Citing reliable verified sources and facts, research a community or group in australia where there is high numbers of people experiencing natural disaster associated PTSD. Describe the community's mental health and well-being issues of concern and Identify a key issue within the community to address

The community I will focus on is the rural community of East Gippsland in Victoria, Australia. This community has been severely affected by the bushfires that occurred in late 2019 and early 2020.

1. Community's Mental Health and Well-being Issues of Concern:

According to a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the bushfires that swept through East Gippsland had a significant impact on the mental health of the community. The report found that there was a 15% increase in the number of people seeking mental health services in the region in the months following the bushfires (AIHW, 2020).

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) also reported that the bushfires had a profound impact on the mental health of the East Gippsland community. They found that many people in the community were experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. The RANZCP also noted that the ongoing drought in the region was exacerbating these mental health issues (RANZCP, 2020).

2. Key Issue to Address:

One of the key issues to address in the East Gippsland community is the lack of access to mental health services. According to a report by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), many people in rural and remote communities like East Gippsland have difficulty accessing mental health services. The report found that people in these communities are twice as likely to die by suicide than people in urban areas, and that this is partly due to the lack of access to mental health services (RFDS, 2017).

In conclusion, the East Gippsland community in Victoria, Australia, has been severely affected by natural disasters, leading to high rates of PTSD and other mental health issues. A key issue to address in this community is the lack of access to mental health services.

References:

• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (2020). Impact of bushfires on mental health services in Australia.
• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). (2020). Bushfires and mental health in Australia.
• Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). (2017). Mental health in rural and remote communities.