Felicity's Mental Mission (ATOM Study Guide)

Anyone can develop a mental illness and no-one is immune to mental health problems. The 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing found that almost half the total Australian population would experience a mental disorder at some time in their lives. Depression and anxiety are the most prevalent mental disorders experienced by Australians. The survey statistics indicate that during a one-year period, anxiety disorders will affect 14 per cent of the population and depression will affect 6 per cent.

It is important that as a society we find ways to support people as they encounter challenges that may have an adverse impact on their mental health and wellbeing. Access to specialist services is essential, as is access to programs that promote mental health and wellbeing.

In Felicity's Mental Mission, a documentary produced by Screentime for ABC2, multi-award-winning Australian comedian Felicity Ward takes up the challenge of breaking down the stigma around mental health. The documentary broadens the audience's perspective of mental health, provides an honest account of what it means to live with anxiety and depression, and highlights the importance of support and research.

Felicity's Mental Mission is suitable for students in Years 9–12. At Years 9–10, Felicity's Mental Mission is relevant to units of work in English, Health and Physical Education, and student welfare programs. In Years 11–12, the documentary is relevant to units of work in English, Health and Human Development, Sociology, Psychology and student welfare programs.