Introduction

Book Chapter ResearchOnline@JCU
Francis, Abraham P.;Tinning, Beth
Abstract

[Extract] Welcome to Social Work in Mental Health: Contexts and Theories for Practice. This book has been designed for students and practitioners of social work in Asia (especially India) and Australia. The book brings together a range of scholarly reflections on the many different roles of the social worker in the field of mental health. Mental illness is very common. One in five (20 per cent) Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental illness in any year (Black Dog Institute 2012). Similar numbers are reported around the world (WHO 2011b). Despite the numbers affected by mental illness, those experiencing it battle not only the symptoms and effects of the illness but an accompanying stigma and shame (Bland et al. 2009). A widening gap exists between the need for appropriate support and resources for those with a mental illness and their families, friends and carers, and the actual services available (WHO 2011b). As a result, social workers are likely to work with people experiencing mental health issues in almost every area of practice (Bland et al. 2009). The values and ethics underpinning the social work profession provide a unique platform from which to offer a service that is both mindful of individual challenges faced by people living with a mental illness and committed to social justice at a broader community level, to reduce the impact of stigma and isolation.

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Social Work in Mental Health: contexts and theories for practice

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978-81-321-1739-1

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Pages Count

17

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Publisher

SAGE

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Publisher Location

New Delhi, India

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