Inform to erase mental illness stigma

Mental Health Promotion Advisory Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye yesterday called on non-governmental organisations, charitable foundations and the government to focus on educating the civilization on mental illness, to erase the stigma linked to such disorders. He said tragic incidents involving people with Mental problems, such as the one where a woman supposedly…..

smothered her 10-year-old relative to death, highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue among Malaysians. “Malaysians need more awareness about mental health so they can learn to respond with sympathy and not act with prejudice,” he said in a statement yesterday. Lee observed that some psychiatric patients do pose a risk of violence but to put it in perspective, most aggressive people were not mentally ill, and most mentally ill people were not violent….

“If mentally ill patients are properly treated, they pose a low risk of aggression. Violence is the price we pay for not providing treatment for these patients,” he said. Lee reckoned that when properly treated, people with serious mental illness were at no higher risk of violent behaviour than the general population. He emphasised that adherence to medication was of utmost importance as evasion on treatment may increase the risk of violence. “There is therefore a need for family members to know the importance of medication devotion, which is life-long for certain serious psychotic conditions….

Yale to Host Conference on Children's Mental Health

Yale University's Child Study Center will crowd a symposium Friday on how autism, ADHD and other mental health disorders affect children. Organized by the center as part of its 100th anniversary celebration, the symposium will feature six speakers, each focusing on a feature of mental health for children.


The event also will honor Dr. Milton J.E. Senn, who was among the first in the field of child psychoanalysis to suggest that children's emotional needs were being overlooked. The first part of the symposium will feature a talk about Senn. Other talks will focus on autism, Tourette's syndrome, attention shortfall hyperactivity disorder and advances in treating pediatric anxiety disorders. The symposium — aimed at parents, pediatricians and primary care providers — will be at the elegance Murray Hopper Auditorium at Yale's West Campus in Orange.

Mental illness and the magistrates

Mental health professionals have recognized for years that people who suffer from serious mental illnesses are often more likely to end up in jail than in some form of treatment. That's why a new program in the Baltimore City Circuit Court to divert some seriously ill defendants to mental health programs instead of jail is a worthy effort. But to succeed, the initiative will require not only an adequate supply of mental health treatment slots in Baltimore, but also increased access to stable, safe and affordable housing for the mentally ill defendants it serves — something that has been absent in the past.

The inventiveness, known as the Mental Health Case Management Docket, is aimed at the repeat offenders who commit crimes as a result of having a serious Mental illness rather than from criminal intent. People who suffer from lifelong psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or clinical depression are often unable of taking responsibility for their actions. Unless they get treatment that addresses their essential disorder, their behavior is unlikely to change and they may remain a danger to themselves and others, regardless of the sentence they receive.

Gov’t ‘must’ eliminate mental illness

The government is paying poor attention to the abolition of mental illness in the country as it allocates less money to mental illness than other health programs, a legislator says. Member of House Commission IX overseeing health policy Nova Riyanti Yusuf said many community health centers and local mental health agencies do not provide care for mental illness, arguing that they are still “developing” programs. “This leads to inhumane behaviors towards patients, such as incarceration in wooden stocks,” she said as quoted by Antara news agency. “Failing to treat these patients could guide to suicide.” She quoted a WHO report that said at least 50,000 Indonesians committed suicide between 2005 and 2007.

NH responds to mental health exploration

New Hampshire's department of health and human services says the state's mental health system does not infringe federal law. The department responded Wednesday to a recent U.S. Department of Justice investigation that completed that the state is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The state was criticized for failing to provide sufficient community-based services to people with mental illness, leading to needless and prolonged stays at the state mental hospital. In its response, the state says it already has a plan to serve people in the least restrictive setting possible and has made important progress in implementing it despite fiscal challenges. It also noted that the middle length of wait at the state mental hospital is seven days, compared to a national average of 47 days.

Intellect your mental health at Girgenti

This weekend, the Inquisitor’s Palace in Girgenti is being turned into an oasis of calm as visitors to the open weekend will have a chance to meditate, have a massage or indulge in some art appreciation. The Prime Minister’s wife, Kate Gonzi, who is coordinating the open weekend, said it was important to take care of one’s mental illness well-being as it helped in all areas of life.

