Mental problem: the first step is to talk to others

Victorias most culturally diverse region - Greater Dandenong - is to receive its own mental health program designed by beyondblue. The City of Greater Dandenong has the highest rate of psychological and socio-economic distress in the South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN) region, along with high unemployment rates, housing distress and financial insecurity. About 60 per cent of Greater Dandenong residents were born overseas - mostly in non-English speaking countries - and the area is home to almost 30 per cent of Victorias asylum seekers. SEMPHN has identified past traumatic experiences, language barriers, visa uncertainty and disconnection from family as particular mental health risks for refugees and asylum seekers. On June 1, beyondblue will launch beyondblueConnect, a new mental health peer support program that is free, informal and available to adults with early and emerging signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression. beyondblueConnect - developed with local community service groups - is available to people of all cultural backgrounds and is funded by the Commonwealth Government through the SEMPHN. The program will be accessible in person, by phone or online and it will be led by trained mentors from diverse backgrounds who have personal experience of mental health conditions. Participants can attend up to eight private or group sessions where they will gain skills in protecting and managing their mental health, build new friendships and pick up practical knowledge to support successful settlement in Melbourne, such as navigating the public health system, finding childcare and more. beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman said the program was about giving people new skills and empowering them before they hit a mental health crisis: We know that stigma is a significant issue, particularly in multicultural communities, and often prevents people from seeking the mental health support they desperately need. The pressure on migrants trying to build a new life for their families in a new country, sometimes without any family support, often takes a huge toll on their mental health. Racism can also have a damaging impact on the mental health of migrants. In 2011, one in seven Australians reported experiencing discrimination because of their culture or ethnicity, which can cause severe psychological distress, anxiety and depression. Having someone to talk to, a mentor who has been through similar challenges, can make the world of difference to someone trying to find a job in a new country or for someone with depression ." Lucy Chen has more.

CREDIT BY BEYONDBLUE Source: CREDIT BY BEYONDBLUE