Please note: This publication has been rescinded
Synopsis
This report is the first in a series on mental health issues to be published by NHMRC.
There are considerable stresses for women in relation to stages of development. For example, post-natal depression is common and serious, causes personal distress and marital disharmony and can lead to child abuse. Eating disorders, suicidal behaviour and sexual abuse contribute to morbidity in adolescent girls and multiple drug interactions, quite apart from isolation and loneliness, can cause problems in elderly women.
At all ages women may be stressed by unpaid work as carers for the chronically and terminally ill as well as the elderly
Aboriginal women and women from non-English speaking backgrounds may be particularly stressed. Factors contributing to mental health problems in Aboriginal women include poverty, unemployment, discrimination and cultural loss. Support to enable Aboriginal women to develop programs to address these issues in their own communities is considered essential.
Adjustments faced by families from non-English speaking backgrounds fall heavily on women who often find themselves apparently alone in the world. Grief over loss of previous home and over separation form ageing parents and extended family may occur.
The report also examines the part played by alcohol and drugs.
Specific education programs need to be developed for medical students and practitioners aimed at increasing knowledge in the management of mental health.
Organisations to which this publication is directed are requested to announce its availability in relevant journals, newsletters, etc, and, if possible, to review the publication.