The activity will feature the participation of unpaid organisations who work in the mental health sector, including Richmond Foundation, The Association for Mental Health, the St Jeanne Antide Foundation, Friends of Mount Carmel Hospital and Caritas’s Thursday Club. The public is positive to give a donation in aid of these associations. The event is being organised with the help of the HSBC Malta Base.

Mental health boost for provincial WA

New state funding is expected to boost the excellence and number of mental health workers in regional Western Australia. The State Government has handed the Western Australian Association for Mental Health nearly $1.7 million to dispense to non-government agencies over the next two years.

The association's Stephen Hall says the money will go towards recruiting and preparation mental illness workers. "We can increase the capacity of the workforce with training and other things around that," he said. "That's particularly important for service delivery in rustic and remote settings, having a professional workforce that is well trained and has the proficiency that is needed on the ground."

Housing vital to treat mental health issues

I am a senior who volunteers three times a week on the psychoanalysis in-patient unit. I have been doing that volunteer work for over three years and have never felt concern for my safety. The truth is that the vast majority of people with a mental health are not threatening or dangerous. Rather, they are much more likely to be fatalities of crime.


It saddens me that so many people have stigmatized those with a mental illness as being bad or weak-willed, or frightening or dangerous. That simply is just not true. People with mental illnesses are just like you and me. Chances are someone you know has a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness. Councillors needs to educate themselves on the realities of mental illness and become true leaders in Nanaimo. They must allow the housing for people with mental illness to ensue.

Accesses to food can collision mental health

New research is flaking light on how a lack of access to food affects our mental health. Staff at the University of Otago in Wellington has found a lack of access to safe, nutritious, affordable food is a growing problem in New Zealand and is adding to psychological suffering amongst thousands of adults. Dr Kristie Carter says females are more at risk than males of suffering from so-called food insecurity, as are those who struggle to afford food. She hopes the research can be used by health and welfare agencies to tackle food uncertainty and mental illness hand-in-hand.

Clemons tackles mental illness shame

Canadian Football League legend Michael (Pinball) Clemons describes Mental illness as a huge linebacker delivering a hit from the blind side. "It consistently delivers crushing, if not fatal blows to our business community and families," he said today at the Mental Fitness pinnacle, being held at the Centre for Health & Safety Innovation, on Creek bank Rd.


Clemons is keynote speaker at the day-long event, helping crowd organizations High Point Wellness Centre, the University of Toronto's Division of General Psychiatry, and Workplace Safety and Prevention Services tackle the stigma surrounding mental illness in the workplace. It's anticipated that mental illness costs Canada $51 billion per year, according to Dr. Jayne Baker, who works with the Mental Health Commission of Canada. About one in five Canadians is pretentious by mental illness, The Canadian Institutes of Health Research reports. Senior leaders and those in attendance participated in an open discussion about mental health and a number of seminars that aim to authorize people to improve their own mental health.

England cricket ace’s optimistic spin on mental health

The England cricketer flew home from the World Cup after keeping his illness a clandestine from most of his team-mates. Being open about this condition, Yardy, 30, has offered support to millions of people who may be suffering in silence. In the UK, one in four of us will be affected at some point during our lifetime - but we're not alone. Celebrities counting George Michael, Uma Thurman, Dame Kelly Holmes and Dancing On Ice star Denise Welch have all spoken out about their Mental illness.

Mark Davies, from the Mental health charity Rethink, said: "In being honest and open about their problems celebrities show great bravery and also give heart to millions of people who suffer in silence because of the fear of stigma and favoritism. "Now it's Michael Yardy. But many others in the public eye - such as Stephen Fry and Alastair Campbell - have done the same thing. "What they show is that mental illness is like any other illness. It can affect anyone regardless of who they are or what they do. Attitudes ARE changing as a result of their bravery." Mark added that it is wrong to think of the condition as not being able to handle stress.

Flu eruption, mental health issues overload CHEO ER

A record number of children with flu and stomach viruses is congestion the emergency room at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, leading to long waits, bed shortages and cancelled surgeries. The situation is being worsened by a spike in the number of children and teens needing urgent care for depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and other Mental health crises. The unprecedented stipulate for the hospital's psychiatric services started in November, soon after the suicide of Daron Richardson, the 14-year-old daughter of Ottawa Senators assistant coach Luke Richardson. The demand has not let up since, CHEO spokeswoman Marie Bélanger said. Since January, ER visits to CHEO have risen 20 per cent, with a total of 15,000 patients. Of that number, 516 suffered from Mental disorder suffering.

