Suicide and mental illness explained
Suicide is a major cause of death among people with a mental illness. A suicide attempt may be an early warning sign that a person is developing a mental illness. There are steps you can take if you think a friend or relative is considering ... [... more]
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Mental illness prevalence
One in five Australians will experience mental illness. About three per cent of Australian adults will be severely affected by mental illness each year. With appropriate treatment and support, most people affected by mental illness will recover well. [... more]
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Mental illness and violence
People who are receiving treatment for a mental illness are no more violent or dangerous than anyone else. People with a mental illness are more likely to harm themselves or to be harmed. There is a weak association between violence and mental ... [... more]
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Mental illness - family and friends
Family members and friends should not ignore signs of a mental illness in someone close. Early treatment can lead to a better outcome. Encourage the person to see a general practitioner (GP) or other doctor for an assessment. If a family member ... [... more]
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Mental illness treatments
When someone first starts to develop symptoms of mental illness, contact a doctor or a community mental health service for help. Treatment in the community, rather than in a hospital, is considered better for a person's mental health. Effective ... [... more]
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Mental illness - Better Health Channel.
Mental illness is a general term for a group of illnesses that may include psychotic or changed mood symptoms. One in five Australians will experience some form of mental illness at some stage in their lives. Mental illness can make it difficult ... [... more]
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Mental illness services - residential care
A wide range of comprehensive public mental health services are available for people of all ages. Many of these services are bed-based. Bed-based services offer treatment and support to people who are experiencing a serious mental illness. These ... [... more]
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Dual diagnosis
Dual diagnosis means someone has both a co-occurring mental illness and a substance use problem. Many people with alcohol and drug problems have a range of mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, at higher rates than the general ... [... more]
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Body dysmorphic disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental illness. People who have this illness constantly worry about the way they look. They may think something that isn't there, or that others don't notice, is a serious defect. Treatment includes cognitive ... [... more]
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Mental health - care plans
Care plans are for people with a mental illness who have several health care providers working with them. A care plan allocates responsibility for care and puts down on paper who is providing which services to meet the person's mental health ... [... more]
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Borderline personality disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is one of a group of psychiatric conditions known as 'personality disorders'. People with BPD have difficulty relating to other people. With treatment, the symptoms of BPD can be managed better, reduced or ... [... more]
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Carers - specialist services
Carers, including family members, are an important resource and need support. People with a mental illness or disability and older people may rely on carers. Support and help for carers, including respite breaks, are available from many ... [... more]
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