Then critically analyse: the purpose (implicit and explicit) how the issues were framed and why the policy context; the relative influence of differing perspectives; the evidence base and how it was...

THE FIFTH NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION PLAN
INTRODUCTION
Mental health disorders (or) problems faced by a person can alter the way he (or) she thinks, feels, relates and behaves with others. When his 9or) her conditions get severe and he starts feeling lonely, the suicidal thoughts arise. Australia being one of the main countries facing this issue, has developed “The Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan”. On 4 August 2017, the Council of Australian Governments Health Council (COAG Health Council) endorsed its plan for implementation. The Fifth Plan is made to represent the overall government’s commitment in which they work together for achieving the integrated planning as well as the mental health service delivery and services related to prevention of suicide.
In 1992, the first ever “National Mental Health Policy” was endorsed in the country with the aim of guiding the coordinated efforts by the government for the service delivery and the reformation of mental health. It included the context for the development of mental health plans in the national, state as well as the te
itorial level. But the need for the inclusion of neuro-diverse citizens considering the greater social and economic parameters were found to be essential in the advancement of mental health. Hence the Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan was introduced with the motive of providing reform advancement by the mental health results being tracked continuously.
The Fifth Plan intents with a set of priority areas and actions that are nationally agreed which are planned and designed to promote the mental health system in an integrated way. This will help in building a transparent, efficient, effective, stronger and accountable mental health-care system. This plan is accompanied by the implementation plan which explains about the authorities (or) individuals who are responsible for undertaking various actions and how this should be coordinated with the government. For the purpose of tracking the progress of the plan, certain nationally agreed indicators are also mentioned in the plan for the first time ever.
PURPOSE AND ISSUES FRAMED
The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined mental health as “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his (or) her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her (or) his community.” The alteration that happens in a persons mental health can lead to mental health disorders (or) mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, anxiety and depression.
In Australia, almost half of the population belonging to the age group of 16 to 85 years, at some point of in their life are known to experience mental illness, majorly accounting to anxiety, substance use disorders like alcohol use and affective disorders (mainly depression). Out of these, one quarter of them experiences anxiety. These also paves the way for suicidal plans and attempts by the affected people. Hence, the focus on the National Mental Health Plans and their amendments were considered. In Australia, the mental health services framework combines both public and private systems. Even the funding for these services are shared between the Australian state government and te
itory government, private health insurers and individuals.
The Fifth Plan gives a national approach for the collaborative efforts of the governments by building itself on the foundation that was established by the previous efforts of reformation. It is the national approach for a period of five years from 2017 to 2022. This plan is supported by few priority areas that are targeted specifically by considering the key stakeholders feedback and by incorporation of the actions that can enable a change in the scenario. These supporting actions will set a direction for change as well as it will provide a foundation base for other...