24 SEPTEMBER 1999 .. a web newsletter for psych. consumers in Australia

Next issue will be uploaded 29 October.

<< We can help delay the onset of .. schizophrenia, perhaps indefinitely >>. In a 12 month study of 40 adolescents, Professor Patrick McGorry and a Melbourne University team has found a way to detect and treat adolescents at risk of developing psychosis. McGorry believes that the disorder can be triggered by genetic factors,and that people in the cities and those who experience birth trauma are more at risk.

The stigma of mental illness tends to prevent many people from seeking assistance early. Treatment includes anti-psychotics, and counseling. Prof. McGorry has applied to NIMH in Washington USA to continue the funding of clinical trials here in Parkville.

The national Institute of Depression is going ahead, supported by a Federal grant of $3 million, along with $4 million promised by the Vic. state government. Initially the location will be Parkville (Melbourne), it is not clear when the Institute will open, or what role consumers will have there.

Jeff Kennett, the Premier of Victoria commented <<.. we should treat depression as we treat AIDS, as we treat cancer, by being able to talk about it freely and publicly. The Institute will also promote and evaluate research, especially with a long term focus and expediate the adoption of new ideas. ...

I think it is terribly important that people realise the way in which depression (and drugs are) very much affecting the community in which we live. Again, there is no magic solution to any of the social challenges that I've just outlined -- and they are not Australia's problems alone. >>

It is not clear if the outcome of the Victorian election will compromise the future of the proposed Institute.

THEMHS is an annual conference for cønsumers, mental health providers, carers and more, conducted in Australia or NZ. This year it was in Melbourne, with the theme Whose Dreams? Whose Realities? .

The national consumer Network conducted its AGM there, on Thursday 23rd. with an attendance of approx. 30 consumers. Some of the Melbourne members had to leave for another function before the meeting concluded. A new Network Constitution was voted in and the election of state delegates was confirmed. There was discussion about the limits of decision-making by the Committee for the State branches.

Leonie Manns has withdrawn her nomination for the position of Chairperson, and Helen Connor will continue. The Network's funding continues to be uncertain.

A report on the cønsumer day/forum [Tuesday 21st.,] and conf. presentations by consumers will be posted later. THEMHS' Web page ... www.themhs.org ... E-MAIL to enquiries@themhs.org

Victoria's Mental Health Week will be 17 - 23 October. Most of the organised events seem to be public relations exercises for service providers and art exhibitions! They do offer useful MH information, too.

During MHW, a short play written by Steafan Kilkeary on the subject of mental unwellness will form part of the Quarterhour Performance, opening at the Guild Theatre, University of Melbourne, on 19 October.

The play, entitled 'To Stand Outside Yourself', dramatises a real-life incident which happened at Footscray Psychiatric Hospital in 1996. E-MAIL for information .. ciar62@tipperary.net If anyone knows about other consumer contributions this year - pls e~mail the newsletter team.