This is an overview of the #MHSM chat on self-injury held on Tuesday, 13th March at 9pm US EDST. A copy of the full transcript can be found at http://bitly.com/ww6MRu

Storified by John Alchin · Wed, Mar 14 2012 02:58:58

WARNING: Tonight’s chat may be triggering. Pls reach out/call 1-800-273-8255 or Befrienders Worldwide http://www.befrienders.org/ #mhsm

— Amy Kiel/CindyNelson · Tue, Mar 13 2012 18:01:47

Tonight’s topic is Understanding Self-Injury #SI, Symptoms, Support, Treatment and Prevention #mhsm

— Amy Kiel/CindyNelson · Tue, Mar 13 2012 18:02:35

1. SH is when someone deliberately harms themselves- perhaps because of distressing emotions #mhsm

— Cassie · Tue, Mar 13 2012 18:05:56

A1: Self-injury is intentionally hurting yourself to relieve stress or express other emotions. #mhsm

— MySahana · Tue, Mar 13 2012 18:06:08

1)What about someone who is feeling empty? Is it self injury/self harm then? #mhsm

— Amy Kiel/CindyNelson · Tue, Mar 13 2012 18:07:11

@MHSMchat In my experience, SI is about release of overwhelming emotions, and a distraction. Or a way of feeling *something*. #mhsm

— Anne-Marie Lindsey · Tue, Mar 13 2012 18:07:45

Signs to look for include long sleeve shirts during warm weather or conspicuously placed articles of clothing like wrist bands etc. #mhsm

— MySahana · Tue, Mar 13 2012 18:09:37

1. Poss signs: being secretive about wounds, trying to cover wounds up #mhsm

— Cassie · Tue, Mar 13 2012 18:10:05

1)carving words or symbols on the skin, piercing the skin with sharp objects - What about body piercing - is this self injury? #mhsm

— Amy Kiel/CindyNelson · Tue, Mar 13 2012 18:11:46

Signs: Spending time alone, especially in bathroom or bedroom. Finding self harm instruments in their belongings #mhsm

— Band Back Together · Tue, Mar 13 2012 18:12:52

@MHSMchat I think piercing isn't nec. SI. I think it *could* be, but not that it automatically is. #mhsm

— Jennifer Phillips · Tue, Mar 13 2012 18:13:59

What about compulsive working out? Is that a form of self-harm? #mhsm

— Tiamaria · Tue, Mar 13 2012 18:14:35

Body piercing if done by yourself could be SI/SH but if done by someone else with your consent then it's probably not #mhsm

— Amy Kiel/CindyNelson · Tue, Mar 13 2012 18:16:20

A2: To provide emotional release or to feel "alive" because they can feel *something* #mhsm

— MySahana · Tue, Mar 13 2012 18:16:28

@MHSMchat I can only speak from my experience, but 4 me #SI was a release for pain, and a way to punish myself for my perceived sins. #mhsm

— Jennifer Phillips · Tue, Mar 13 2012 18:16:29

2. Lots of reasons. To punish self, to feel something, to take out anger on self, to distract from sadness #mhsm

— Cassie · Tue, Mar 13 2012 18:16:49

Today, the Federal Minister for Mental Health announced the temporary restoration of the 'exceptional circumstances' sessions available through the Better Access to Mental Health initiative.

Storified by John Alchin · Wed, Feb 01 2012 01:24:50

Backdown on cuts to mental health counselling

Drastic cuts to mental health counselling services will be postponed for 9 months, after a decision by the Federal Government today to de...

AMA says partial restoration of #betteraccess funding disappointing http://ama.com.au/node/7496 #mentalhealth

— Quandoman · Tue, Jan 31 2012 19:47:44

Well peeps, we've had a partial win w/ #BetterAccess. The AMA has advised consumers will be allowed 16 visits up until the end of this year.

