Last week, on 10 October, the day was World Mental Health Day.

This is a subject we should all be talking about on a regular basis.

We should also think about what we would do if when we ask someone, “Are you ok?” and they were to respond with something concerning like, “I’m feeling awful, I am having thoughts of self-harming,” or something similar.

Honest responses like these need to be taken seriously.
Keeping lines of communication open will assist the person feel less alone, valued and heard.

Spending time, if possible, in a non-judgemental way can go a long way to helping someone feel that things can be worked through.

Sometimes, verbalising the issue, can bring solutions.
Sometimes, a different viewpoint and open discussion can bring solutions.

Sometimes, simply being heard can lift the spirits of someone feeling mentally unwell.
As per, Beyond Blue’s website, Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

In Australia, it’s estimated that 45 per cent of people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.
In any one year, around 1 million Australian adults have depression, and over 2 million have anxiety

There are many triggers for mental health problems, just like there are many triggers and causes for any other health problem.

However, when we put mental in front of health people can become judgemental even uncomfortable when told by someone how they are feeling.

For those suffering, they may feel embarrassed about feeling the way they do.
Removing the stigma from such a topic has been an ongoing issue.

There are services throughout Australia with support lines available 24 hours a day.

Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Lifeline 13 11 14 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Or follow this link www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/get-help.aspx

By Mandy ELLIS