Mental Health
My Plans for Mental Health Vision in Wentworth
Good mental health is vital for any thriving society, as people's well-being influences how they think, feel, and act toward one another. Unfortunately, there has been a significant rise in mental health issues across the world due to factors such as social media, economic struggles, and isolation. This increase in mental health issues is especially prevalent among our younger generations, which can have significant implications for our country's future, as these generations will eventually need to take over from older generations in various industries such as medicine, agriculture, and politics.
My Key Actions:
- Provide free therapy and psychology sessions for all Australians.
- Include nutritionists and personal trainers in Medicare for all Australians.
- Propose changes to social media access to reduce overall screen time.
Why Focus on Mental Health?
I've seen firsthand what poor mental health is like and, more importantly, what it can do to someone when it isn't handled properly. In Australia, approximately 3,000 people die by suicide each year, which translates to about eight deaths per day.This makes suicide the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 49 years and the third leading cause of premature death from injury or disease. In 2001, about 11% of Australians reported experiencing a mental illness in their lifetime, compared to around 43% who reported a lifetime mental illness by 2022. Additionally, surveys indicate that the prevalence of conditions like depression and anxiety has become increasingly common, particularly among younger Australians, with figures for those aged 16-24 rising from 26% in 2007 to 39% in 2022.
My Plans to Address Mental Health Issues
Technology, the economy, and our lifestyle have all undergone drastic changes in the past 50 years, leading to increased screen time, reduced physical exercise, poor nutrition, insufficient sleep, and elevated stress levels.
1. Medicare Reforms: I propose changes to the Medicare system to ensure that nutritionists, personal trainers, and psychologists are accessible to all Medicare cardholders. This plan emphasizes a more proactive approach, empowering individuals to reduce their future health risks, live longer, and enjoy a healthier life—all while lowering costs.
2. Community Sporting Events: Many mental health issues stem from a lack of exercise and social isolation. These events will provide opportunities for physical exercise while fostering new relationships and social connections.
3. Accessible Educational Content: Small changes in diet or daily routine can yield significant physical, emotional, and mental health benefits. I plan to fund educational programs and make these resources accessible to everyone in Australia.
Why Target Phone Usage?
Research from around the world shows a significant rise in mobile usage, especially among young adults and teenagers. Studies estimate that the average teen spends approximately 6-9 hours daily on their phone. This trend has major health implications, as excessive phone use often leads to reduced social interaction, less physical activity, and an increase in self-comparisons that can harm mental well-being. Almost all of my close friends spend large portions of their day glued to their phones. Instead of simply asking people to reduce their phone time, I focus on creating educational content online and recommend apps designed to help reduce time spent on devices, encouraging healthier, more balanced phone usage.
