AICAFMHA:
promoting mental health for young Australians
Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association Ltd
ABN 87 093 479 022
COPMI Project Update - 15/9/2004
Consumer/Carer Update
THEMHS/AICAFMHA Conference September 2004 "Harvesting Hope"
Well I don't know about you but I came back from the Conference enlightened but quite exhausted. It was interesting attending this TheMHS (this was my fourth) because of the amalgamation with AICAFMHA incorporating child and adolescent mental health (in particular children of parents with a mental illness) into streams. Adrian Falkov was controversial at this conference as some of his presentation focused on child protection which was challenging. Initially I was not sure how well this would be taken on board as TheMHS has been very 'adult issues focused' in the past. I can say from personal experience that I have seen the growth of mental health towards a more holistic approach occurring within the TheMHS formats over the years which is to their credit. I believe that Adrian's presentation even though confronting to some, encouraged people, services etc to think and discuss what they can do to improve practice and I believe this to be a very good thing. During the breaks as I worked on the COPMI stand I had numerous people come and talk to me about COPMI issues. All of the 'Principles and Actions', 'Family Talk' and 'Baby Talk' booklets were keenly taken up by so many people either for their service, another service, themselves or other family members.
In between presenting with Elizabeth Fudge and other duties, I attended other presentations and I was particularly delighted to hear from young people who attend the PATS (Paying Attention To Self) Program in Victoria. These young people came across as confident, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. To me it highlighted what can be achieved in the area of children that have a parent with a mental illness if there is some support, education and encouragement. I am particularly impressed with the growth of this program.
The other programs such as the Champs Camp and how Rose Cuff allowed the children to speak through the video was uplifting. To see this group of children sharing in a safe environment and discussing what "we would never have discussed" in the past was beauty in motion. Gaining Ground (a camps program from NSW) again was uplifting. The number of wonderful people supporting this program and the number of children going through confirms the need for such programs. Again, from my perspective it was wonderful to see children from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and Indigenous backgrounds in this program as there has been a lack of this in the past. To see 78 (and how exhausted the recreation officers must be) children sharing, having fun, encouraging and supporting each other was a privilege.
I attended a paper "Healing the Wounds" which was about Adult Children of a Parent with a Mental Illness and was very impressed how this topic is growing not only in age but scope. Yes, there are many issues that need to be addressed by adult children of parents with a mental illness to heal and move on. This topic highlights the need for supports, education and understanding of adults but also to the young children that have only just begun a journey. More importantly it shows the younger ones that even though it can be challenging, one can become resilient and survive well and happily. This presentation was a beautiful gift.
On the final day I decided to attend a presentation entitled "Finding the Warrior" presented by a wonderful woman from New Zealand. It was about her journey of healing to the present and how her Maori culture has been with her and supported her all the way. This woman described her difficult journey and there was a great deal of pain and anguish along the way. She described how her ancestors have given her strength and how important family is in the process. This woman described how it was important to get rid of the negative people and practices in her life. She was honest in her presentation that things are not always right but that through knowledge and kindness to herself she is well at present.
At the end of her presentation three Maori people sang to her (did the Huka) and I began to cry - I didn't quite understand why at first. Once I had time to settle I felt privileged, to observe a lone woman sharing her story of struggle with mental illness, her journey of embracing her culture and with such honesty. Then watching her people standing up and honouring her was an immensely moving moment. I was sad because there are many people like her - my mother in particular - who may never share a moment like this and never have their own culture honour them.
In conclusion, TheMHS and AICAFMHA put together a conference covering a lifespan, it was controversial, enlightening, had people talking; some were arguing, others laughing. What I got out of it was - Mental Health is not about one thing. Mental Illness it is not about one agency, Adult or Child and Adolescent. Its about ALL OF IT and HOW WELL WE COMMUNICATE AND ALL WORK TOGETHER.
Paola
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