Page 74 - Print21 Magazine May-June 2022

Mental Health
Signs
of the times
Steve Gamble, from mental health advocacy group Man Anchor, says we would all benefit f om knowing the signs of struggle in ourselves, and in those around us.
I’ve been often quoted that knowing the more common signs of a mental health disorder is equally important as knowing resuscitation, 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, 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 of all Australians will be affected by
a mental illness in one 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.
So knowing the above stats, 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 the key to a successful treatment and being able to recognise these more common signs can be the catalyst for positive professional intervention.
have experienced a potential trigger and then is presenting with two or more of these 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 & drug abuse
• Trauma
• Bullying & intimidation
• Social pressures & expectations
• Financial expectations
• Workplace pressures
• Personal unrealistic expectations • Discrimination based on
sexuality or gender identity • Domestic violence
• Infertility & perinatal loss • Pregnancy
• Menopause
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The more common signs and symptoms of a mental health illness include the following:
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• Withdrawn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
Signs:
recognition Physical
can lead to help and treatment
• Tired all the time
• Sick and run down
• Headaches & 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’s 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.
Following is a basic list of the more common triggers to a mental health
crisis. Knowing that you or a loved one •
74 Print21 MAY/JUNE 2022
“Like any illness, early intervention is the key to a successful treatment and being able to recognise these more common signs can be the catalyst for positive professional intervention.”
– Steve Gamble, Man Anchor
If you or a loved one needs support Lifeline is there 24/7 365 days a year 13 11 14.
Man Anchor runs a number of different mental health education programs within the community
and the business sector. For more information please go to mananchor. com.au or email steven@mananchor. com.au 21
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