“And Aftercare recognises that with 50 per cent of mental health issues, onset occurs in the teenage years.”

These statistics have enormous impacts on a healthy, functional community.

Without robust mental health and the services which groups such as Aftercare provides, many people are not able to best function within their communities.

“People may become isolated because they can’t deal with the issues they are facing. For example, if someone is having difficulty managing their finances may lead to problems sustaining their rent and eventually they have nowhere to live,” Ms Hotten said.

“Or if a person has poor hygiene habits or does not eat well, even those things can impact upon how well they function in their job.

“These issues don’t just impact upon the individual, but family, friends, colleagues and neighbours.

“The roll-on effect is enormous.”

Aftercare is Australia’s longest serving mental health services organisation, assisting people with chronic or permanent mental health conditions for 110 years.

“We support people to work towards living a valuable and fulfilling life within their community,” Ms Hotten said. “Aftercare runs a number of programs which are recovery orientated and goal focussed.

“We are very aware that each person’s journey is very individual and so our work is tailored to meet the individual’s needs.”

Aftercare helps to address important issues which often prevent people from living the life they could, including: isolation, anxiety, depression, loss of self confidence, and lack of daily living capabilities.

“Specific programs and models have been developed to address these issues,” Ms Hotten said. “For example someone with anxiety may have a fear of leaving the house. Aftercare would help them with one-on-one or group support. Help them to identify and use coping mechanisms, develop strategies and social skills.

“They may have a chat in a social situation with an Aftercare worker and, in some cases, having those scheduled activities helps give purpose to a person’s day.

“It would be a wonderful thing if we could get our communities to all function well!”

Mental Health Month

October is Mental Health Month and Aftercare will host a series of events to promote the importance of early intervention practices. 

“Look out for these activities and visit the Aftercare website where we’ll have podcasts highlighting services we offer,” Ms Hotten said.