— Alison Fairleigh · Tue, Jan 31 2012 19:48:57

The @GreensMPs will pull the disallowance motion set for Feb 7 as a result. #BetterAccess

— Alison Fairleigh · Tue, Jan 31 2012 19:51:30

.@Mark_Butler_MP Thank u for recognising the mistakes that were made in cutting #BetterAccess. We now have time to see it fully restored :)

— Alison Fairleigh · Tue, Jan 31 2012 19:59:10

Revised #BetterAccess cuts a very good thing: #Greens http://ow.ly/8Nzb3 #mhsm

— Senator Penny Wright · Tue, Jan 31 2012 19:50:25

Have a read of my blog post: Minister heeds #Greens’ concerns about #betteraccess http://ow.ly/8Nzsc #mhsm

— Senator Penny Wright · Tue, Jan 31 2012 19:58:28

I am NOT unhappy about 2day's announcement. Consumers have 6 more #BetterAccess than they did yesterday & we now have time to fight for more

— Alison Fairleigh · Tue, Jan 31 2012 21:03:57

In the news: Greens welcome partial restoration of #BetterAccess http://www.penny-wright.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/revised-better-access-cuts-very-good-thing-greens, the AMA say it's not far enough http://ama.com.au/node/7496

— MHFA Australia · Tue, Jan 31 2012 21:09:01

@PennyWrites Appreciate short term intervention to #BetterAccess ThankU. Long term the cuts are still an issue as alternatives r problematic

— Byron · Tue, Jan 31 2012 21:14:58

The details: 6 more allied #mentalhealth sessions available through #BetterAccess until Dec 31st via @Mark_Butler_MP http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr12-mb-mb005.htm

— MHFA Australia · Tue, Jan 31 2012 21:17:03

#BetterAccess well done to all the campaigners who managed to get a turnaround in the Fed Government's thinking on this issue.

— HeadsUp Psychology · Tue, Jan 31 2012 21:31:44

ANDGP welcomes Better Access changes announced today for better mental health http://bit.ly/xp632z #mentalhealth #BetterAccess

— ANDGP · Tue, Jan 31 2012 22:05:22

Storified by John Alchin · Fri, Nov 18 2011 00:17:19

Any suggestions for today's 80s flashback video post?

— John Alchin · Thu, Nov 17 2011 19:54:53

RT @johnalchin: Any suggestions for today's 80s flashback video post? The Twins: Ballet Dancer or Not the Loving kind...

— ABC North QLD · Thu, Nov 17 2011 19:56:06

As of November 1st the number of sessions patients can use will be reduced with the funds going to other projects within Mental Health. The funding and administration of Better Access is part of a Senate Inquiry with its report to be tabled also on the 1st November.

Storified by John Alchin · Fri, Oct 28 2011 19:22:10

Early this morning NSW Police forcibly arrested and removed Occupy Sydney protesters from their Martin Place encampment.

Storified by John Alchin · Wed, Oct 26 2011 23:07:35

Police have arrested 40 people and moved on #OccupySydney protesters this morning after they failed to comply with a move on notice.

— nswincidents · Sat, Oct 22 2011 14:40:00

The banner flying over camp "what if we never stood up for what we believe in?" #occupysydney #ows #irony http://t.co/YIjauALO

— nicraus · Sat, Oct 22 2011 15:15:33

@nswpolice your actions against #occupysydney turn back freedom of association and speech va

— AdsFC · Sat, Oct 22 2011 15:14:35

. @cityofsydney asks "What if we were prepared to sacrifice comfort for change?" and @nswpolice answers: We'll attack you. #occupysydney

— KristianStupid · Sat, Oct 22 2011 14:30:55

Proof that the protesters are non-violent: MT @occupysydney #occupysydney camp totally destroyed by police within about 15 minutes #ows

— EatingMyPeas · Sat, Oct 22 2011 14:44:30

Dear NSWPolice, the real criminals are the bankers in their towers, not the people on the street. Go arrest them at dawn, not #OccupySydney

— KelpieBob · Sat, Oct 22 2011 14:59:30

Protesters of #occupysydney should hold their heads high. They have given a voice & shape to what millions feel: That the system is broken.

