National Mental Health Policy 2008 Analysis and Recommendations

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the National Mental Health Policy 2008, focusing on its impact on the mental health of older Australians. It begins with an introduction outlining the prevalence of mental health issues in this demographic and the importance of policy implementation. The report then provides an overview of the policy, its objectives, and its approach to promoting mental well-being, prevention, early detection, and recovery. The analysis identifies areas for improvement, including workforce issues, and suggests amendments to the existing policy. A literature review explores risk factors for mental health issues among older people, highlighting the need for early intervention and community awareness. Recommendations are made for enhancing mental health services, promoting mental health well-being, and implementing evidence-based practices. The report concludes with an implementation plan that includes strategies for disseminating information, raising awareness, and improving the delivery of mental health services. The report emphasizes the importance of addressing knowledge gaps and continuous monitoring to improve outcomes for older people.

Running head: NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH POLICY 2008
National Mental Health Policy 2008
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

1NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH POLICY 2008
Introduction
Mental health issues indirectly or directly affect the Australians at some stages in their
lives. There is a strong link between ageing and health problems that includes physical and
mental illness. The mental health issues are quite common where about 45% of them are
experiencing recurrent or severe illness that has influenced the older Australians, their family
members and carers (Slade, Teesson and Burgess 2009). According to Australian Institute of
Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2015, about 8.5 million people were affected by mental disorders
and one in five (20%) had experienced mental illness (Slade et al. 2009). There is lack of
effective and appropriate timely access to treatment and non-clinical mental health services that
is important for healthy ageing (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2012). As a result, it
is affecting their ability to live independently and complicating the picture of older people’s
mental health in Australia. Therefore, policy implementation is important for prevention, early
detection and delivery of appropriate mental health services to older Australians.
Australian government has made guidelines and policies to reform mental health
condition for their people. Among these, The National Mental Health Policy 2008 was developed
with a strategic vision to promote mental health and well-being, prevention of mental health
problems development and illness (Health.gov.au 2018). It is also aimed at reducing the impact
of mental illness like stigmatization and promoting recovery of older Australians. Furthermore,
this existing policy assures to protect the rights of the people with mental illness and disorders so
that they are able to participate in society meaningfully (Health.gov.au 2018). Therefore, this
policy is envisioned to reform the mental health system providing connected and seamless care,
recovery-oriented while supporting older people to participate in community activities to their
full potential (Health.gov.au 2018).

2NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH POLICY 2008
Overview
The National Mental Health Policy 2008 was developed to promote mental well-being,
prevention, early detection and recovery among the older Australians. This policy recognizes that
life stages like old age are associated with increased mental health risk and those who are
experiencing mental illness. This policy has a renewed approach towards mental health where
older Australians should have better access to mental health services, improved service delivery
and accountable and more robust legislation (Groom, Hickie and Davenport 2003). This policy
greatly reaffirms good mental health among older people and not just reduction or absence of
mental illness in the community. The services should greatly meet the clinical needs of the older
people so that they actively participate in their own care promoting collaboration and
participation in the society (Health.gov.au 2018).
This policy has a positive impact on the older people. Mental health problems make older
people vulnerable to human rights violation and subjected to discrimination and stigma. This
policy is directed to de-stigmatization and assisting older Australians to become independent,
emotionally resilient so that they cope with their negative experiences and participate fully in
their community activities. The policy is also aimed at reducing the risk of suicide by minimizing
the risk factors and improving resistance to mental illness and problems. It also helps to create
awareness by promoting mental health well-being related to prevention and recovery of mental
illness among aged population in Australia (Health.gov.au 2018).
Improvement of current policy
Over the past decade, Australian government has developed series of mental health
strategies and plans; however, there is critical gap in literature and knowledge for mental illness,

3NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH POLICY 2008
policy planning and practice. There is also lack of accountability and limited healthcare systems
data along with issues of policy monitoring and evaluation. According to Grace et al. (2015) in
Australia, the mental health reform that was implemented has received unprecedented attention
in levels: regulation, organization, community education, payment and finance. Although,
national mental health policy 2008 is a whole government approach enabling recovery, early
intervention prioritization and full access to mental health services, this policy is a failure of
implementation and not a failure of policy. The levelers include poor administration,
accountability, lack of government commitment and failure to achieve quality delivery of mental
health services in the Australian community (Grace et al. 2015). Therefore, the current policy
needs to acknowledge and direct major areas like rights and responsibilities of people with
mental illness, mental health promotion and awareness, prevention of mental health problems
and suicide risk reduction, early intervention, access to right care, participation and social
inclusion.
Workforce issues have gained greater prominence in terms of innovation, research and
sustainability. Since the inception of this policy, it is recognized as a major challenge as the
recruitment and retention of workers is of great concern. Despite persistent effort, the
distribution and supply of mental health professionals in various areas of community like old
aged care homes is scarce and as a result, there is lack of broad approach towards addressing of
mental health problems of older Australians (Clinton and Hazelton 2000). There is lack of
adequate training among the professionals in providing quality mental health services to the
older Australians.
To address the issue of workforce, appropriate training of the professionals in the mental
health workforce is of paramount importance. This sort of training must equip education

4NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH POLICY 2008
opportunities that can be helpful in attracting and retaining sufficient qualified workers and
ongoing education options. This workforce should be trained in promoting prevention of mental
health issues, early intervention, detection and recovery. Adequate delivery of services that can
be helpful in meeting the needs of older people with mental health issues remains a challenge
regardless of their living conditions (Burgess et al. 2012). The improvement in the current policy
can be made through amendments in the existing policy and updating with new information. The
changes made in the existing policy will focus on the early detection, recovery and quality
mental health service delivery by skilled mental health professionals having proper knowledge
and awareness about mental health issues among older Australians. Executive staffs help to
promote mental health well-being among the older Australians will review the new policy draft
with proper evaluation and monitoring of changes in the policy. Furthermore, the final policy
will be updated and released that can reduce the prevalence and impact of mental health
conditions among the older people in Australia. Therefore, the identification of mental health
risk factors, promotion of mental health well-being, prevention, early detection and recovery are
searched through literature review in the subsequent section.
Literature review
Literature review
Database
MedLine
PubMed
Key terms
Mental health policy
Mental health among older
people
Risk factors for older people
Available results
Meta-analysis
Government reports
Journal articles

5NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH POLICY 2008
Identification of risk factors
The Australian population is ageing and they face mental and physical health challenges
that need proper recognition. Older population experience life stressors like decline in functional
ability, loss in capacities and independence. The risk factors for mental health issues also include
neurological disorders like anxiety and depression along with physical illness and mental trauma
as outlined by World Health Organization 2012. There is reduction in mobility, frailty, chronic
pain and other health problems that require aged long-term care. Furthermore, there are several
conditions like retirement, bereavement and decline in socio-economic status that increases the
risk for mental health problems among the older population. These factors result in loneliness,
isolation and psychological distress among the older people demanding long-term mental
healthcare (Holt-Lunstad et al. 2015).
According to Masi et al. (2011), risk factor for mental health issues among older people
is elder abuse like neglect, abandonment and severe losses of respect and dignity. Elder abuse
not only causes physical agony, but also causes long lasting emotional and psychological
consequences like anxiety and depression. The knowledge regarding identification of risk factors
can be helpful in preventing the older people from severe mental health issues. The identification
of mental health risk factors can be helpful in recognizing the people at risk of developing mental
health issues. The National Mental Health Policy highlights the need for identification of mental
health risk factors among older people through early and preventative intervention activities.
According to Corrigan et al. (2012), the community awareness by mental health professionals
through mental health promotion can help to reduce discrimination and stigma experienced by
older people. It can also be helpful in increasing opportunities for early intervention and
prevention as updated by the policy. This is one of the main parts of the existing policy as it

6NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH POLICY 2008
recognizes the risk factors like social exclusion experienced by vulnerable groups like older
population. The early interventions outlined in the policy can be helpful in identifying the
individuals at risk and those who are experiencing mental health issues for the first time.
Recommendations
The mental health services should acknowledge and work in accordance with the mental
health needs of the older people. They should have access to necessary mental health services
without any social exclusion, stigma and discrimination. The mental health workforce should
maintain their dignity, respect and deliver fair standards of care that are directed towards their
recovery, safety and well-being. Mental health promotion should support older people so that
they participate in community activities maximizing their ability (Tudor 2013). According to ()
mental health promotion seeks to increase understanding and awareness of mental health
conditions reducing discrimination, stigmatization and as a result, encouraging help-seeking
behaviour among older people at the individual level (Thornicroft et al. 2016). This also helps to
reduce vulnerability and increase in emotional resilience through development of self-esteem and
personal skills leading to supportive social inclusion.
According to Tew (2012), early intervention of mental health condition during initial or
possible early phase or during any episode can be helpful in minimization of duration and
severity of such conditions and reduction of broader impacts. Specially targeted mental health
intervention programs can help to address the emerging mental health issues and awareness of
risk factors. The access to mental health services at right time with response to needs of the older
people can help to promote positive health outcomes and facilitation of sustained recovery (Patel

7NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH POLICY 2008
et al. 2013). Moreover, this approach shows clear benefits facilitating social inclusion and
participation of older people experiencing mental health problems.
Therefore, the recent literature highlights the enhancement of mental health sector in
addressing knowledge gaps and improving service delivery through evaluation attention,
dissemination and continuous monitoring. The evidence based knowledge and influential
information dissemination can be beneficial for older people with poor mental health outcomes.
The early intervention, prevention and governance of mental health services need to be directed
towards reinforced uptake of service provision that is evidence-based.
Implementation of improved policy
The implementation plan can be helpful in identifying the individuals who are at risk for
developing mental health problems as highlighted in literature. Moreover, the review also
illustrated that delivery of timely mental health services can facilitate recovery with better health
outcomes.
Activity Materials and
resources
Time Success measurement
Dissemination of
information through
conferences and poster
Poster creation and
presentation in
conferences to educate
the mental health
workforce about the
updated current policy
that recognizes the
knowledge gaps
An estimated two weeks
conference session can
be helpful before the
implementation of the
updated policy.
The success outcome
can be measured
through discussion and
feedback sessions with
the mental health
workforce. The outcome
can be measured by
providing questionnaire

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associated with mental
health risk factors
identification among
older people.
to the mental health
staffs after each
conference session. The
feedback received from
the healthcare
professionals after the
session can be helpful in
understanding their
attentiveness and
awareness regarding
policy amendments.
Awareness campaigns
regarding the new
mental health well-
being policy
The new updated policy
should be distributed to
the mental health staffs
and old people making
them aware and well
informed.
Two weeks There is knowledge
enhancement regarding
risk factors related to
mental health conditions
for early detection and
intervention.
Seminars Seminars can be helpful
in disseminating
information regarding
updated policy to the
mental health staffs
related to early
detection, prevention,
right care at right time
and in promoting
The seminars can be
arranged weekly prior to
the policy
implementation for
three hours. The
seminar should be
followed by question
hour and feedback
Feedback can be helpful
in understanding the
knowledge of the
participants that is
associated with the
seminar. The
identification of
individuals at risk and
timely access to

9NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH POLICY 2008
recovery. session. appropriate mental
health services for older
people can help in
reducing the prevalence
of mental health
conditions. The
observed reduction in
mental health problems
can also be a measure of
success.
Collection of data
regarding improvement
in mental health
conditions among older
people
Data collection that is
associated with
improved mental health
outcomes in aged care
homes.
Collection of data
during the first two
weeks
Improvement in mental
health services in aged
care homes.
Engagement of skilled
mental health workers
Discussion regarding
the new and updated
policy
Weekly meeting for two
hours
The discussion of
updated policy for
improved mental health
outcomes for the older
people in Australia
Feedback session The survey
questionnaire can be
helpful in measuring the
effectiveness of updated
policy
After two weeks of
release of new, updated
policy
Effective improvement
of mental health
conditions among older
Australians.

