Money for mental health research

TWEED residents suffering mental illness are hoping for a breakthrough after MP Mark Butler announced a $7.5 million Mental Health Research Fellowship.

Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler

TWEED residents suffering mental illness are hoping for a breakthrough after Mental Health Minister Mark Butler announced applications will be accepted for the $7.5 million John Cade Mental Health Research Fellowship.

Two outstanding researchers will each be given $500,000 per annum for five years, in an effort by the government to strengthen mental health research and find new ways to diagnose and treat mental illness.

Bipolar sufferer Maria Breene has dealt with her own condition and its implications and now helps others in the community who battle mental health problems.

She does this through local initiatives and events aimed at raising awareness and breaking stereotypes.

Ms Breene was pleased to hear of the fellowship and hoped the researchers would actually talk to sufferers to gain critical information they might otherwise miss.

"We always need more mental health research, especially regarding diagnosis," she said.

"Right now someone might be diagnosed with six different illnesses before they receive the correct one."

She also stressed the need for the Federal Government to continue to support any and all funding towards improving individuals mental well-being.

The fellowship is the third and final stage in the Gillard Government's $26.2 million strategic spending on mental health research, aimed at reducing the number of those suffering from mental illness.

Applications will close on 17th October 2012 and successful applicants will likely be announced mid 2013.

It is named after Psychiatrist Dr. John Cade who first begun research into treatment for Bipolar Disorder through the use of Lithium.

This was considered a huge leap ahead of previous therapies such as shock therapy and long periods of hospitalisation.

Originally published as Money for mental health research