Stronger prevention focus is needed to address mental health and substance use issues

Joint media release by Everymind, Black Dog Institute and the Matilda Centre.

We need to invest in the prevention of mental health and substance use difficulties to combat their significant human and economic costs, according to new research.

The research was carried out by The Prevention Hub and the Prevention and Early Intervention in Mental Illness and Substance Use (PREMISE) Centre of Research Excellence through a partnership between the Black Dog Institute, Everymind, and the Matilda Centre at the University of Sydney.

Titled, Prevention of Mental and Substance Use Disorders: Shaping Priorities for Research and Implementation, the research asked 80 delegates at the Leaders in Prevention Summit what their priorities were for prevention research and its application. Their responses consistently emphasised the importance of collaboration and sustained efforts.

Delegates indicated that a collaborative and coordinated effort will be required to achieve the ultimate goal of preventing mental health and substance use difficulties. They also highlighted the need for a long-term perspective and commitment to ensure the success and sustainability of prevention efforts.

“Our sector is urging governments, employers and donors to invest in the prevention of mental health and substance use issues,” said Professor Sam Harvey, Deputy Director at the Black Dog Institute.

“This will not only lead to new discoveries and better program delivery but will also improve lives and reduce future costs.”

Other common themes emerged from the research, including the need to:

• Better understand and target risk and protective factors.
• Strengthen links between research areas by taking a holistic approach.
• Include diverse stakeholders and embed co-design, especially with people with lived experience and their families, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and young people.
• Evaluate and refine prevention programs in the real world.
• Improve data collection and data management.

“The Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Mental Health showed the return on investment for prevention-focused approaches,” said Everymind Director, Dr Jaelea Skehan OAM.

“The recent Australian Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Mental Health found that the social and emotional costs of mental illness and suicide are likely to be as high as $200-220 billion each year,” said Professor Maree Teesson AC, Director at the Matilda Centre.

“Significant investment in a nationally coordinated approach to prevention research is a critical next step in reforming the Australian mental health system.”

Prevention of Mental and Substance Use Disorders: Shaping Priorities for Research and Implementation was published in the peer-reviewed journal, Mental Health and Prevention, and can be read in full here.