New data reveals that one in six people with psychological distress are seeking professional help.¹
Doctors, patients and seven-time world surfing and wellness champion, Layne Beachley AO are today (18 August) joining forces to urge all Aussies to take care of their mental health.
According to Intensive Care Specialist at Northern Beaches Hospital and CEO and Founder of virtual mental health clinic, My Mirror, Dr Matthew Zoeller – there are still many substantial barriers to overcome to enable Aussies to gain access to professional mental health services.
“Despite the extensive work still underway to address the misconceptions surrounding mental health,² ³ the ongoing stigma associated with seeking and receiving mental health support poses a major obstacle for many Aussies in psychological distress.
“However, stigma is just one of many challenges facing those affected. Time, cost and geographical location are also severely compromising Australians’ access to mental health support.⁴ ⁵
“This is especially true for those living in regional and remote areas, who may be required to travel to major cities or towns to access professional mental healthcare.”
Tele-tech models
Dr Zoeller discusses the innovation of using tele-health models.
“…tele-tech models of care combine secure online platforms with next-generation videoconferencing technologies, to provide entirely virtual entirely virtual support. Improved uptake of these digital healthcare models is key to overcoming these barriers, to ensure ALL Australians can access professional mental health support, when, and where they need it.” ⁶ ⁷
My Mirror
My Mirror is the professional psychology partner to Layne’s Awake Academy – an Australian, online portal comprising a series of wellness courses.
Ms Beachley explains, “As a mental wellness champion, I’ve had my share of mental health-related issues. I’ve survived depression and serious injuries that formed part of the emotional roller-coaster that was my 19-year-long professional surfing career.
“Mental health care requires a holistic approach, including the development of a strong support network and professional psychological care.
“I’m partnering with My Mirror because it combines innovation with the professional expertise required to change the way Australians engaged with psychological support.”
Chief Psychologist and co-Founder of My Mirror, Kate Blundell emphasises that there is no one-size fits all approach.
“Each person has a unique set of needs and circumstances, which may evolve over time. We. Must therefore, be able to tailor mental health services to meet today’s societal and behavioural conditions,” says Ms Blundell.
“Consider that there is now the option to speak to an accredited psychologist virtually, from the comfort of your home, at a time convenient to you, regardless of your situation, location or socioeconomic status.”
To learn more about My Mirror, please visit mymirror.com.au.
References
- Australian Bureau of Statistics. Household Impacts of COVID-19 Survey. 2021; Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/people-and-communities/household-impacts-covid-19-survey/latest- release.
- Beyond Blue, beyondblue Information Paper: Stigma and discrimination associated with depression and anxiety. July, 2021.
- Morgan, A.J., J. Wright, and N.J. Reavley, Review of Australian initiatives to reduce stigma towards people with complex mental illness: what exists and what works? International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 2021. 15(1): p. 10.
- Osenbach, J.E., et al., Synchronous telehealth technologies in psychotherapy for depression: a meta-analysis. Depress Anxiety, 2013. 30(11): p. 1058-67.
- Peñate, W., About the effectiveness of telehealth procedures in psychological treatments. International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, 2012. 12: p. 461-473.