— Dr_Tad · Sat, Oct 22 2011 14:41:35

Wow. #OccupySydney camp destroyed by police within 15 minutes after a dawn raid. 50 arrested. Taking lessons from Doyle, Clover? #auspol

— mikestuchbery · Sat, Oct 22 2011 14:54:19

Under the cover of darkness, eh? Tragic display of cowardice #NSWpolice #OccupySydney

— jwwr · Sat, Oct 22 2011 13:56:23

Occupy Sydney was cowardly raided by police at 5AM in the dark of night. Support and solidarity to the guys in Sydney #occupysydney

— melbrambler · Sat, Oct 22 2011 14:17:43

"@ShoebridgeMLC: When peaceful protest .... is broken up by dawn raid by riot police we see power unmasked #occupysydney" #fb

— burwoodgreen · Sat, Oct 22 2011 13:50:53

#OccupySydney Protester on tv said he was protesting for a week. Maybe he should put more effort into working.

— arcane77 · Sat, Oct 22 2011 14:09:23

Bomb disposal unit @nswpolice? Be serious! Unless you count lentil soup as an explosive, you're really reaching.. #occupysydney #auspol

— proudreader · Sat, Oct 22 2011 15:02:43

Peaceful people that I spent my afternoon with yesterday have been set upon by @nswpolice riot & bomb squads. Unbelievable. #occupysydney

— TimLonghurst · Sat, Oct 22 2011 15:11:34

Raiding a peaceful protest at 5am without notice - new low. Whether you agree with #occupysydney or not, I thought this was a free country?

— akent · Sat, Oct 22 2011 14:23:32

Aussie police are playing a provocative, heavy-handed game with #occupymelbourne and #occupysydney

— JDowton · Sat, Oct 22 2011 15:08:52

#occupysydney stupid move by the police! Smashing up camps is not the way to deal with ppl expressing their views!!

— iPicNews · Sat, Oct 22 2011 13:48:23

Occupy Sydney protesters are meeting today at 5pm at UTS foyer to discuss next steps. All welcome. Occupy will continue! #OccupySydney

— barnabymel · Sat, Oct 22 2011 13:49:46

#OccupySydney meeting @ 5pm today UTS Tower building foyer. all are welcome #OWS

— OccupySydMedia · Sat, Oct 22 2011 15:07:16

Here's my list of favourite blog posts from World Mental Health Day 2011.

Storified by John Alchin · Wed, Oct 26 2011 23:12:54

» World Mental Health Day: Treatment Remains a Challenge Around the World - World of Psychology

You generally don't hear much about people who have cancer who fail to get treatment. Cancer is the kind of incentive that makes getting treatment, let's just say… a priority. You also don't generally hear about people with other chronic concerns - whether it's diabetes or Parkinson's disease - who either don't seek out treatment themselves, or get denied treatment from their public health system.

Why do I share my story of mental illness? by Lee | SimpLee Serene

I am asked on a regular basis WHY & HOW? Why do I share my story? How do I deal with people opening up to me about their own mental illness?

Mental Health Day

PEOPLE with the highest rate of mental illness often received the least support for their problems, the nation's psychiatrists say. In a message to mark World Mental Health Day today, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is encouraging people to look after their mental health and for governments to provide better services.

LindaMadHatter: Guest Blog

Someone has asked me to post this for them - they wish to remain anonymous. As of November 1st, those of us with a "severe and persistent mental illness" (I'm using official political lingo here) who rely on Better Access to keep our heads above water will be forced to take a minimum of 2 month therapy break.

A life slowly ebbs away · flickr.com

Blog - Mental health at Work – Still the elephant in the room?

