Committee For Lorne: It’s time to look at mental health in a different light

If you think you are the only one who suffers from a mental health condition, think again. More than 3 million Australians live with anxiety or depression, yet many don’t seek help due to stigma.

World Mental Health Day (October 10) is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy. This year’s message is based around the campaign – Do You See What I See?

This campaign challenges perceptions about mental conditions in Australia and encourages everyone to look at mental health in a more positive light, in an effort to make way for more people to seek the help and support they deserve.

Who does it affect?

Anxiety, depression and suicide can affect any of us at any time. But at different points in our lives, we can be at greater risk – when we’re going through big changes such as becoming an adult, retiring, starting a family, or losing someone we love, for example.

Nine common signs of a mental health issues

1. Feeling anxious or worried
We all get worried or stressed from time to time. But anxiety could be the sign of a mental health issue if it’s constant and interferes all the time. Other symptoms of anxiety may include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, headache, restlessness, diarrhoea or a racing mind.

2. Feeling depressed or unhappy
Have you noticed that your friend has lost interest in a hobby you used to share? If they’ve also seemed sad or irritable for the last few weeks or more, lacking in motivation and energy or are teary all the time, they might be dealing with depression.

3. Emotional outbursts
Everyone has different moods, but sudden and dramatic changes in mood, such as extreme distress or anger, can be a symptom of mental illness.

4. Sleep problems
Generally, we need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Persisting changes to a person’s sleep patterns could be a symptom of a mental illness. For example, insomnia could be a sign of anxiety or substance abuse. Sleeping too much or too little could indicate depression or a sleeping disorder.

5. Weight or appetite changes
Many of us want to lose a few kilos, but for some people fluctuating weight or rapid weight loss could be one of the warning signs of a mental illness, such as depression or an eating disorder. Other mental health issues can impact appetite and weight too.

6. Quiet or withdrawn
We all need quiet time occasionally, but withdrawing from life, especially if this is a major change, could indicate a mental health issue. If a friend or loved one is regularly isolating themselves, they may have depression, bipolar, a psychotic disorder, or another mental health issue. Refusing to join in social activities may be a sign they need help.

7. Substance abuse
Are you worried a loved one is drinking too much? Using substances, such as alcohol or drugs, to cope can be a sign of, and a contributor to, mental health issues.

8. Feeling guilty or worthless
Thoughts like ‘I’m a failure’, ‘It’s my fault’ or ‘I’m worthless’ are all possible signs of a mental health issue, such as depression. Your friend or loved one may need help if they’re frequently criticising or blaming themselves. When severe, a person may express a feeling to hurt or kill themselves. This feeling could mean the person is suicidal and urgent help is needed. Phone triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately.

9. Changes in behaviour or feelings
A mental illness may start out as subtle changes to a person’s feelings, thinking and behaviour. Ongoing and significant changes could be a sign that they have or are developing a mental health issue. If something doesn’t seem ‘quite right’, it’s important to start the conversation about getting help.

Where to seek help?

If you’re concerned about yourself, a friend or loved one, take the steps to gain help. The first step for a person with symptoms of a mental illness is to talk to a healthcare professional. The Lorne Medical Centre offers a number of services such as a social worker, psychologist, counsellors and GP’s. Our team are dedicated to providing accessible, affordable and individual care plans. You can also access a wide range of online services, such as Lifeline.

If you feel that you may be affected by depression or anxiety remember they are treatable conditions and effective treatments are available. The earlier you seek support, the better.

Lorne Community Hospital