March to de-stigmatise mental health

Issue 

"If you're angry, you're not mad" declared a banner at a march and rally of 120 supporters of the rights of the mentally ill on October 14. The action was part of the local Mental Health Week activities and was organised by the Association of the Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill.

The rally heard several speakers and entertainers. Professor Trevor Waring, the principal clinical psychologist with the Hunter Area Health Service, called for 52 weeks of mental health, not just one, and condemned a deplorable new advertisement for a hair-care product that depicts a woman in a straightjacket exclaiming, "Don't be a head case". He pointed out that the issue of mental health and the stigma attached to it was a human rights issue.

Sharon Grierson, the ALP federal member for Newcastle, said the federal allocation of $1.9 billion for mental health services was only half the amount recommended by the Senate committee, and half of the actual allocation goes to medications. Firsthand evidence was presented by those living with a mental illness. A common theme was survival, but with very limited assistance from the government.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.