Assumptions associated with mental health literacy training - Insights from initiatives in rural Australia

The impact of depression on the Australian community is well established. A number of approaches have been proposed to address this problem, including targeted programs to promote mental health literacy. This paper explores four assumptions associated with community mental health literacy programs: that individuals would increase their mental health knowledge; increase their confidence to help others experiencing mental ill health; report reduced stigmatising attitudes towards mental illness; and help others experiencing mental ill health. Findings from a rural Victorian community mental health literacy program focused on sports team coaches and other club leaders is reported in the context of these assumptions. Pre-post questionnaire data and focus group data were collected from participants in the mental health literacy program. Participants reported increased knowledge of key mental health conditions, increased confidence to help others experiencing mental ill health and less stigmatizing attitudes toward mental ill health. Limited evidence was noted to support the assumption that, following training, individuals will help others experiencing mental ill health. Difficulties in determining if transfer of benefit to others has occurred following mental health literacy training are discussed, along with a number of mechanisms that, if included in training, may extend the benefit of that mental health literacy training to others.