MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

So, what is mental "ill-health"?​

Mental ill-health is an umbrella term for many mental health conditions. Other terms include mental illness, mental disorder, and mental health problems.​

• Most people will experience some form of mental health condition in their lifetime.

• For some, it may be long-term.

• Severity can range from minor to severe.

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Symptoms/experiences may include (but are not limited to):

• Mood changes: sadness, anger, numbness, or rapid mood swings

• Anxiety: racing thoughts, panic, or physical symptoms like a pounding heart

• Negative or intrusive thoughts

• Sleep disturbances: insomnia, oversleeping, or fatigue

• Trouble with motivation or concentration

• Problems with drug or alcohol use

• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

• Difficulties with relationships, work, or school

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Complex mental health conditions may cause higher levels of distress and include:

• Schizophrenia and psychosis

• Bipolar disorder

• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD

• Eating disorders

• Dissociative disorders

• Severe depression and anxiety disorders

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Contributing factors can include:

• Genetic and neurobiological vulnerability

• Exposure to stress or traumatic events

• Relationships with parents and caregivers

• Drug and alcohol use

• Physical health problems

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Language and Stigma​

The language we use around mental health matters. Poor terminology can perpetuate stigma, while respectful, accurate language can help reduce it.

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Problematic terms include:

• Mental patient 

• Nutter 

• Schizo 

• Psycho

• Happy pills ​

• Shrinks 

• Mental institution 

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Myths vs Facts about Mental Health Concerns​

Along with the poor language other aspects that increase the stigma around mental health are myths

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• Myth 1: "Mental health concerns are a life sentence."

  • ​Fact: Most people will recover fully, especially if they receive help early. Recovery will be different for everyone and some people may require ongoing treatment to manage their mental health concerns.

• Myth 2: “Mental health concerns are all the same.”

  • Fact: There are many types of mental health diagnoses. Simply knowing a person has a mental health diagnosis will not tell you how well or unwell they are, what symptoms they are experiencing, or the impact on their life. ​

• Myth 3: “People who live with mental health concerns are violent.”

  • ​Fact: Research indicates people receiving treatment for mental health concerns are no more violent or dangerous than the general population. People living with mental health concerns are more likely to be victims of violence, especially self-harm.

• Myth 4: “Some cultural groups are more likely than others to experience mental health concerns.”

  • Fact: Anyone can develop a mental health concern, and no one is immune. However, a person’s cultural background affects how they might experience mental health concerns and how they understand and interpret the symptoms.

• Myth 5: “Mental illness is a sign of weakness or a character flaw”

  • Fact: Mental illness can affect many people regardless of personality type. Biological, social and environmental factors can all play a part. Seeking help and being vulnerable is a sign of resilience and strength. It is okay to not be okay, and it is okay to ask for help.​

• Myth 6: “Having a mental illness means you are ‘crazy’.”

  • Fact: This is unfortunately a common misconception underlying the stigma of mental illness in society and can prevent people from seeking mental health support. Organisations such as headspace and Beyond Blue are actively working to break down this stigma every day. Mental illness has the potential to alter your mood and behaviours, you are not crazy. It means you are experiencing an illness just like anyone with a physical illness. 1 in 5 people experience a mental health condition in any year. You are not alone.

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What can you do?​

Check in on people 

• Look out for signs which may include 

  • Restlessness and increased agitation ​

  • Emotional outbursts 

  • Withdrawing from family and friends 

  • Withdrawing from regular activities

  • Describing a feeling of helplessness, hopeless or worthlessness 

  • Change in appetite

  • Difficuilty sleeping/change to sleeping patterns 

  • Not finding enjoyment in what they normally would

  • INcreased use of alcohol and or drugs

  • overly distant 

  • Risk taking behaviour 

  • Talking about not being around anymore 

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Support others by:

• Asking, listening, and validating their experiences

• Using respectful, non-stigmatising language

• Encouraging professional help when needed

• Shop at BEYOND THE LABEL - CLOTHING FOR CHANGE (apparently they make some cool stuff that supports this sort of thing...) and choose to support Mental Health awareness with your purchase ​​

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References:

• headspace. (n.d.). Section 1: Myths [PDF]. https://headspace.org.au/assets/Uploads/Centres/Sunshine/Section-1-Myths.pub.pdf

• Everymind. (n.d.). Language and stigma. https://everymind.org.au/understanding-mental-health/mental-health/language-and-stigma

• World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental health. Global Health Observatory. https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/theme-details/GHO/mental-health

• Lifeline Australia. (n.d.). I'm worried about someone. https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/i-m-worried-about-someone/