ALMOST every Hawkesbury resident is directly or indirectly affected by mental health with more than one in five Australians suffering from a mental illness.
Referred to as a health problem, mental illness is a term used to describe a wide range of brain or mind disorders that affect how a person thinks, behaves, feels and interacts with other people.
This is Mental Health Week, and the Gazette will put mental illnesses and problems under the spotlight this month with a series of articles.
The timing of the campaign centres on World Mental Health Day on October 10 and is themed ‘be YOUnique’ to encourage people to think about their mental health and raise awareness of the importance of reducing negativity around the issue.
Mental Health Association member Maria Field from St John of God Hospital at North Richmond said there were many people in the community who associate mental illness with negative attitudes.
‘‘Most people with a mental illness say that they have experienced stigma, which is a mark of disgrace that sets a person apart or labels them by their illness,’’ Mrs Field said.
‘‘It’s so important this month that we make clear that these negative attitudes can lead to negative actions and discrimination which cause feelings of shame and hopelessness.’’
SANE Australia’s Paul Morgan said stigma was an invisible attitude that tremendously affected sufferers, family, friends and carers.
‘‘Many people don’t understand the complexities of mental health, that’s why stigma is common,’’ Mr Morgan said.
‘‘This can be minimised through a strong and a supportive community environment which understands that it’s not a character fault or weakness but instead an illness like any other.’’
Common types of mental illnesses include anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorder, eating disorder and depression.
These conditions can be caused by a variety of factors including biological factors which were inherited or environmental, negative early life experiences, abuse, neglect, death of a relative or other losses and trauma, individual factors like self-esteem or way of thinking and current social circumstances such as school, work, financial, relationship or family stress.
Positive mental health tips:
- Talk about or express feelings
- Exercise regularly
- Eat healthily
- Get enough sleep
- Spend time with friends
- Develop new skills
- Relax and enjoy hobbies
- Set realistic goals
- Talk to a GP
What to look out for if worried about someone
New, obvious and persistent changes in:
- Appetite
- Sleep
- Use of drugs
- Academic performance
- Avoiding school or work
- Withdrawal from people
- Poor concentration or motivation
- Constant worrying
- Experiencing things that aren’t there
- Unhappiness
- Depression
- Irritability
- Fear
- Anger
Where to get help
Lifeline - 13 11 14
Salvo care line - 1300 363 622
Kids help line - 1800 55 1800
Mensline Australia - 1300 789 978
Suicide call back service - 1300 659 467
Domestic violence line - 1800 656 463
Mental Health Info line - 1800 011 511
St John of God - 4570 6100