Stephen Bevan Category: Health and Wellbeing

» Mental Health Day: Drawing From the Well - ADHD from A to Zoë

I've been thinking a lot about inspiration lately, and about faith. As we recognize World Mental Health Day here at Psych Central, I'm aware that conditions for those of us who struggle with emotional challenges vary widely around the globe.

Emergency help - Help now - Find - ReachOut Australia

showing 1 - 7 of 7 items about this topic Story from a young woman about her positive experience of going to hospital for mental health problems. View the 'Going to hospital was a positive experience for me' story This fact sheet contains information on what you should do if a friend has taken pills or hurt themselves.

A story written by Samantha Maiden and published in News Limited's papers has sparked furor on the social media platform Twitter against the AFL over poker machine reform in Australia.

Storified by John Alchin · Wed, Oct 26 2011 23:25:16

AFL's poker face could prove to be a challenging punt for Gillard

JULIA Gillard's future may be about to get punted by the AFL, which will have more on its mind in Grand Final week than football. Nine of Victoria's 10 AFL clubs have poker machines, and all will lose big money thanks to a promise Gillard gave to become Prime Minister.

AFL pokies revolt hits Prime Minister Julia Gillard

PRIME Minister Julia Gillard faces a damaging AFL revolt over pokies reforms with club presidents calling crisis talks tomorrow over the changes. New laws to restrict the amount punters can gamble are on the agenda at tomorrow's meeting of AFL presidents.

A cashed-up alliance of rival footy codes joins the fight against the federal government's poker-machine reforms http://t.co/7CW1qDOU

— SBSNews · Sat, Sep 24 2011 23:49:32

For anyone in any doubt, the AFL is NOT starting a campaign this week around proposed pokie legislation.Any suggestion to that is incorrect.

— AFLcomms · Sun, Sep 25 2011 00:54:21

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou and club presidents will meet tomorrow to decide whether to join NRL in pokies revolt http://t.co/7CW1qDOU

— SBSNews · Sun, Sep 25 2011 00:03:45

@samanthamaiden @coopesdetat The way I understood it was that the AFL is going to discuss it in a meeting this week.

— prestontowers · Sun, Sep 25 2011 05:23:12

@prestontowers Suppose that's a distinction between AFL and AFL Presidents again. Regardless of adjectives used Demetriou has concerns also

— samanthamaiden · Sun, Sep 25 2011 05:30:32

@prestontowers story states its a meeting of AFL presidents on Monday and also that Demetriou doing things behind scenes and publicly 3AW.

— samanthamaiden · Sun, Sep 25 2011 05:31:48

Contrary to NRL/Clubs Aust claim, AFL hasn't yet decided to join ad campaign agst pokie restrictions. 'Low' on tomrrow's agenda apparently.

— KarenMMiddleton · Sat, Sep 24 2011 23:52:52

@KarenMMiddleton have been wondering all day where anyone reporting that stuff was getting their information from, certainly not the afl

— coopesdetat · Sat, Sep 24 2011 23:54:35

Yes, was very relieved to see that. :) RT @prestontowers: @cyenne40 @2FBS It turns out the AFL have agreed with you, not Sam Maiden.

— cyenne40 · Sun, Sep 25 2011 02:22:40

News Ltd, pokies and the AFL: relentless and wrong http://bit.ly/qz5jhb Making the ridiculous plausible, 7 days a week... & twice on Sundays

— cyenne40 · Sun, Sep 25 2011 00:43:06

news ltd, pokies and the afl: relentless and wrong « cyenne

Pick a topic, any topic with a political angle and you can be sure that News Limited will find the angle that suits their purpose. Poker machine reform is one such topic.

NEWS 'Australian Council of Trade Unions president Ged Kearney said the government should be allowed to implement its pokies reforms'.

