Mental Health April
Mental Health and mental ill-health are confusing concepts. Much more than being happy or sad, calm or anxious, and many more emotional concepts like these, the mental health/mental ill-health concept follows a continuum like a piece of string. At one end a person may be 100% mentally well, and at the other end, 100% mentally ill, although neither of these states is likely.
My experience both professionally, and personally (I had severe Post Natal Depression) has lead me to believe that awareness is a key component of getting well. Extreme stress leading to Burnout, or severe anxiety or depression, can all ‘creep up on a person’. Unless you are aware that something is wrong, and then find out what that something is, you obviously cannot address the problem.
If you suspect you may be developing a mental health problem, start with your GP. It’s his or her role to assess you in this regard and advise. If you’re not comfortable with this, you can look up the symptoms of stress, or anxiety, or depression, as the case may be, and see if you strongly relate to them.
If you do find yourself in less than optimal good mental health, other than medical advice and treatment, seeing a Psychologist, is an option. If your workplace has an EAP (Employees Assistance Program) you will be entitled to several confidential sessions with a Psychologist – no cost, no questions asked. You do not need a referral to see a Psychologist but it is quite expensive without one. If you see your GP, you may be able to obtain a MHCP (Mental Health Care Plan) for 10 sessions with a Psychologist at minimal cost (in Australia). Just like with your GP, you need to feel comfortable with your Psychologist.
Beware of self-medicating. Self-medicating is when a person uses alcohol or a drug to attempt to control their unpleasant symptoms. For example, drinking alcohol (in larger than small quantities) to avoid feeling “bad”, or using marijuana or magic mushrooms etcetera. This can have devastating effects.
Finally, always reach out for help if you are feeling “really bad”. Lifeline is available 24/7. Beyond Blue is a great information resource centre for people with Anxiety or Depression, and there are a number of other Telephone Helplines available. You may also gain a lot of support from your clergy or family or friends.