Right now, 95% of us are already saying “Mental Health! not me, that’s for crazy people”.
We all know that’s the general consensus towards this very sensitive topic, but if we stopped and had a look within ourselves and were aware of what the term “Mental Health” actually refers to, we would be courageous enough to stand tall and say “Yes, I experience mental health issues”.
But ‘mental’ is really just a word. It’s a label, a fluid label which when applied to arithmetic, then all of a sudden, it’s mentally amazing like Albert Einstein or an insane athlete like Usain Bolt’- a freak of nature.
Add “Mental” in front of health, and here we go again, receding into the shadows hoping no one will notice it’s ME and put that label on me – not me right! that’s for crazy people! You see, “Mental Health”, affects the way we perceive not only ourselves but situations around us and hamper our ability to rationalise thought processes to cope with everyday situations. Such thought processes increase a person’s anxiety levels and all rational explanations go out the window and all of a sudden, we are creeping back into the shadows hoping no one notices ME.
According to our former Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, now an advocate for mental health and Chair of Beyond Blue, Australians are losing 8 million working days a year to mental health. So, “Who can provide help”? I hear you say. The most important person who can help is YOU, yep! YOU! Whether it’s you who puts up your hand and says, “I need a little help”, or it is you that says, “my friend or colleague doesn’t seem to be him/herself, I’m going to check that he/she is Ok”. A simple conversation with a friend or loved one can make the world of difference to someone experiencing mental health issues.
So instead of the word “Mental” making health an ugly phrase, why not let it mean the opposite and instil visions of superior health and wellbeing within yourself. Let it be your source of internal power. Remember YOU are the key to unlocking the restraints of mental health restrictions on not only yourself but those within your circle. We can’t dismiss the fact that reaching out to others might not be your thing or what makes you feel comfortable. Being transparent about how you feel creates transparency in other people and as we all know, it only takes one conversation to change someone’s life. Don’t be ashamed of mental health, understand it, realise its effect but at no time consider yourself any less of a person for experiencing it.
We hope you feel the confidence within yourself to reach out to others for support or to help them in their journey to recovery. Realise the incredible step you have taken in your journey of recovery and the bravery you have already displayed by stepping up to the plate and saying “I need help”
If at any time you feel that you would like to seek help but don’t want to tell a friend then get in touch with Mental Health Support Services such as your organisations Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or Beyond Blue or the Black Dog Institute.
It’s Good to Talk. Recovery Partners offer organisations an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Our team of experienced counsellors can help you (and your employees) with work-related or personal issues. We are a national company that offers confidential face to face counselling in a variety of locations or phone counselling sessions.
Our services are available nationwide. For more information about our services contact us.
Our consultants love to have a chat, so go ahead and give us a call on 1300 OHS RTW (647 789) or email enquiries@rrp.com.au
Disclaimer – these articles are provided to supply general safety information to people responsible for OHS in their organisation. They are general in nature and do not substitute for legal and/or professional advice. We always suggest that organisations obtain information specific to their needs. Additional information can be found at https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/