— chrismurphys · Sat, Sep 24 2011 23:24:27

Strong tweep reaction to AFL/NRL team up against proposed changes to pokies laws http://t.co/jmIX5C0f via @TheWallAU

— edmundtadros · Sun, Sep 25 2011 04:12:12

Wilkie hits out at 'footy tax' claims

Federal independent MP Andrew Wilkie has hit back at criticism from Collingwood Football Club president Eddie McGuire over changes to poker machine laws. AFL club presidents will meet on Monday to discuss their concerns over the Government's move to… Big spenders live in the outer suburbs.

Accusations of conflict of interest by Professors Patrick McGorry and Ian Hickie remain. Yet despite calls from their critics, the two Professors keep up their supply of ad hominem responses. Here's some responses to today's piece and some background to the current conflict.

Storified by John Alchin · Wed, Oct 26 2011 23:28:10

Ignore the critics, public need to back fresh start in mental healthcare | smh.com.au

Ignore the critics, public need to back fresh start in mental healthcare In 2004 I traversed the country with colleagues documenting the failings of our mental health systems. Our report Not for Service: Experiences of Injustice and Despair stirred John Howard and Morris Iemma to initiate the investment of $5 billion between 2006 and 2011 in reform measures - including Medicare support for psychological services.

If you ever want to see the way that legitimate psychiatric research is devalued see the campaign being conducted against pat McGorry

— ian_hickie · Sat, Aug 20 2011 23:34:13

McGorry accused of conflict of interest

Patrick McGorry Photo: Pat Scala PSYCHIATRISTS, psychologists and patients' groups say there is a growing backlash against the federal government's mental health reforms and have accused its expert adviser, former Australian of the Year Patrick McGorry, of a conflict of interest.

Critics of early intervention are scientologists or conspiracy theorists who don't care about children says Ian Hickie http://t.co/JhCOgMft

— jillastark · Thu, Sep 22 2011 16:03:04

Personal attacks & refusal to engage in open scrutiny continue in Hickie op-ed piece http://t.co/OCuRQLKA #mentalhealth #ruralmh

— JumanjiT · Thu, Sep 22 2011 14:37:01

FAIL: Ian Hickie lists psychiatric opponents of Early Intervention model alongside Scientology. Weak argument. http://t.co/EaMaHDbi #auspol

— Dr_Tad · Thu, Sep 22 2011 15:14:36

Take Note McGorry & Hickie: I am a #mentalhealth consumer! I will not be told to sit down & shut-up. I have a voice & I will use it!

— AlisonFairleigh · Thu, Sep 22 2011 16:08:11

Ian Hickie apparently astonished that there is objection to mental health $ being put into unproven treatments at expense of ones that do.

— jillhill99 · Thu, Sep 22 2011 20:44:16

Ian Hickie @NationalTimesAU op-ed piece forgets GetUP silence since federal budget http://t.co/sHw8p4n1 #mentalhealth #ruralmh #auspol

— johnalchin · Thu, Sep 22 2011 16:41:15

'Better Access' to Psychologists

Last week the health budget was released, which came just after a recent review of the Better Access initiative. Psychologists had been waiting with keen anticipation to see how the government might improve mental health policy, informed by this recent study.

One of Ian Hickie's "armchair critics" hits back. Appears not all #mentalhealth consumers are behind him as he implies http://tiny.cc/52wbp

— jillastark · Fri, Sep 23 2011 01:03:31

Dear Mr Hickie - #blog http://t.co/2qqznW5K

— LindaMadHatter · Thu, Sep 22 2011 15:11:06

Monsignor Cappo resigned from his state and federal government posts, including his recent appointment as the Chair of the new National Mental Health Commission in the aftermath of allegations that he failed to investigate a sexual abuse claim in his role as Vicar-General of the Archdiocese of Adelaide in the Catholic Church.

