Page 60 - Print 21 Magazine Jul-Aug 2020

Mental Health
Seeking support
Man Anchor leader Steve Gamble says there is no stigma to seeking mental health support and input, and the earlier you take the first step the better.
has made some of these consults available on the Medicare rebate scheme as well as bulked billed. This availability via Medicare has removed much of the financial barrier to seeking support.
It is important to note that the consult with all these professionals
is confidential, and they are bound
by ethical agreements not to share or divulge what is spoken about in sessions – unless they believe you are a danger
to yourself or another individual, or you may be about to commit a crime.
When encouraging an individual to seek support I like to bring it back to basics, back to health not mental health, just health. I would say that at least 80 per cent of all Australians aged between 16 and 86 have seen a health specialist
in their lifetime – anything from
a dentist to a physiotherapist or a cardiologist for either prevention, early intervention, or treatment. Each of these professionals are
there to assess, diagnose and set a wellness plan. This is no different
to a mental heath professional, they asses with a series of questions just like a physiotherapist would about
a hamstring injury, “How long have you felt like this?” “When did you first notice this?” “When is it most noticeable?” “What makes you feel well?” And just like with a physio, together you work on plan and series of actions and strategies to support the individual becoming well.
“A mental illness is no different to any other physical illness. There are three key stages – prevention, early intervention and treatment, and just like a developing physical illness, early intervention is key.”
As we continue to navigate the ever-changing
world of Covid, and as Melbourne heads back into lockdown while
the rest of the country waits to see
if their city or state is next and fears the uncertainty around the economic fallout, it is understandable that many Australians are living with heightened levels of stress, distress, and anxiety, which ultimately has a negative effect on their mental health.
Throughout history we have
seen with economic fallout comes a decline in the mental wellbeing of the community, and unfortunately the increase in suicide rates, and
this can be mapped over economic downturns from the great depression of the late 1920s to the GFC.
When we consider mental health there is one little known statistic which stands out: only 35 per cent of people living with a mental illness seek clinical support in a 12-month period. This was a disturbing statistic in pre Covid times and even more so now with increased pressure on individual’s wellbeing.
At this point it important to remember that a mental illness is
no different to any other physical illness. There are three key stage – prevention, early intervention and treatment, and just like a developing physical illness, early intervention is key to preventing someone becoming acutely unwell and supporting a more successful rate of recovery.
There are several factors that present 60 Print21 JULY/AUGUST 2020
as barriers to individuals seeking support such as cultural, financial, social, geographical, education, fear, and previous experiences.
More often than not, it can be
a combination of a few factors
that prevents an individual
seeking support and I see many different combinations. The most common I find are based around education of pathways of referral, and the perceived stigma and fear surrounding the experiences of seeking support. I thought we could keep it simple and unpack these.
Pathways and referral
Pathways and referral processes to seeking support for your mental health can start at your local GP.
When you meet for your consult with your GP explain how you are feeling, the GP will then ask you a few simple questions. With these simple questions the GP will make an assessment and set what is called a mental health plan. The GP then will refer you to a health professional, either a social worker, mental health nurse, occupational therapist, counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
With your mental health plan
you will have the opportunity to attend between six and ten consults with the referred professional,
and another ten if the professional believes you require more treatment. One of the silver linings of Covid
is that the federal government
Early intervention: Steve Gamble
This simple engagement can remove so much of the fear related to seeking support, and in some cases assist in an individual taking the vital step for support.
It is more important than ever to keep your mental health a priority, and stay connected with friends, family and work colleagues. We need to have open and positive conversations around mental health at home and in the workplace.
If you do notice changes in the way you are thinking, feeling, behaving, or in your physical wellbeing, which last more than a two-week period, please reach out for support from a health professional.
If you feel in crisis or need support Lifeline is there 24/7 on 13 11 14. 21