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.

‘No need to hide’ from mental illness, says stomp designer

"The stigma often related with mental illness is very real," said Blatnicki. "Many people with mental illnesses are afraid to share their condition with other people for fear of mockery or judgment. The stigma is so real, in fact, many will avoid telling friends or family of their mental condition." More than 300 designs were submitted for the contest. A panel of judges and the stamp ¬advisory committee selected the top five submissions that best reflected the stamp's mission: to lift ¬awareness of the mental health issue and break down the stigma attached to it.

But it's up to Canadians to choose which design becomes official postage, and they have until March 14 to vote for their favourite submission. "I was very impressed by the quality of the designs we were asked to review," Jim Phillips, Canada Post director of stamp services, said in a release. One dollar from the sale of every 2011 mental health stamp booklet goes to support the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health, which has raised more than $4.8 million since 2008. Blatnicki is no stranger to mental illness and its collision on lives. He works at mindyourmind.ca, a non-profit mental health engagement program that works with youth and professionals to develop resources and message platforms surrounding mental health.