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Evaluation of updated policy
The improved mental health conditions among older people in Australia can be a measure
of success of new policy. This would help to clarify the policy effectiveness and survey after
every one-month regarding delivery of mental health services in Australia. The continuous
evaluation and monitoring of efforts can help to review the understanding of mental health staffs
related to use of new and updated policy. Clinical auditing can be helpful in evaluating the
understanding of prevalence and incidence of mental health problems with improved
interventions. Proper documentation of risk factors that increases the incidence of mental health
problems among older people by skilled professionals can also be considered beneficial for
better mental health outcomes. The evaluation and monitoring of updated policy changes can
also be helpful in promoting mental health well-being and increased participation in aged care
services.
Conclusion
` The amendments made in the existing policy are beneficial in reducing the incidence and
prevalence of mental health problems in Australia along with improved health services for older
people. After the policy review, it was noted that it require changes in terms of workforce issue,
poor administration, inadequate delivery of services, lack of commitment and accountability.
This has negative impact on the mental health conditions of older people as there is poor
understanding of specific mental health conditions. Prior to policy implementation, there should
be focused research on the enhancement of mental health sector capacity so that they are able to
address gaps and provide improved service delivery through utilization and dissemination of new

11NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH POLICY 2008
knowledge. Mental health professionals including carers must be involved in evaluation and
monitoring activities. The reviewing of National Mental Health Policy 2008 and amendments
made in the existing policy was knowledge enriching and intriguing.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2012. Australia's Health 2012: In Brief. AIHW.

12NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH POLICY 2008
Burgess, P., Coombs, T., Clarke, A., Dickson, R. and Pirkis, J., 2012. Achievements in mental
health outcome measurement in Australia: Reflections on progress made by the Australian
Mental Health Outcomes and Classification Network (AMHOCN). International journal of
mental health systems, 6(1), p.4.
Clinton, M. and Hazelton, M., 2000. Scoping the Australian mental health nursing
workforce. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 9(2), pp.56-64.
Corrigan, P.W., Morris, S.B., Michaels, P.J., Rafacz, J.D. and Rüsch, N., 2012. Challenging the
public stigma of mental illness: a meta-analysis of outcome studies. Psychiatric services, 63(10),
pp.963-973.
Grace, F.C., Meurk, C.S., Head, B.W., Hall, W.D., Carstensen, G., Harris, M.G. and Whiteford,
H.A., 2015. An analysis of policy levers used to implement mental health reform in Australia
1992-2012. BMC health services research, 15(1), p.479.
Groom, G., Hickie, I. and Davenport, T., 2003. 'Out of Hospital, Out of Mind!': A Report
Detailing Mental Health Services in Australia in 2002 and Community Priorities for National
Mental Health Policy for 2003-2008. Mental Health Council of Australia.
Health.gov.au. 2018. National Mental Health Policy 2008. [online] Available at:
https://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/B4A903FB48158BAECA257BF
0001D3AEA/$File/finpol08.pdf [Accessed 26 May 2018].
Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T.B., Baker, M., Harris, T. and Stephenson, D., 2015. Loneliness and
social isolation as risk factors for mortality: a meta-analytic review. Perspectives on
Psychological Science, 10(2), pp.227-237.

13NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH POLICY 2008
Masi, C.M., Chen, H.Y., Hawkley, L.C. and Cacioppo, J.T., 2011. A meta-analysis of
interventions to reduce loneliness. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 15(3), pp.219-
266.
Patel, V., Belkin, G.S., Chockalingam, A., Cooper, J., Saxena, S. and Unützer, J., 2013. Grand
challenges: integrating mental health services into priority health care platforms. PloS
medicine, 10(5), p.e1001448.
Slade, J., Teesson, W. and Burgess, P., 2009. The mental health of Australians 2: report on the
2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Slade, T., Johnston, A., Oakley Browne, M.A., Andrews, G. and Whiteford, H., 2009. 2007
National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: methods and key findings. Australian & New
Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 43(7), pp.594-605.
Tew, J., Ramon, S., Slade, M., Bird, V., Melton, J. and Le Boutillier, C., 2012. Social factors and
recovery from mental health difficulties: a review of the evidence. The British Journal of Social
Work, 42(3), pp.443-460.
Thornicroft, G., Mehta, N., Clement, S., Evans-Lacko, S., Doherty, M., Rose, D., Koschorke, M.,
Shidhaye, R., O'Reilly, C. and Henderson, C., 2016. Evidence for effective interventions to
reduce mental-health-related stigma and discrimination. The Lancet, 387(10023), pp.1123-1132.
Tudor, K., 2013. Mental health promotion: Paradigms and practice. Routledge.
World Health Organization, 2012. World Health Day 2012: ageing and health: toolkit for event
organizers.

14NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH POLICY 2008
NAME OF DOCUMENT National mental health policy 2008

15NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH POLICY 2008
TYPE OF DOCUMENT Policy
DOCUMENT NUMBER P3-4954
DATE OF PUBLICATION 2009
RISK RATING Low risk
REVIEW DATE
Documents are to be reviewed a
maximum of three years from date of
issue
28th May 2015
FORMER REFERENCE(S)
Documents that are replaced by this
one
COAG National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006
EXECUTIVE SPONSOR or
EXECUTIVE CLINICAL
SPONSOR
Commonwealth of Australia 2009

16NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH POLICY 2008
AUTHOR
Position responsible for the document
including email address
Australian Health Ministers Conference
KEY TERMS Community controlled services, Advocacy, Criminal
justice system, Emotional resilience, Key
performance indicators, Non-government mental
health sector, Psychiatric disability support services
others
SUMMARY
Brief summary of the contents of the
document
A mental health plan where all the healthcare and
associated organisations should work together to
ensure effective and appropriate recovery oriented
healthcare service among ages and adolescents
Name of Policy
1. POLICY STATEMENT

17NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH POLICY 2008
 Ensuring that Australians mainly aged and adolescents can access effective as well as
appropriate treatment and support of the community for enabling them in taking active
participation in the community.
2. AIMS
 The main aims are the promotion of the mental health as well as well being of the old
aged Australian community,
 Reduction of the impacts of mental health problems as well as mental illness that include
the effects of stigma, individuals, families as well as community,
 Promotion of recovery from mental health problems and mental illness of the old people,
 Assuring the rights of the people who suffer from mental health issues and enable them in
meaningful participation in the society
3. TARGET AUDIENCE
 Adolescents and old people are the main target audience along with
 other groups in the community such as the homeless and the disadvantaged people,
 those exposed to traumatic events,
 old people with serious chronic health problems
 Along with aboriginal communities
4. RESPONSIBILITIES

18NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH POLICY 2008
 development an interaction between the different range of sectors like the health,
community and aged care, education, employment, housing, welfare justice and
indigenous affairs. All these sectors should work together to develop mental health
stability of people
 interventions for comprehensive care that should include prevention as well as early
prevention approaches through continuing care as well as prevention of relapse
 recovery mediated approach for development of new meaning and purpose of life and the
ability for pursuing personal goals within the community by the target people
5. DEFINITIONS
Mental health:
It includes emotional, social as well as psychological being. It also includes determination about
how one can handle stress, relating to others and thereby making choices.
Recovery oriented mental health service:
service that ensure that mental health services are being delivered in a way that supports the
recovery of mental health consumers by empowering individuals, helping them to recognise that
they are at the centre of the care.
6. DOCUMENTATION
The identification of risk factors among older people with clinical audit can be helpful in
checking the effectiveness of the implemented policy
7. REFERENCES

19NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH POLICY 2008
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2012. Australia's Health 2012: In Brief. AIHW.
Health.gov.au. 2018. National Mental Health Policy 2008. [online] Available at:
https://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/B4A903FB48158BAECA25
7BF0001D3AEA/$File/finpol08.pdf [Accessed 26 May 2018].
Slade, J., Teesson, W. and Burgess, P., 2009. The mental health of Australians 2: report on
the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Slade, T., Johnston, A., Oakley Browne, M.A., Andrews, G. and Whiteford, H., 2009. 2007
National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: methods and key findings. Australian &
New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 43(7), pp.594-605.
7. REVISION & APPROVAL HISTORY
Date Revision No. Author and Approval
9th May
2003
1 Australian Heath Care Agreements 2003–2003 done by
Ministry of Health
26th
February
2 COAG National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006–2011
by Ministry of Health
18th May
2008
3 008 2003–08 National Mental Health Plan by Department
of health

20NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH POLICY 2008
Appendix
Policy: Improved mental health services and better health outcomes for older Australians
Policy approaches Possible outcomes
Workforce issue Continuous education and training of mental health