Women and Mental Health

Maslen (2008) reports that “people with mental health issues are amongst the most vulnerable in our society, and are subject to stigma and discrimination in many aspects of their lives (pg. 15).” Despite this, there is a significant shortage of statistical information available on the number of people who experience mental health issues, and a complete absence of information on the number of ACT women who experience mental health issues. Gathering this information should be a priority as some surveys have suggested that women in the ACT experience a significantly higher amount of ‘psychological distress’ that women in other Australian states and territories, 3.5% compared to 1.6% nationally (National Health Survey, 2001).

Current WCHM Projects

Women and Mental Health Working Group

Research undertaken on behalf of the WCHM in 2007 indentified the need for more extensive and collaborative partnerships to be established within the ACT, in the area of gender specific service provision, and in particular, for women with mental health issues. As a result, the ACT Women and Mental Health Working Group (WMHWG) was established in September 2007, to provide a platform for consumers and service providers to identify and address the key issues and barriers that effect women with mental health concerns.

In August 2008 the WMHWG received a grant through ACT Health, to employ a part time project worker which is currently being managed by the WCHM, and directly supported by the Mental Health Community Coalition. Membership of the group is made of female consumers as well as women from the following organisations: ACTCOSS, ACT Division of GP’s, ACT Health, ACT Mental Health Community Coalition (MHCC), ACT Mental Health Consumer Network (MHCN), Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC), Communities @ Work, Mental Health Foundation, WCHM, Women’s Health Service, Women with Disabilities ACT and YWCA.

Using the funding the WMHWG has worked collaboratively with key consumers, government and non-government organisations to identify the key issues and needs in the service system. To date the group has successfully lobbied for more women sensitive and safe facilities within the acute care facilities in the ACT, conducted extensive research into the treatment of women within the legal system and provided a forum that has ensured that women have a voice that is respected, heard and actioned within the mental health sector.