Page 68 - Print21 March-April 2020

Business
Knowing the signs
Steve Gamble from mental health support group Man Anchor says keeping an eye on your own mental health and that of your friends and family is important.
Keep an eye out for signs: Steve Gamble
Ihave been often quoted as saying that knowing the more common signs of a mental health disorder is as equally important as knowing the
resuscitation technique - both can have a profound impact on the lives of our loved ones and the wider community.
When we look statistically at mental health in Australia, one in five Australians will experience a common mental illness within a 12-month period. The three most common mental illnesses affecting Australians aged between 16 – 85 include anxiety disorders at 14
per cent, depressive and bipolar disorders 6.2 per cent, and substance use disorders. Of the one in five Australians experiencing a mental health disorder only 35 per cent of them seek professional support.
So let’s stop for one moment and think about that statistic – one in five, 20 per cent, of all Australians will be affected by a mental illness
20%
NUMBER OF AUSTRALIANS WHO WILL HAVE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE THIS YEAR
this year, and now let’s think about our friends, family and work colleagues. Statistically we will all know someone or will experience a disorder ourselves.
With the above stats in mind it is important that we all have a basic understanding of the more common triggers, signs and symptoms of a worsening, or developing, mental health problem or illness, so that
we are able to support our own wellbeing and that of our loved ones.
“Like any illness, early intervention is a key to a successful treatment, and being able to recognise the main signs can be the catalyst for positive professional intervention.”
Knowing the more common signs and symptoms of a mental health illness can help identify issue:
Behaviour
• Withdrawn
• Not able to complete tasks
• Relying on alcohol or drugs
• Lack of concentration
• Abstaining from social events
Feelings
• Overwhelmed • Guilty
• Irritable
• Frustrated
• Low Confidence • Unhappy
• Indecisive
• Disappointed
• Miserable
Physical
• Tired all the time
• Sick and run down
• Headaches and muscle pain
• Churning stomach
• Loss or change in appetite
• Significant weight loss or gain.
To clarify, a sign is what you can see in someone and a symptom
is what someone can feel and experience.
It is important to note these are basic indicators, the reality is that someone living with a mental health disorder may not show any of the above signs or symptoms, that is why it is important that as a community we continue to build a positive culture around mental health, removing the perceived stigma and barriers to create opportunities for those who feel isolated to reach out for support.
If you or a loved one needs support Lifeline is there 24/7 365 days a year 13 11 14. 21
Man Anchor runs a number of different mental health education programs within the community and the business sector.
35%
NUMBER OF THOSE WHO WILL SEEK TREATMENT
65%
NUMBER OF THOSE WHO WILL NOT SEEK TREATMENT
Like any illness, early intervention is the key to a successful treatment, and being able to recognise the main signs can be the catalyst for positive professional intervention.
The below is a basic list of the more common triggers to a mental health crisis. If you or a loved one have experienced a potential trigger, and then presented with two or more of the common signs and symptoms, it is important that you or the individual seek clinical support.
Common triggers to developing mental health crisis or illness:
• Stress
• Loss of a loved one
• Traumatic events
• Relationship breakdown
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Trauma
• Bullying and intimidation
• Social pressures and expectations • Financial expectations
• Workplace pressures
• Personal unrealistic expectations • Discrimination based on sexuality
or gender identity
• Domestic Violence
• Infertility and perinatal loss
• Pregnancy
• Menopause steven@mananchor.com.au
For more information please go to mananchor.com.au or email
68 Print21 MARCH/APRIL 2020