Geoffrey Boycott angers mental health charities by criticising miserable player Michael Yardy

GEOFFREY Boycott infuriated Mental health charities yesterday when he claimed depressed cricketer Michael Yardy quit the World Cup because he wasn’t good enough. England all-rounder Yardy, who flew home unexpectedly from Sri Lanka yesterday citing despair, had been criticised for his recent performances.

And Boycott, 70, said: “He must have been reading my commentary about his bowling. That must have upset him as it’s clearly too much for him. He’s not good enough at this level.” When told Yardy, 30, quit due to Mental illness rather than a loss of form, the 108-Test veteran said: “I’ve been, with respect, a better player? I’ve been able to hold my place for Yorkshire and England, so I’ve always got picked, played good, so I’ve not been in that place where my quality of play has been poor and it’s got to me mind-wise.”

Anthrax Killings Doubt Had History of Mental Illness

Anthrax killings suspect Bruce Ivins, the man the FBI believes was responsible for the attacks that killed 5 people in 2001, had documented Mental illness problems dating back several decades, according to CNN. These findings, courtesy of a report by a panel of behavioral experts commissioned by the Department of Justice, suggest that Ivins should not have been given his job at a U.S. Army research facility in Maryand. Ivins knew he was under doubt for the attacks and committed suicide in 2008.

According to Gregory Saathoff, the report's lead author, the exposure "does support the Department of Justice's determination that he was responsible," and that he had the capacity, opportunity, and motivation to commit such acts. “The psychiatric records were quite eye-opening," said Saathoff. "The criminal behaviors involved a strong component of revenge that he claimed he had engaged in as well as planned to connect in.” When Ivins was hired in 1980, his mental health records were apparently not reviewed, though he had signed a waiver allowing authorities to do so. Investigators in search of a suspect in the wake of the attack also failed to identify Ivins. "This information had been deemed confidential during Dr. Ivins' lifetime," said Saathoff, "available only to his medical providers, and off-limits to investigators.

Mental Health courtyard Opens in Manhattan

A special court devoted to non-violent cases of defendants with severe mental illnesses will open at 100 Centre Street in Manhattan, announced Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. on Wednesday. “The designation of a Mental Health Court in Manhattan will address the complex criminal justice challenges presented by defendants with serious mental illnesses and will promote greater safety for New Yorkers and greater equality for the mentally ill,” Vance said.

The court will be part of the New York State Supreme Court, with fairness Juan Merchan presiding. Other judges, prosecutors, and the Department of Probation officials, among others, will be able to refer cases to the Mental Health Court. The defendants will receive a psychiatric evaluation prior to the court’s recognition of the cases. Only cases of severe mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or major depression, will be accepted. “A significant percentage of defendants suffer from mental disorders—an issue that the courts and its criminal justice system partners simply cannot overlook,” stated New York state Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman. “By addressing the underlying mental health issues driving the crime, the Manhattan Mental Health Court will help ensure more effectual, long-term resolutions,”.

Mental health first help course in Alexandria

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota will hold a free Mental Health First Aid interactive training course in Alexandria designed to teach basic first aid skills needed to help a person who is experiencing a mental health problem or disaster.

This 12-hour course is aimed at humanizing mental health literacy. It will be held April 7 and 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 605 Douglas Street in Alexandria Understanding and recognizing the signs that someone needs help is the first step in getting that person suitable care and treatment.

Mental health funding increase

MOUNT Gambier will receive around $8.7m of the Federal Government’s most recent announcement for financial support allocated to mental health residential care in regional South Australia. The announcement came during Federal Minister for Health Nicola Roxon’s trip to South Australia this week and is part of a state-wide health reform package valued at $2.9b over the next 10 years – of which $134m worth of projects has now been outlined. “The benefits for South Australia from today’s (Thursday) announcement are widespread – two new Mental health treatment centres will be built at Whyalla and Mount Gambier,” Ms Roxon said.

