Why is women’s mental health a priority issue?
Mental ill health is a major health concern for Australians, with almost half of the population either directly or indirectly experiencing the impact of mental illness. Women are disproportionately affected by mental illness. In Australia, anxiety and depression are the leading causes of disease burden for women.
It is of great concern that despite the prevalence of mental disorders among women, there has been very little focus on the special needs of women with mental ill health. Most policies, framework documents and other important discussion papers that advise governments on strategic funding do not adopt a gendered approach.
There is also a notable lack of well-coordinated, integrated research in the area of women’s mental health and mental illness.
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Publisher: Australian Women’s Health Network, 2012
Status – CURRENT
This paper provides research and recommendations for the improvement of policy and services for mental health in women. It looks at the determinants of mental ill health in women, meeting the needs of women, service delivery and research and education, and provides recommendations in each of these areas.
Publisher: ANROWS, 2016
Status – CURRENT
This paper systematically reviews evidence on the health outcomes for women in Australia experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), noting that causal pathways are complex and subject to a rapidly growing body of knowledge. It also describes current data sources on the prevalence of IPV and possible ways to address the gap in exposure data for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
Publisher: ANROWS, 2016
Status – CURRENT
This report outlines new findings on the health impacts of intimate partner violence and the contribution it makes to the overall disease burden in Australian Women. The findings are considered in the context of other evidence and the implications for policy, practice and further research are discussed. The second of two reports, this one focuses on two populations that experience the highest health impacts: women of reproductive age (18-44 years) and Indigenous women (see above).
Publisher: ANROWS, 2016
Status – CURRENT
This report extends results from the Australian Burden of Disease Study 2011 (ABDS 2011) to produce detailed estimates of the health burden due to exposure to IPV that are specific to Australian women in 2011. Of note, this report also includes estimates of attributable burden using a broader definition of IPV than used in the ABDS 2011, one that includes non-cohabiting partners as well as partner emotional abuse.
Publisher: Commonwealth of Australia, 2015
Status – CURRENT
The National Mental Health Commission’s Review of Mental Health Programmes and Services ‘Contributing Lives, Thriving Communities’, highlighted the existing complexity, inefficiency and fragmentation of the mental health system and presented a compelling case for long-term sustainable reform. The Government’s response outlines 9 interconnected, concrete areas of reform:
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.
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%).
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.
Publisher: Prepared for the Australian Government Department of Health, 2012
Status – CURRENT
This report uses data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) to assess adherence to national guidelines for preventative health behaviours and selected health screening. The guidelines used for this report are those disseminated by the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and/or the Australian Government Department of Health, based on the best available evidence at the time.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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%).
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.
Publisher: Prepared for the Australian Government Department of Health, 2012
Status – CURRENT
This report uses data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) to assess adherence to national guidelines for preventative health behaviours and selected health screening. The guidelines used for this report are those disseminated by the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and/or the Australian Government Department of Health, based on the best available evidence at the time.
Publisher: Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, 2005
Status – CURRENT
The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) has added significantly to our understanding of the effects of partner violence. Partner violence has a serious impact on women’s physical and mental health, including increased symptoms and medical conditions, such as sexually transmitted infections (including cervical cancer) and depressive illness. Not surprisingly, women who have lived in violent relationships use health services more often than other women, and are especially more likely than others to visit their GPs. Other life experiences can help or hinder the health and wellbeing of women who have experienced partner violence. For example, women with high social support are healthier than those without.
Publisher: Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, 2005
Status – CURRENT
Mental health problems lead to more disability, dependence, and time out of the workforce than any other type of health problem in Australia. This is largely because they often occur among young people, and because – once established – they tend to re-occur across the lifespan. The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) uses several standard self-report measures of mental health, including the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale and the SF-36 Mental Health Index. In addition, the research team has developed a measure of perceived stress specifically for the project. Women are also asked about psychotropic medications and diagnoses of mental health problems.
Publisher: Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health, 2005
Status – CURRENT
The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) regularly collects information about women’s health and health behaviors, including their consumption of alcohol. Drinking alcohol at risky levels increases the likelihood of illness, hospitalisation and death. But while heavy drinking has negative health, social and economic implications, there may be some benefits from low alcohol consumption.
Publisher: Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health, 2005
Status – CURRENT
There is public concern about young women’s use of tobacco, alcohol and other recreational drugs. In particular, there is a perception that it is increasing, and there is apprehension about potential long term consequences. The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) supports concerns that tobacco continues to pose a major challenge to women’s health. Evidence from the Study suggests that inappropriate use of alcohol and other drugs is relatively uncommon and is often limited to a brief period in young women’s lives. Nevertheless it has the potential for serious long-term consequences
Publisher: Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health, 2005
Status – Current
The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) regularly collects information about how women use their time, including the amount of time spent in paid and unpaid work and leisure, and relates this to health and well-being. As research has repeatedly shown, Australian women of all ages are spending more time in the paid workforce, but still take the main responsibility for the unpaid care of their families, whatever their paid employment commitments. Despite this, ALSWH data show that, at least in middle age, women with paid work are in better health than those without, but the desirable amount of paid work varies depending on women’s other responsibilities.
