The Population Mental Health Unit has a close link with Mental Health First Aid Australia, a not-for-profit agency translating research findings into practical action. The Unit has been key to the development and evaluation of The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training course, which equips the public to assist a person developing a mental health problem, experiencing the worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis (e.g., they are suicidal). The Population Mental Health Unit also hosts SANE’s Anne Deveson Research Collaborative and conducts research to reduce stigma and discrimination, and improve social inclusion of people with mental ill-health.
Key research projects
Developing culturally appropriate mental health first aid training for China, Chile and Argentina
There are not enough trained staff to provide professional care for mental disorders in many middle-income countries. As a result of these structural inequalities, there is a need to train non-specialists to identify and assist in managing mental health problems in order to improve adherence to treatment and clinical outcomes. Active engagement with local communities in order to promote service user leadership and mechanisms to ensure that programs are culturally appropriate are essential to improving outcomes. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training has an established track record in high-income countries of improving knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in relation to people with mental health problems. However, the appropriateness of the course content and implementation models in middle- income countries is unknown. This project involves developing and trialling culturally appropriate MHFA training for China, Chile and Argentina.
Impact: Culturally adapted mental health first aid guidelines for China, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Chile and Argentina have been published and cited in key policy documents, including those by WHO. Findings will provide evidence for dissemination of MHFA training in China, Argentina and Chile, leading to improved support for people experiencing mental health problems and benefiting their wellbeing.
A new frontier in mental health prevention: Targeting child emotional abuse
Child emotional abuse is repeated parental behaviour that conveys to the child they are worthless, unloved, unwanted, or only of value in meeting another’s needs. It is widespread and equally as harmful as child sexual or physical abuse, doubling the risk of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, self-harm, and suicide attempts in adults. Yet emotional abuse has been neglected as a target for prevention. There is very little awareness of the impact of emotional abuse and there is a critical need for an “emotion revolution” in what we say to our children and how we say it. This project is building the evidence base for effectively driving change in public understanding of how to prevent and respond to child emotional abuse.
Impact: The project will make a major contribution to existing knowledge gaps and evidence on public health approaches to preventing child emotional abuse. Our Partners will implement this knowledge in their health promotion and advocacy work to improve family wellbeing. The project will lead to greater recognition of emotionally abusive behaviours and how to take action in response. This will have widespread health benefits by helping to keep Australian children safe and supported, and will lead to fewer Australians developing depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and behaviours later in life.
Anne Deveson Research Collaborative
Professor Nicola Reavley leads the Anne Deveson Research Collaborative, which promotes the wellbeing of Australians affected by complex mental health issues. It has a focus on multidisciplinary research that explores the social impacts of these conditions and addresses stigma and discrimination. It aims to undertake practical research that drives policy change to produce better social outcomes. It prioritises research conducted in partnership with people who have lived experience of complex mental health conditions.
Impact: Evidence of the benefits of SANE’s Digital Psychosocial Support services have led to substantial government investment for national scale-up and will make a major contribution to improving and supporting recovery of people with mental ill-health. Findings from the recent Stigma Report Card will highlight key areas for investment in reduction of stigma and discrimination, particularly that towards people with complex mental health issues.