Psychology

» redback - beyond awareness

Yep. I agree. "How are you feeling, today? or "Are you sure you're OK?" gets 'challenging' after being asked numerous times even when its physical illness. It's kinda like "What's the matter with you?" as they pass you by, hoping they only get an "I'm OK" or wave from you in response. Certainly not a story.

Who actually avoids the person waiting to give a story to whoever will listen? None of this has easy answers.

I'm being ambitious. Preventative measures go to maintaining mental health, not limiting mental ill-health. The latter turns to early intervention.

Family, yes. School communities are also pivotal re their anti-bullying, mentoring etc etc inclusive programs. As are workmates. All for good or bad.

I wonder what people think awareness101 is when:
"Mental Health Literacy is:
The ability to recognise specific disorders; knowing how to seek mental health information; knowledge of risk factors and causes, of self-treatments and of professional help available, and attitudes that promote recognition and appropriate help-seeking"

One desired outcome in our National Mental Health Plan is 'community ownership of mental health issues'. I say MY (mental) health is far too important to leave to other people. So, I own it in that sense. But I'm also a concerned taxpayer. (different motivators to reduce the onerous mental illhealth burden)

It's interesting. Some people say don't mention 'suicide' because you're putting thoughts in their head. Mental Health First Aid rules say ask at Step 1! It signals that you care, are concerned and have a genuine desire to help. We don't help coz we don't know how?

It does not surprise me that "...80% of depressed teens don't get help..." Analyse this for potential preventative measures. A whole of Community problem?

Here's an OZ website for kids where the suggestion is for the teen to let you know what they think of it, not you referring them there because you think they need help.

http://www.reachout.com.au/home.asp

Back in the old days, suite101 had Forum, Lounge and other avenues for people to vent, chat, discuss ANY topic. It can help a depressed person to be given more opportunities to "get involved".

-- posted by redback