Australian Mental Health Month

Mental health encompasses our emotional, social and psychological wellbeing. It influences how we think, feel and act and affects our ability to cope with stress, learn and realise our abilities.  

The state of our mental health is important as it can affect our daily lives, relationships and physical health. If we suffer from stress, anxiety or depression, this can have an adverse effect on all these factors.   

Benefits of positive mental health 

Having a healthy mental well-being helps our ability to cope with the stresses of daily life as well as maintaining healthy relationships with others and maintaining our levels of productivity.  

What determines mental health? 

Our mental health can be affected by numerous factors such as loneliness, violence in the family, financial pressures, grief, bullying, break-ups,divorceand relationship problems.  

Other factors might include trauma or abuse, loss of livelihood, inadequate sleep, use of drugs or alcohol.  

There also might be a family history of mental health problems which may be passed down genetically. That said, if you have mental health issues within the family this doesn’t necessarily mean you will also develop a mental health illness.  

Warning signs of mental health problems 

If you suspect you, or someone you know, is suffering from mental health you can observe the following warning signs such as:  

• Having low or no energy 

• Frequent arguments, fights with others 

• Staying away from people or social activities 

• Engaging in drugs, alcohol in excessive levels 

• Thinking of self-harm or harming others 

• Feeling unexplained pains 

• Feeling confused, angry, forgetful, upset 

If you find you, or someone you know is suffering from any or all these conditions, visit your GP who can refer you to see a professional who can help you.   

The different types of mental health disorders 

There are several common mental disorders which can affect your mental health such as:  

• Depression 

This is one of the most common mental health disorders. According to WHO in 2019, 1 in 8 people worldwide was suffering from depression. A depressed person may feel sad, irritable, and angry and have a loss of interest in activities daily for over a period of two weeks. They may also experience feelings of self-harm or suicide.  

• Anxiety disorders 

Anxiety disorders are characterised by excessive fear or worry as well as behavioural symptoms. According to WHO, in 2019, 301 million people worldwide suffered from anxiety disorders. WHO defines anxiety disorders, as generalised anxiety disorder (excessive worry), panic disorder (panic attacks), social anxiety disorder (excessive fear and worry in social situations), separation anxiety disorder (excessive fear or anxiety about separation from individuals). 

• PTSD 

Post-traumatic stress disorder may develop after experiencing a series of threatening or horrific events. WHO defines PTSD symptoms as “re-experiencing the traumatic event or events in the present (intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares); avoidance of thoughts and memories of the event(s), or avoidance of activities, situations, or people reminiscent of the event(s); and persistent perceptions of heightened current threat.”  

• Bipolar disorder 

Those who suffer from bipolar disorder experience fluctuations between depressive symptoms to feelings of euphoria and bursts of manic energy, impulsive reckless behaviour. According to WHO, in 201940million people worldwide suffered from bipolar disorder.   

• Schizophrenia 

Those who suffer from schizophrenia can experience persistent delusions, hallucinations, disorganised thinking, highly disorganised behaviour, or extreme agitation. According to WHO, in 2019, 1 in 300 people worldwide suffered from this condition and have a life expectancy of 10-20 years.

What are the ways to maintain a healthy mental well-being 

You can maintain a healthy mental well-being by having a positive outlook on life, as well as getting adequate sleep, making time for regular exercise and physical activities.  

These habits can set you up for a healthy mental wellbeing and can help you cope in stressful situations which could lead to depression or anxiety.  

You can also get professional help if needed as well as staying away from situations that cause high levels of stress.   

Why mental health needs to be everyone’s concern 

We all need to be involved in promotion of mental health. According to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, over 2 in 5 Australians aged 16–85 year-olds are estimated to have experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life, with 1 in 5 having experienced a mental disorder in the previous 12 months. 

Promoting mental health has various benefits including deepening commitment and care for relationship with others, increasing productivity at work and improving relationships among families and wider society.  

Where to seek help 

If you feel you or someone you know is suffering from mental health issues, you can contact the following services:  

Lifeline 

Call 13 11 14, text on 0477 13 11 14 (12pm to midnight AEST) or chat online. 

Your local GP or hospital. Call triple zero in an emergency 

Beyond Blue 

Call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours/7 days a week, chat online or email. 

Australian Mental Health Month 

Throughout October,Australia celebrates Mental Health Month to help raise mental health awareness and the importance of supporting those who may suffer from mental health disorders.