Posts
Investing in women’s mental health: strengthening the foundations for women, families and the Australian economy
Publisher: Australian Health Policy Collaboration, April 2016
Status – CURRENT
This paper makes a case for a new and comprehensive policy approach to improving women’s mental health across the life course. This requires a commitment to identifying gendered risk factors and tackling them through protective public policy measures. The paper proposes actions to federal, state and territories governments, primary health networks, service providers and all local, regional and national bodies in order to translate that commitment into meaningful and measurable policy implementation
Looking the other way : young people and self-harm
Publisher: Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health 2016
Status – CURRENT
This report contains evidence and statistics concerning the prevalence of self-harm in young people. It provides analysis and strategies for the support for young people who self-harm, as well as strategies for front-line and other health workers, and related mental health policy.
PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Women need more time to grieve miscarriage
Publisher: Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, 2015
Status – CURRENT
This research highlights the importance of distinguishing between grief reactions and anxiety or depression following miscarriage, and the need for families and health professionals to support women and give them time to grieve.
Chronic condtions, physical function and health care use: Findings from the Australian longitudinal study on Women’s Health
Publisher: Australian Government Department of Health, 2015
Status – Current
This report presents a summary of common and important chronic conditions affecting women in the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health (ALSWH). In this report we present data on the increasing prevalence of several major chronic conditions as the women age, including arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. We show the relationship between chronic disease and decline in women’s physical and mental health related quality of life, and their increased use of general practice consultations.
Suicide and suicidal behaviour in women : issues and prevention : a discussion paper
Publisher: Suicide Prevention Australia, July 2015
Status – CURRENT
Discusses the available data and statistics relating to suicide and suicidal behaviour in women, the most relevant risk factors for women, the subpopulation groups more at-risk, the impact of cultural beliefs and attitudes about gender, and the policy environment. Concludes with recommendations for dialogue and change for the prevention of suicide and suicidal behaviour in women.
Women in contact with the gay and lesbian community in Sydney: Report of the Sydney Women and Sexual Health (SWASH) Survey 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014.
Publisher: ACON & University of Sydney, 2015
Status – CURRENT
The Sydney Women and Sexual Health (SWASH) survey is a comprehensive survey of important health issues relevant to lesbian, bisexual and queer (LBQ) women including sexual health and wellbeing, violence, mental health, tobacco use, illicit drug use, alcohol consumption, and cancer screening behaviours. SWASH is run by a collaboration of ACON Health and university researchers since 1996. This report presents results from surveys conducted at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day and other community events and venues during the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras seasons in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014. It highlights several areas of particular concern – many of which have persisted over time – where mainstream preventive health interventions that are inclusive of this group or targeted to LBQ, are needed.
Youth Mental Health Report
Publisher: Mission Australia, 2014
Status – CURRENT
In 2013, 14,461 young people aged 15-19 were surveyed in relation to alcohol, body image, bullying/emotional abuse, coping with stress, depression, discrimination, drugs, family conflict, gambling, personal safety, school or study problems and suicide. Considerable gender differences were found, with females almost twice as likely to be classified as having a probable serious mental illness as males (26.2% compared to 13.8%).
Mental Health: Findings from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health
Publisher: Prepared for the Australian Government Department of Health, 2013
Status – CURRENT
This report uses data from the cohorts born 1973-78, 1946-51 and 1921-26 to explore patterns of mental health among Australian women as well as their use of mental health services. It includes analyses of factors associated with poor mental health as well as specific areas such as perinatal mental health, interpersonal relationships and mental health, and comorbidity of physical and mental health.