Health Australia (Commonwealth Union) – Researchers from the University of Newcastle, have revealed that Australia, much like the rest of the world, is grappling with a mental health crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue, leading to a staggering 25 percent increase in new cases of depression and anxiety. The repercussions on alcohol and substance use are still not fully understood. This surge in mental health and substance use challenges threatens to overwhelm the healthcare system’s capacity to provide timely assistance to those in need.
In response to this pressing problem, the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) have embarked on an initiative aimed at eclipsing this growing crisis with a real-time solution. They have introduced eCliPSE, a digital ecosystem that offers round-the-clock, free access to high-quality, evidence-based clinical treatment for depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug use, as well as support for families and friends assisting their loved ones through these conditions.
This innovative approach to mental health and treatment has the potential to catalyze the reforms required to address the mental health challenges our community faces. eCliPSE is easily accessible through its website (eclipse.org.au) or via the app store. It features a range of courses designed to empower individuals to become their own therapists and collaborate with healthcare professionals in the fields of mental health and substance use, thereby enhancing their own well-being. Additionally, eCliPSE offers a moderated social network where people can connect with both professionals and peers to share their experiences.
Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, CEO of HMRI and co-developer of eCliPSE, indicated that the optimism about its potential, stating, eCliPSE holds tremendous promise in revolutionizing how we seek and access support for our mental health and well-being. The research shows that the programs within eCliPSE are just as effective as traditional therapy delivered through conventional means.
Crucially, eCliPSE does not exist in isolation but is designed to complement existing mental health and substance use services, ensuring a holistic approach to tackling these pressing issues.
“We still need to connect with humans – and specialists – to help us along our mental health journey,” said Professor Kay-Lambkin.
“So, as we roll out eCliPSE across NSW, we are collaborating with our fantastic clinicians in mental health and alcohol/other drug services across the public and private sector to help people access eCliPSE when it’s most beneficial to use eCliPSE and support access to a live therapist when that is needed too.”
eCliPSE was a collaborative effort involving a team from the University of Newcastle, HMRI, and the University of Sydney, in conjunction with key partners such as the NSW Ministry of Health, the National Health and Medical Research Council, Ramsey Health Foundation, and Beyond Blue.
The primary objective of the eCliPSE online platform is to facilitate free, round-the-clock access to evidence-based online screening, eHealth treatments, and valuable resources for individuals dealing with concurrent mental health and substance use issues, as well as the clinical services dedicated to their support.
The continuous evolution of the website and its eHealth treatments has been achieved through active engagement with mental health and substance use service providers. This collaboration has resulted in the establishment of a clinical pathway to care, designed to assist individuals on their journey towards improved well-being.
Excitingly, eCliPSE is now fully operational across the state of New South Wales (NSW), offering its vital services to the community.
Mental health concerns have grown across the world with many linked to the recent pandemic that was followed by the economic crisis that had seen many job losses and many struggling to fend for their families.
Many public officials have also voiced concerns of the rising number mental health issues and many individuals also becoming more vulnerable to substance abuse under the tough circumstances they face.
