The Little Blue Book

Recognising the signs that a co-worker, friend or family member is suffering from depression may not be easy. The clues, the changes in mood and behaviour, can happen slowly and be easily missed. The person may also be practiced at keeping things hidden and give few outward clues to the struggles inside. And Australians, culturally, are reserved as a general rule. We don’t readily share our thoughts and innermost feelings with colleagues and acquaintances. Depression can also make a sufferer more withdrawn. As the disorder progresses, it can intensify a sense of isolation, that “nothing can help them”. They may also be struggling to understand their own feelings and the things going on inside. This can be especially true for a person who is used to being in control and ‘toughing it out’. But depression can have many triggers and can afflict anyone. Inside, none of us is made of steel. Talking… that’s the first step Just talking, breaking the ice, friend to friend, can be lifesaving. The earlier a person suffering depression is aware that the negative feelings they are carrying are symptoms of an illness, and the earlier they get treatment, the sooner they will find a path to good health. We can help them get onto this path early if we are alert to the signs of depression and can encourage them to seek help. But speaking up, asking someone a deeply personal question about how they’re feeling inside, is a ‘tough ask’ for most of us. We might also be pushing against our own natural sense of reservation – of feeling that it’s not our business, or that we might have misread things and shouldn’t be prying. Sometimes, they simply may not want to talk about it. They might shrug-off your enquiry with a gruff, “Nah… I’m alright, just got a bit going on…” But depression can be a lonely battle, and you might need to have more than one shot at it to get them to open up enough to begin a conversation. So, if your concerns are real, don’t be too easily deterred if the first response is to pull the shutters down. Find the right moment, and raise it again – a simple, friendly “RUOK?” can break the ice. There is nothing quite like a few well-placed friendly words. And giving a consistent positive message – that you’re concerned about their wellbeing, and that you ‘have their back’ if they want a hand – can be a powerful influence on what they do next. In a supportive and cohesiveworkplace culture, wheremental wellbeing is valued equally with physical wellbeing, and where personal and professional relationships are open, genuine and non-threatening, it will always be ok to ask, “Are you feeling ok? We’re a bit concerned about you…” HELPING Someone WHO MAY BE SUFFERING DEPRESSION RECOGNISING DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND OTHER DISORDERS 72