"It can be done" a conversation about NZ's mental health challenges with Dr Erik Monasterio
The Frontline with Dr Gary PayindaShow Notes
Dr Erik Monasterio is a forensic psychiatrist with a long and illustrious career as a leader in forensic mental health, a speciality that works at the intersection of the criminal justice system and the health system.
We talk about potential solutions to NZ's shocking levels of youth suicide, serious mental illness, anxiety, and addressing the social determinants of health: things like social isolation, hunger, and homelessness.
We touch on healthcare privatisation, the extraordinary cost of incarceration, rehab, community healthcare, health targets, declined referrals, moral injury among staff, and above all, Erik's deep-seated belief that we can do better.
He says we can't resign ourselves to anger, despondency, and frustration. We can get back to a better, more fair society, one that looks after its own people.
"It can be done."
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