Often we think “I should be able to cope with this”, “other people have worse situations in their life”, “what will my family and friends think if they really knew me”.
Depression and anxiety are the most common mental illnesses; about one in five people will experience it sometime in their life. It is even more common after a serious health event or other major change in your life.
You can take control
Talk about it
Check in with your GP or another health professional and find out if what you are feeling is normal for your situation or an experience of a mental illness.
Accept treatment
Discuss options for help and consider counselling, medication or a combination of therapies.
Look after yourself
With or without professional help you can take action to look after your mental health.
Talk
Don’t bottle up your feelings, talk to friends, family or a professional
People
Spend time with people who make you feel good, let them know you need them to listen rather than give advice or fix the situation
Time
Give yourself time to adjust and come to terms with your new situation
Think
How have you coped with previous stressful situations and what helped
Activities
Make time to do activities or attend events that you enjoy
Relaxation
Take time to relax and reduce stress, try relaxation techniques
Health
Maintain a good diet, sleep routine and have regular exercise
With the right treatment, most people recover from depression and anxiety!
For more help
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or www.beyondblue.org.au
World Mental Health Day: 1010.org.au
