The Hon.

Leesa Vlahos MP
Minister for Disabilities
Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse / Member of the Executive Council
GPO Box 1838
Adelaide SA 5001
Phone (08) 8303 2926

31 October 2016
Dear Ms. Vlahos
The Flinders University cohort of first year Health Education students is writing to express concerns
regarding the issue of depression cases in older males. As studies have suggested depressed men
are more likely to report externalising symptoms such as irritability, aggression, and alcohol and
substance misuse, known as the male depressive syndrome. (Cavanagh, Wilson, Caputi & Kavanagh,
2016). It has been made evident to us from research done by the Australian Institute of Health and
Welfare (2013, p. 1) that males in the age category of 25 and over face different types of personal
events, social and demographic characteristics and health needs compared to the age group of 0-24.
The certain events that males are experiencing and dealing with, are the leading causes to their mental
illness of depression.
The mental health illness, depression is a comprehensive health issue that has a large amount
contributing factors and causes. We are aware that it is not only effecting males in our state and country,
but we focus our concerns to these males as the social determinants we have researched affect them
in a severe way. The determinants linking to depression that we have recognised are clear causes for
unhealthy mental states of particular individuals. The social determinant of working conditions for
individuals suffering with depression, has a heavy effect on their mental health. Individuals who are
suffering through work related stress as well as depression are more likely to experience further
problems, personally or at work. A change needs to be made for this determinant to have less control
over individuals who are struggling. A solution for workplace stress is to use health promotion strategies
and processes appropriately and productively. As LaMontagne, Keegel & Vallance (2007) explained
there is great potential for improving worker and workplace health through integrated approaches
Our cohort has agreed that an action towards introducing a WayAhead workplace network in South
Australia is essential to promote change in our workplaces. Our state thrives off doing what is right and
we believe that our state can truly make a change on how all mental health sufferers are cared for. With
hard work and determination from all residents, South Australia can become a mentally healthy society.
We propose to you, to think about our suggestion of getting involved in this productive network. We
promise to assist and support what will positively become a nation-wide progressing and developing
network.
Flinders University recognizes that determining funding priorities and requirements is a complex
government process. Our cohort is willing at any opportunity to contribute our knowledge and thinking
expertise to this process.
Yours sincerely,

Samantha OMalley
Student of Education - Flinders University

Reference List:

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2013. The health of Australias males: 25 years and over. Cat.
no. PHE 169. Canberra: AIHW.
http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=60129543989

Cavanagh, A., Wilson, J C., Caputi, P., & Kavanagh, D J., International Journal of Social Psychiatry,
0020764016653980, first published on June 21, 2016
http://isp.sagepub.com.ezproxy.flinders.edu.au/content/early/2016/06/21/0020764016653980.full.pdf+ht
ml

Vallance, D; LaMontagne, AD and Keegel, T. Protecting and promoting mental health in the
workplace: developing a systems approach to job stress [online]. Health Promotion Journal of
Australia: Official Journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals, Vol.
18, No. 3, 2007 Dec: 221-8. Availability: <
http://search.informit.com.au.ezproxy.flinders.edu.au/documentSummary;dn=4518934867580
21;res=IELAPA> ISSN: 1036-1073. [cited 01 Nov 16].