The centres are based on an obtainable model of care currently operating in Adelaide – one of which is Elpida House – and focuses on assisting patients to develop independent living skills, such as shopping, cooking and socialising while recuperating from an acute Mental illness. The centre, which is to be known as a Community Rehabilitation Centre (CRC), will be developed over the next four years and will house 10 beds for residential “psychosocial rehabilitation” assistance. The CRC will also provide a safe environment for mental health consumers who are adjusting to life in the community, with specialist staff to encourage them to live independently and manage their illness. State Minister for Mental Health John Hill said the CRC would make a enormous difference to people who are on the road to recovery from mental illness, but need a bit more help to learn to look after themselves and be a part of the community again.

Lifeline focuses on mental health in the office

LIFELINE Macarthur struck another waft against the stigma of Mental illness when it hosted a symposium on Mental health in the workplace at its Smeaton Grange centre on Thursday. UWS clinical psychology professor Rocco Crino and Michael Hall, chief executive officer of the Wild Works organization which helps businesses align and engage their staff, jointly presented to give the 60-strong spectators insights into both the personal and corporate aspects of dealing with mental health issues.

While NSW State Liberal leader Barry O’Farrell took the opportunity to deliver his party’s policy on mental health, Lifeline Macarthur’s chief executive officer Peter Mihajlovic kept his praise for the two speakers who delivered potent messages on addressing Mental health issues in the workplace and the community. “Rocco spoke about types of mental disorders and why it is important to address them in the workplace and walked us through a case study of engaging with someone with mental health issues, then Michael spoke on the corporate viewpoint and what employers, supervisors and managers can do.” “It was an excellent presentation which inspired a vigorous question-and-answer time and had people asking us for details of the next symposium, which we will clutch if there is sufficient demand”

Huge money injection for mental health

THE Federal Government will expend nearly $80 million on mental health as part of a $134 million health reform package for South Australia unveiled today. As discovered in The Advertiser, Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon has announced 12 Commonwealth-funded health and hospital projects for South Australians.
They include:
*Nearly $20 million for supported housing services in metropolitan and country areas to support people with a mental illness after they leave acute care.
*Nearly $19 million for early interference care to ease pressure on families caring for someone with a mental illness.
*Two new country mental health treatment centres, in Whyalla and Mount Gambier, with 20 beds across the two sites, costing $17.3 million.
*$12 million for youth sub-acute inpatient services for people aged 16 to 24 experiencing early neurosis.
*A mental health forensic sub-acute step down unit with 10 beds and concentrated rehabilitation services costing $6.1 million.
*Mental health early interference home-based services providing around-the-clock assistance to people in a crisis in their own homes costing $6 million.
Ms Roxon also announced $54.7 million in subsidy for new equipment and facilities at hospitals including Repatriation General Hospital and Modbury Hospital. State Health Minister John Hill said the mental health investments would harmonize South Australia's ongoing mental health reforms.

Matthew Newton Has Mental Sickness

Australian star Matthew Newton is mentally ill and has been living in "utter fear" for his life since leaving a health center, according to his lawyer. The actor appeared before a judge on Wednesday (02Mar11) following his arrest last month (Feb11) for allegedly breaching an detained violence order (Avo) by trying to contact his ex-girlfriend, actress Rachael Taylor. His attorney Chris Murphy told Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court the 34 year old made a "mistake" by calling Taylor. Murphy explained that his client is suffering from a psychiatric illness and wants to have the legal matter dealt with beneath the Mental Health Act. The lawyer told the court, "He (Newton) does not have any addictions, he has a psychiatric illness."

Murphy also revealed that Newton is frightened for his life after he was knocked to the ground by a large man in December (10). He claimed the attack was inspired by journalist Paul Kent's campaign to members of the public to punch the actor in the mouth. Murphy added, "(Newton) received several sutures to his face and suffered a broken nose. I have done two cases, where a man has been king-hit (knocked out) and killed. (Newton) lives in absolute fear and he has got a Mental illness." Kent called for Newton to be given a "good hiding, a smack in the mouth" in August (10) after the star was accused of assaulting Taylor. The matter was adjourned for a mental health issue earshot next month (13Apr11), according to the Aap.