To coincide with mental health week, Minister for Health Sussan Ley has announced a she is planning a significant structural reform of the mental health system. 

On Monday Ms Ley announced the National Mental Health Commission’s review of mental health services had presented its implantation plan. 

“I will announce the Turnbull government’s plans for mental health reform by the end of the year as we work to build the best system possible for Australian patients,” she said. 

“From this review it was clear that we needed to re-think our approach to mental health, and change the focus from a service-centred approach to one where services are organised around the need of the person.” 

This important week on the calendar year is used to raise awareness about mental health within the community, reduce the stigma associated with mental-ill health and to encourage help-seeking behaviour.

“Good general heath and well-being is important for mental health and this year people are being encouraged to write a mental health promise to themselves that is achievable, such as eating more health meals or getting more sleep,” Ms Ley said. 

Mental Health Australia has conducted a survey to see what Australians are doing to improve their mental health. 

The research showed strong positive results for Aussies. 

Sixty-five percent regularly keep their consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs as low as possible, 58 per cent regularly make an effort to eat healthily, 51 per cent regularly make time to socialise with family and friends and 47 per cent regularly get a good night’s sleep. 

Mental Health Australia CEO Frank Quinlan said when they looked at these and other acitivities in young adults aged 18 to 29, the results were not as strong. 

“In fact, the research found this same age group was surprisingly the least likely to socialise with friends and family, and perhaps not surprisingly, least likely to take time out from their electronic devices,” he said. 

“We also found people who are on lower incomes are less likely to be doing things that are helpful to their mental health and wellbeing.”

“Perhaps the most concerning result however, was the small percentage of people who regularly sought advice or support when they were stressed or down. With only 18 per cent regularly seeking help, we have a long way to go to make it OK to do something about our mental health and wellbeing,” Mr Quinlan said.

This year Mental Health Australia is asking Australians to do more to look after their mental health and wellbeing.

“One small step people can do to help their mental health and wellbeing is to make a mental health promise to themselves as part of our World Mental Health Day campaign,” Mr Quinlan said.

“People can make a simple promise to do something to help improve their mental health and wellbeing and then share it, hopefully making it more acceptable to talk about mental health and seek help when they need it.”

Do you look after your mental health? Let us know by answering the poll on our website: www.nynganobserver.com.au