The Little Blue Book

• Nearly one-in-five Australians 16-85 years old will experience a mental disorder (including substance use disorder) in any 12-month period 1 • People with mental illness and a substance use disorder are at greater risk of self-harm and suicide • Job stress is an identified risk factor in the development of mental illness (yet only 52% of Australian workers feel their workplace is “mentally healthy”) 2 • Mental illness is the leading cause for absenteeism in Australian workplaces, with up to 20% taking time off due to mental illness in the past year 3 • Workers who experience intimidation, marginalisation, harassment or isolation at work are more at risk of anxiety and depression, and of suicide and self-harm • Suicide takes the lives of more than twice as many Australians as the road toll (deeply affecting families, communities and workplaces) • Mental illness costs the Australian economy as much as $20 billion annually in lost productivity. 2 A FEW SOBERING THOUGHTS: (1) AIHW; The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2014-15 (2) wwww.headsup.org.au , TNS Social Research; The State of Mental Health in Australian Workplaces (3) AIHW; The Burden of Disease and Injury in Australia It may not come easily to you, but find a quiet moment with the person and try these discussion starters: • “I am a bit worried about you, RUOK? You don’t seem to be yourself lately.” • “I can’t help noticing you’ve been drinking a lot… is everything ok?” • “You seem to have been really moody and unhappy for a long time. Are you getting any help for that?” • “You’ve seemed pretty troubled and down for a while. Would you like to grab a few minutes over coffee for a chat?” Once you’ve got a conversation going, you can ask them straight up: • “Sometimes people start thinking of suicide when they’re feeling really down, and I notice you’re really down. Are you thinking of suicide?” • “What can I do to help you through this right now?” • “If you’re feeling you want to do something, just hold off for a bit… like a day, even an hour… just hold off, stay safe and give someone a call.” • “Have you spoken to your doctor? What about calling a helpline like SuicideLine Victoria, BeyondBlue or ADA’s Friendly Ear?” • “Let’s give them a call; c’mon, I’ll help.” Keep them talking and listen to them; show your concern, show you care, tell them you want to stay with them and that you want to help. You won’t find this conversation easy, but, for the person carrying these feelings, a few kind words asking after them can be a powerful, positive influence on what they do next. Your actions can be lifesaving. Listen, support, encourage To reach out, Call: Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 beyondblue.org.au Lifeline 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au ADA Australia ‘A friendly ear’ 1800 232 287 111 ADA Australia PostScript Section 2 Section 1 Section 3