Government denies fairy tale ending to the Cinderella of mental illness
19/11/2014
Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent and Greens Mental Health Spokesperson Tammy Franks MLC, have this evening successfully passed their motion on Borderline Personality Disorder through the Legislative Council, without the support of the Government.
“It is encouraging to see the Liberal Opposition, Family First, Xenophon Group and Greens combining with Dignity for Disability to support people with a Borderline Personality Disorder in our community, through their ringing endorsement of our motion,” says Kelly Vincent.
“It is incredibly disappointing that the Labor Government is so out of touch with mental health issues, they don’t even support initiatives regarding BPD that their federal counterparts have previously endorsed.
“Borderline Personality Disorder is an oft misunderstood and much maligned disorder hence its label as the Cinderella of mental illness. People with BPD, their family carers and workers in the health sector would all like to see improved resourcing, information and education around BPD.
“South Australia has no specialist BPD service. Given that the stigma and silence which often shrouds mental illness is proven to be extremely damaging, it is vital that people with BPD have the opportunity to seek quality assistance.
“We have people with BPD languishing on waiting lists for Dialectic Behavioural Therapy and often presenting to Emergency Departments at our public hospitals because appropriate treatments aren’t available.
“It is a tragedy that young people are losing their lives to suicide, while the state government stands idly by and refuses to fund a state wide service for BPD. It’s time they take mental illness seriously, and take action,” said Ms Vincent.
Text of motion that passed:
Adjourned debate on motion of the Hon. T. A. Franks – That this Council notes that –
I. At any one point in time, between 1 and 4 per cent of the general population experiences Borderline Personality Disorder;
II. This illness can be characterised by overwhelming emotions, relationship problems, impulsive and risk-taking behaviour and a fragile sense of self;
III. A history of trauma, abuse or deprivation is common among those with the illness;
IV. Despite its prevalence, enormous public health costs and devastating toll on individuals and families, recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder is possible;
V. Borderline Personality Disorder is a leading cause of suicide, with an estimated 10 per cent of individuals with this diagnosis taking their own lives;
VI. An increased understanding of Borderline Personality Disorder is required among health professionals and the general public by promoting education, research, funding, early detection and effective treatments; and
VII. With the aim of promoting understanding of the illness in the community and working towards better treatment options and quality of life for those affected by the disorder in South Australia, Ms. Janne McMahon OAM, Dr. Martha Kent, Professor Andrew Chanen and the Australian Borderline Personality Disorder Foundation request the South Australian Legislative Council to acknowledge the first week of October each year as Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Week and a State-wide specialised Borderline Personality Disorder Service (Unit) for South Australia be established.
