Western suburbs resident and mother of three, Melissa, whose name has been changed, has lived through childhood trauma, domestic violence and years of addiction.
“My drinking escalated badly. It was my way of numbing everything. Everything around me shattered. I got out of the DV (domestic violence) but I kept struggling,” Melissa said.
Melissa then accessed IPC Health’s AOD (alcohol and other drug) service, which she said has transformed her life.
“My counsellor helped me through so much. I stayed with her for about six to eight months, and she gave me the confidence to get back out there.”
According to IPC Health, the demand for community-based mental health services is increasing rapidly. In 2023–24, Victorian health services provided 1.8 million hours of community-based mental health care, and by 2036–37, demand is projected to reach between 3.4 and 8.9 million hours.
After initially accessing services, Melissa’s health began to deteriorate again.
“I had a lapse, became suicidal and tried to take my life. I re-engaged with IPC Health, and again, it was an incredible support. It felt like a reset,” Melissa said.
“My counsellor is non-judgmental, she gets it. Between her and the gym, which I go to seven days a week now, I’ve found ways to cope. I feel stronger than I did before,” Melissa said.
Melissa said mental health support needs to be more accessible.
“There are so many people suffering in silence. I was lucky to survive my suicide attempt, but many aren’t. We need more services like IPC Health,” Melissa said.
IPC Health chief executive Jayne Nelson urged the government to increase investment into AOD and mental health services.
A state government spokesperson told Star Weekly the recent Victorian budget focuses on frontline services.
“…including community-programs for priority groups, suicide prevention, support for children and young people and acute mental health services,” the spokesperson said.
The state government said it has invested over $590 million in mental health and wellbeing, and the AOD system, in 2025-26.
From this funding, two new locations will be established this year in Wyndham and Maribyrnong, as well as additional services to Locals in Melton and Brimbank.
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