By Lucy Waldron
The Rotary Club of Stanthorpe recently hosted a mental health breakfast, bringing together community members to discuss the importance of mental health awareness and support.
The event was not only an opportunity for attendees to learn about critical issues surrounding mental illness but also served as a fundraiser for Australian Rotary Health, an organisation dedicated to mental health research.
Jim Barnes, a Rotary member, opened the event by sharing some alarming statistics. “One in five Australians between the ages of 16 and 85 will suffer from a mental illness at some point in their life,” Barnes explained. He further highlighted that 45 per cent of Australians will experience some form of mental disorder, making mental health a critical national issue.
Mr Barnes emphasised the importance of breaking the stigma around mental illness, stating, “In the past, people were treated poorly for having mental health issues, but thankfully, there is now more compassion and understanding.”
The guest speaker, Arlene, a clinical nurse consultant with 15 years of experience in mental health, delivered a powerful and deeply personal speech. She spoke about the immense challenges faced by both patients and healthcare workers, sharing that mental health nursing was “the hardest nursing [she’s] ever done.”
Unlike physical health conditions, Arlene explained, there are no diagnostic tools like MRIs or blood tests to easily identify mental illnesses.
“It’s one of the most difficult illnesses to manage because it can be treatment-resistant,” she added, noting that even with advancements in medications, some patients still live with symptoms for decades.
Arlene also shed light on groundbreaking research that aims to regenerate brain cells and potentially cure conditions like schizophrenia. She praised the efforts of Australian Rotary Health, which has donated over $55 million to mental health research since the 1980s.
Currently, their focus is on mental health in children aged 0-12, supporting the future of mental health care in Australia.
The heart of Arlene’s speech, however, was her call to action for community involvement and understanding.
She stressed the importance of recognising the early signs of mental health and seeking treatment quickly.
“If symptoms last more than two weeks, it’s time to see a GP,” she said, reminding attendees that early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
Arlene also pointed out that 35 per cent of people with mental health conditions never seek professional help, largely due to stigma and fear.
The event’s focus extended to the mental health struggles in rural communities like Stanthorpe, where resources are often limited.
Arlene described the challenges her team faces, from staff shortages to the vast geographic area they serve, which includes everything from Warwick to the border of Goondiwindi.
She mentioned the need for more psychologists and an admitting detox unit to assist individuals dealing with substance abuse issues.
“We need two AODS (Alcohol and Other Drugs) workers for our area,” she said, highlighting the strain on services in rural regions.
One of the more emotional moments of the speech came when Arlene discussed the mental health struggles faced by men in rural areas.
“Men are often reluctant to seek help,” she explained.
“They don’t cry; they don’t sit in a corner like us. They’re irritable, they’re cranky, and that’s often a sign of depression.”
She urged community members to look out for early warning signs, such as increased alcohol consumption or changes in behaviour, and to have conversations with those who might be struggling.
Despite the sobering nature of her speech, Arlene ended on a hopeful note. She stressed that mental health issues are treatable and that with the right support, recovery is possible.
“Even people with severe mental health conditions can live full, productive lives if they seek treatment early and stick to it,” she said.
The Rotary Club of Stanthorpe’s event was not only informative but also a rallying cry for greater community involvement in mental health.
By continuing to support initiatives like Australian Rotary Health and advocating for better mental health services in rural areas, the community can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by mental illness.
