychologists out there to help these kids to come forward to somewhere accessible to them and ask for help.”
About one in every five australians will experience mental illness each year.
More intensive mobile youth outreach support services are across all parts of Melbourne in particular in Western Melbourne and Inner Eastern Melbourne.
Young people suffering from mental health issues in Australia is increasing every year. Parents are urged to encourage children battling a mental health issue to go to the correct services available in the area.
By Hannah Clarke