Storified by John Alchin · Wed, Oct 26 2011 23:33:10

Monsignor David Cappo | TopNews United States · topnews.us

Department of Health & Ageing - Monsignor Cappo Appointed Chair of Australia’s First National Mental Health Commission

Monsignor David Cappo AO has been named chairman of the nation's first National Mental Health Commission. PDF printable version of Monsignor Cappo Appointed Chair of Australia's First National Mental Health Commission (PDF 20 KB) 7 September 2011 The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, today announced the appointment of Monsignor David Cappo AO as Chair of the nation's first National Mental Health Commission.

Cappo steps down as Commissioner for Social Inclusion to head mental health commission - One of McGorry's followers - http://t.co/C02AX6pS

— Fiddaman · Thu, Sep 15 2011 03:14:55

Noel Pearson slams social inclusion 'cover-up'

Weather: Sydney 12°C - 21°C . Possible shower. "I am just astounded that a state that has been supposedly at the forefront of social inclusion, even with a so-called Social Inclusion Commissioner in Monsignor David Cappo in (executive) cabinet all in the name of social inclusion, has a very long history of neglect in the APY Lands," Mr Pearson told The Australian.

South Australia's parliamentary speaker Lyn Breuer in outburst on APY

SOUTH Australian Speaker Lyn Breuer is under fire for using her position to influence debate in parliament on the food and service provision crisis in remote South Australian Aboriginal communities. In an extraordinary outburst in the state parliament late yesterday, Ms Breuer stated: "I am the Speaker and I am saying what I want to say".

David Cappo has resigned from www.socialinclusion.gov.au - a great day for glbti ! Finally we might get a place at the table.

— rjmtrust · Thu, Sep 15 2011 03:30:10

@Mark_Butler_MP says David Cappo was "obvious choice" to lead Mental Health Commission. Obvious to who? #transcranialstimulationrequired

— rjmtrust · Thu, Sep 15 2011 03:33:22

You said Cappo was the obvious choice to lead the Mental Health Commission @Mark_Butler_MP. Gawd, you have NFI what you are doing.

— dgstones · Thu, Sep 15 2011 03:46:28

Depression and stress strike Cappo's staff

PRIME Minister Julia Gillard's new mental health chief, Monsignor David Cappo, will leave behind an office crippled by stress and depression. The Advertiser can reveal more than half of the work force of 12 in Monsignor Cappo's Social Inclusion unit have complained of stress. One has a WorkCover claim and another is on anti-depression medication.

Senator Xenophon questions appropriateness of Monsignor David Cappo as head of #mentalhealth commission

The appropriateness of the appointment of Monsignor David Cappo as head of the new national #mentalhealth commission has been questioned amidst claims he mishandled a childhood sexual abuse claim.

The appropriateness of the appointment of Monsignor David Cappo as head of the new national #mentalhealth commission has been questioned amidst claims he mishandled a childhood sexual abuse claim.

Storified by John Alchin · Wed, Oct 26 2011 23:31:06

Govt should sack priest: Xenophon

Independent senator Nick Xenophon has accused a Catholic priest appointed to head a federal mental health body of covering up a church sex abuse scandal in South Australia. Senator Xenophon has called for Monsignor David Cappo to be sacked as chair of the first national mental health commission after the Gillard government appointed him to the role last week.

Xenophon threatens to name abuse priest

Posted September 13, 2011 07:37:02 Independent Senator Nick Xenophon has called on the Federal Government to reconsider the appointment of Monsignor David Cappo as chairman of its new Mental Health Commission. Senator Xenophon claimed in Parliament last night that Monsignor Cappo has failed to investigate allegations of sexual abuse in the South Australian Catholic Church in a timely manner.

Department of Health & Ageing - Monsignor Cappo Appointed Chair of Australia’s First National Mental Health Commission

Monsignor David Cappo AO has been named chairman of the nation's first National Mental Health Commission. PDF printable version of Monsignor Cappo Appointed Chair of Australia's First National Mental Health Commission (PDF 20 KB) 7 September 2011 The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, today announced the appointment of Monsignor David Cappo AO as Chair of the nation's first National Mental Health Commission.