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This qualitative study explored the role and potency that concepts such as identity, and a search for meaning, have in the lives of vulnerable young people. Literature has found that having a positive view of self, the world and the future is important in the lives of vulnerable young people. However, much of this research is international (predominately the UK and USA), and little is actually known about how the current service system in Australia does, or should, support vulnerable young people in a search for positive identity and meaning.

This report is available to download; Click Here

Caring For Carers

ABC Radio National, LifeMatters

Caring for someone with chronic poor health, dementia or a disability is a demanding job and carers struggle to fulfil their own needs. A British sociologist discusses innovative carer support programs and schemes which allow greater choice and flexibility in the delivery of care.

Either mad and bad or Jekyll and Hyde: media portrayals of schizophrenia

Stigma can take a heavy toll on people who suffer from mental illness. Being shunned, feared, devalued and discriminated against can impair recovery and deepen social isolation and distress. Many sufferers judge stigma to be more difficult to cope with than the symptoms of their illness.

Thankfully, there are grounds for hope. Australian researchers have shown that mental illness stigma, such as the unwillingness to interact with affected people, generally declined from 2003 to 2011. Some credit for this improvement must go to media campaigns by Beyondblue and SANE, and to the willingness of many people to speak publicly about experiences that would once have been shamefully private.

The dark cloud inside this silver lining is schizophrenia, a serious condition that impairs thinking, emotion and motivation. While Australians’ attitudes towards depression have become more accepting, the stigma of schizophrenia has remained largely unchanged.

Growing up too fast: early puberty and mental illness

Puberty has long been recognised as a transition point in which many emotional and behavioural problems emerge. These include depression and anxiety, substance use and abuse, self-harm and eating disorders.

We previously thought that children who entered puberty earlier than their peers were at greater risk of these problems because they were less equipped to cope with the transition. This may be part of the story.

But we’re increasingly realising that social and emotional disadvantages and stresses in childhood may trigger early puberty. This possibility was explored in a study published today in the Journal of Adolescent Health, which found children who go through puberty early showed signs of poorer mental health in early childhood.

Mental disorders: debunking some myths of the DSM-5

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is due to hit psychiatrists' and psychologists' shelves next month. Produced by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the DSM provides a standardised system of diagnosing mental disorders.

From its first edition in 1952, and with each new edition about every 15 to 20 years, the DSM has always had its critics. But as the arrival of DSM-5 approaches, their clamour is becoming louder.

This concise article is written by a member of the DSM-5’s Neurocognitive Disorders Work Group and considers four key criticisms about the DSM-5 – and whether or not they are warranted.

http://theconversation.com/mental-disorders-debunking-some-myths-of-the-dsm-5-12047?

Platform is a New Zealand national mental health and addiction network of community organisations and others that believe the recovery of individuals depends on an evolving and transforming mental health and addictions service system. Platform is a serious champion for system change. Their work is driven by the belief that:

NGO Stories and Statistics

Quality and Safety Standards Framework for Tasmania’s
DHHS Funded Community Sector

Information Sheet that outlines the requirements of the Quality and Safety Standards Framework for Tasmania’s DHHS Funded Community Sector.

Should you have any queries in relation to this information please contact your Funding Agreement Manager or the Community Sector Quality and Safety Team.

Media

2013

17 May 2013 - The Mental Health Council of Tasmania

Mental Health Council wins award.

28 March 2013 - The Mental Health Council of Tasmania

Mental Health Council congratulates Parliament on passing Mental Health Bill.

2012

13 November 2012 - The Mental Health Council of Tasmania

Child Sex Abuse Royal Commission– More resources needed to support victims.

10 October 2012 - The Mental Health Council of Tasmania

Monday 8th October marks the start of Mental Health Week

27 September 2012 - The Mental Health Council of Tasmania

The Mental Health Council of Tasmania (MHCT) today expressed dismay over the Legislative Council’s failure to pass nation leading same-sex marriage laws.

6 September 2012 - The Mental Health Council of Tasmania

Mental Health Council slams ACL gay marriage claims

29 August 2012 - The Mental Health Council of Tasmania

Mental Health Council welcomes same-sex marriage legislation

5 August 2012 - The Mental Health Council of Tasmania

Mental Health Council supports same sex marriage legislation

9 July 2012 - The Mental Health Council of Tasmania

Mental Health Council welcomes new Mental Health Act but calls for change concerning treatment of children

30 April 2012 - The Mental Health Council of Tasmania

Mental Health Council of Tasmania welcomes PM’s announcement of National Disability Insurance Scheme...............

29 April 2012 - The Mental Health Council of Tasmania

Mental Health Council of Tasmania supports National Disability Insurance Scheme..........................

2011

14 October 2011 - The Mental Health Council of Australia

Mental Health Council of Tasmania welcomes new CEO ..........................

MHCT Publications

MHCT E-News

If you would like to subscribe to the MHCT E-News, please email admin@mhct.org

MHCT E-News February 2012

MHCT E-News January 2012

MHCT E-News November 2011

MHCT E-News October 2011

To view past issues go to our news archives page

MHCT ANNUAL REPORTS

MHCT Annual Report 2011

MHCT Annual Report 2010

MHCT Annual Report 2009

MHCT MEMBER SURVEYS

MHCT Member Survey Summary 2010

The Mental Health Council of Tasmania ask 'Who Cares?'

Tasmanian Publications

Growing Forward-Tasmanian Community Mental Health Workforce Report 2009

MHS Consumer and Family Support Guide - October 2009

Australian Publications & Resources

From Discrimination to Social Inclusion Report

The Hidden Toll, Suicide in Australia

SANE - Mental Illness and Bereavement Kit

The combined national voice for consumers and carers participating in the development of mental health policy and sector development in Australia. Their website has numerous resources available.

Publications & Resources

Have you heard? Reports, Podcasts & Videos

Me, Myself and I: Identity and meaning in the lives of vulnerable young people