Publisher: Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, 2004
Status – CURRENT
Violence against women is associated with serious reproductive outcomes. These include unwanted and unplanned pregnancies, high rates of abortion, low birth-weight, sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection, and the murder of both mother and child. Violence against women also impacts on their general physical and mental health.
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Publisher: Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2016
Status – CURRENT
These guidelines have been developed to build the capacity of workers in the sexual assault and alcohol and other drug (AOD) sectors in Victoria to support shared clients who experience both sexual assault trauma and substance use issues. The guidelines have been prepared by the Australian Institute of Family Studies in partnership with CASA Forum and UnitingCare ReGen. They are the result of an Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) funded project exploring the enablers and barriers of the AOD and sexual assault sectors in referring shared clients to specialist services.
Publisher: National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC ), 2015
Status – CURRENT
“Improving service provision to women means acknowledging their unique experiences and perspectives, enhancing the best practice approaches AOD treatment services already have in place or adopting philosophical perspectives that give a greater voice to the needs of women.” This new NADA resource is a practical guide to supporting workers and organisations to provide best practice interventions for women accessing AOD treatment. This includes effective organisational change, becoming a gender responsive service, supporting family inclusiveness and providing trauma informed care.
Publisher: Statewide Obstetrics Support Unit, King Edward Memorial Hospital Western Australia, Febuary 2007
Status – CURRENT
This document provides recommendations for the screening, diagnosis, referral and management of women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. The aim of the guidelines is to improve screening, diagnosis, referral and management of women with perinatal mental health issues; and to foster the comprehensive care of perinatal mental health issues and thus reduce morbidity and emotional suffering in women and their families.
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Publisher: beyondblue, 2016
Status – CURRENT
The numbers of women who think about suicide, plan their suicide, attempt suicide and die by suicide is considerable and has a large impact on public health in Australia and internationally. BeyondNow is a suicide safety planning free smartphone app that provides a platform for people to develop their own personalised safety plan. BeyondNow enables women to develop their list of warning signs, coping strategies, reasons for living and ways to stay safe in a convenient and confidential app. It can be easily accessed during times of distress and crisis, and can also be used in collaboration with health professionals or shared with family and close friends. Safety planning can be beneficial for women experiencing, or who has recently experienced, suicidal thoughts or behaviour. Suicide safety planning, suicide, supporting someone who is suicidal
Publisher: Partners to Parents, 2016
Status – CURRENT
This evidence-informed website aims to prevent perinatal depression and anxiety by educating partners on how they can support one another when they become parents. It aims to prevent maternal mental health problems during the transition to parenthood by addressing aspects of the partner relationship such as the division of labour. It was developed by researchers and psychologists at the Australian Catholic University. The guidance contained in the website is also available as a booklet: http://www.partnerstoparents.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Supporting-your-partner-when-you-have-a-baby-March-2016.pdf Key words: prevention, maternal, depression, anxiety, perinatal, women, mental health
Publisher: Mindhealthconnect, 2015
Status – CURRENT
The mindhealthconnect website aggregates mental health resources and content from the leading health focused organisations in Australia. There are a range of mental health resources including online programs, fact sheets, audio and video, and online communities.
Publisher: Statewide Obstetrics Support Unit, King Edward Memorial Hospital Western Australia, Febuary 2007
Status – CURRENT
This document provides recommendations for the screening, diagnosis, referral and management of women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. The aim of the guidelines is to improve screening, diagnosis, referral and management of women with perinatal mental health issues; and to foster the comprehensive care of perinatal mental health issues and thus reduce morbidity and emotional suffering in women and their families.
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Investing in women’s mental health: strengthening the foundations for women, families and the Australian economy
/in Australia-wide, Government Policy, Policy Consultation, Policy Development Tool /by adminPublisher: 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
Australian Government Response to Contributing Lives, Thriving Communities – Review of Mental Health Programmes and Services
/in Australia-wide, Government Policy, Other Individual Stakeholder Position /by adminPublisher: Commonwealth of Australia, 2015
Status – CURRENT
The National Mental Health Commission’s Review of Mental Health Programmes and Services ‘Contributing Lives, Thriving Communities’, highlighted the existing complexity, inefficiency and fragmentation of the mental health system and presented a compelling case for long-term sustainable reform. The Government’s response outlines 9 interconnected, concrete areas of reform: