The Little Blue Book

• Negative self-talk and feelings of failure that keep coming back, “I always muck things up”, “Everything always goes wrong”, “Why is my life such a mess?”, “I can’t see a way out” • Having disturbed sleeping patterns over an extended period: difficulty falling asleep, or waking repeatedly (and turning over your problems), or sleeping too much, or falling asleep at inappropriate times • Loss of interest in sex; and sudden weight loss or weight gain • Difficulty concentrating on a task (because there is too much going on in your head) or struggling to remember things. If you recognise these feelings and they are affecting your ability to cope with life, putting pressure on your family and relationships at home, and interfering with the way you interact with people – and continue for some weeks – you don’t need to live with them. So, please do speak to someone – a friend, your doctor, or call a helpline – if you need a little support. WHEN SHOULD WE SEEK HELP? For most of us, knowing when to seek help for a physical ailment is a simple matter. Broken an arm? Get to the doctor and get it set. Stomach trouble? Well, we might put it off for a day or so, but most of us will book up a consultation if it persists beyond a few days. It’s not so clear however with our mental health, and too few of us seek help when we should. In fact, The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (Australia) shows that only one-in- three (35%) of those showing symptoms of mental illness such as depression, anxiety and substance-use disorders, will receive professional help. 1 Most remain undiagnosed and battle through alone (or lose the battle). Some self-medicate with alcohol, illicit drugs or prescription drugs such as opioids. In fact, nearly 10% of the Australian population take antidepressants – as many as 2.0 million Australians. (Only Iceland has a higher rate of use of anti-depressants among developed nations.) 2 However, if untreated, the downward spiral of depression can be very dangerous. So, if you recognise yourself and feelings you may be carrying in any of the signs and symptoms of depression on these pages, please do seek help. Pick up the phone and call. Your GP is a very good place to start. (1) www.abs.gov.au/ausstats; National Survey Of Mental Health & Wellbeing (2) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 2013; via www.abc.net.au Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 ADA Australia ‘A friendly ear’ 1800 232 287 Lifeline 13 11 14 MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 71 ADA Australia PostScript Section 2 Section 1 Section 3