In my years of being involved with many cancer patients, I could not help but be fascinated with the connection between the body and the mind. I was amazed how often patients who were told by their specialist that they had only three months to live, would almost always die within three months, yet patients who developed their own 'healing program' whereby they were able exercise some degree of control over their illness, would on many occasions enjoy a significantly improved standard of general health, and often achieve a much improved prognosis. So it is with people who set out to improve their general health and well-being. Those who undertake a strict diet, for example, but fail to embrace what it is they are doing, or maintain an underlying self-doubt about their ability to succeed at anything, including the diet, inevitably fail. Similarly, those who are constantly stressed and feel under pressure need to do more than just take drugs. They need to consider not only their mental attitude but also examine their diet, as there is a definite connection between the food we eat and our levels of stress and general well-being. Simply mentioning the concept of the mind playing a role in the quest to becoming well, makes some doctors feel very uncomfortable. It is easier, of course, for a doctor to prescribe some drug to assist with stress or weight loss for example, for this is 'scientific'. Using the mind to assist in the healing process is 'unscientific'. Yet every day we witness the immense power of the mind, without giving it a single thought. Consider the concept of cutting your finger. Within seconds the blood clots in order to save you from bleeding to death. Why does it it instinctively know how and when to do this? It is because we have been blessed with a natural 'live' mechanism that aims to keep us very much alive! Imagine what is taking place in a person's normal daily routine, which simultaneously involves the mind in a stunning range of complex decisions and co-ordinations. The act of thinking, eating, renewing our cells, expressing emotions, blinking, and even using the toilet, involves processes which could not be directed by the world's finest computers. Recently, whilst watching a game of cricket, I considered the processes involved in a batsman hitting two runs. In order to do this the batsman has 0.2 of a second to calculate the velocity of the ball, it's rate of decline and the angle of descent to decide in what direction the ball is to be hit, what degree of power, at what time the feet and arms are required to move and in what direction, and the adjustment of the eyes for vision. This whole process takes place in just 0.2 of a second; and we call this 'just hitting two runs!' A friend of mine, who must be described as a true sceptic when it comes to the power of the mind, believes that there is no proven connection between the mind and any physical changes to the body. I thought about this and looking down at his trousers announced that he had left his fly undone. "Oh! Excuse me", he said, clearly embarrassed and blushing slightly. To his surprise his zipper was very much in the correct place, but it was interesting to note the red blush still evident across his face. I asked him to consider this small incident, and think about the fact that just a few words could set in motion a whole range of chemical responses throughout his body resulting in his face actually changing colour. The mind does have the capacity to bring about physical changes. To watch people under hypnosis being told that they are standing in the Antarctic is equally interesting as inevitably they break out in 'goose-bumps' and start to shiver with cold. Yet their physical body is in a television studio under warm lighting! In 1998 a leading USA University conducted an interesting experiment with some 120 students. The students were shown three separate movies at the campus theatre over several days. The movies they watched, in order, were a film about the holocaust, then a video about gardening, followed by a story about the life of Mother Teresa. After each movie, blood samples were taken from every student. The samples were then tested to measure each student's immunity level. The results showed that following the first movie the immunity levels of most students fell. After the gardening video was shown, the immunity levels of the students remained steady, yet following the movie about Mother Teresa a significant increase in immunity was detected. There is no doubt the mind is incredibly powerful and used in conjunction with good eating habits, exercise and stress reduction, complete well-being can be achieved. Self-image is the key.... The goal of weight-loss or general well-being needs to incorporate positive mental images. When embarking on a program to become well again, many people become frightened to consider the mind-body connection. Yet an underlying mind-set that reinforces the automatic failure mechanism will almost certainly ensure that the goal is never achieved and the person is left with reinforced feelings of being a failure. Self-image plays a critical role in those suffering from disease as they try to heal themselves. Hippocrates summed up the importance of the mind-body connection when he said he would rather know what sort of person has a disease - than what sort of disease a person has!
This is an extract from 'Creating Health....Yourself' a book by Ross Taylor with Dr Ian Brighthope. This book is available from Lifeforce Seminars In'tl, PO Box 125, Greenwood WA 6924 Australia.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Positive thinking - by Ross Taylor
"You'll just have to be positive," is a term frequently used but usually not understood. Just ask any top football coach if he feels that by just 'thinking positive' his team will win the game, and he'll quickly tell you that life isn't that simple. The issue of positive thinking and the task of approaching life with a positive mental attitude, which demands that we confront our weaknesses and fears, often leads us 'blokes' to run for cover as we are not raised on the basis of being open about how we feel. I often wondered why it should be like this, until recently when I read a quote from Thomas Golden, a well known author on the subject of healing and grieving who said: "Men tend towards a hierarchical nature, viewing the world in terms of who is governing whom. Women, on the other hand, tend to view the world through the lens of who is relating to whom." After some reflection, I decided that in many cases this statement is true. I know in my own case, when facing cancer, it was initially very difficult to speak openly about my feelings and to express any fear or worry that I felt. This may sound a little strange perhaps, but that is how many men feel, and the suppression of feelings is as a result of the way we have been raised. "OK", says Gerry, "so what has this got to do with creating good health, or positive thinking, for that matter?" Well, it has a lot to do with it, as suppressed anger and fear, combined so often with resentment and self-doubt, can contribute to the onset of a wide range of illnesses and disease. Usually, just for a bit more excitement, we also add a dose of stress from everyday living and our lives become a misery! Hugh Prather put it well when he said, "There must be a better way of going through life besides being pulled through it kicking and screaming." OK, so let's look at positive thinking and how it can be used as an effective tool in creating good health....Positive thinking, positively! In confronting an illness, or starting out on a program to create significantly better health, the way in which we approach the task ahead is critical to its success. The mind is such a powerful force that it can either destroy or help you achieve your goals, depending upon your mind-set. One of the first rules to understand about 'positive thinking' is that we are talking about an approach that allows us to develop a 'positive' attitude in setting about determining our goals. We are not talking about 'thinking positive' all the time as this disallows us the opportunity to acknowledge where we are coming or starting from. Let me give you an example. Let's assume you are 10kgs over-weight and you have decided to follow the weight reduction program as detailed in my book. Many people fall into the trap of saying to themselves, "Now I must be positive, and I mustn't even think any negative thoughts about my weight." This mind-set is, of course, very destructive as with the right approach it is important to acknowledge that you are overweight and this is your starting point for your journey to improved health. It is also important to acknowledge that along the way there will inevitably be some 'bumps' but this is simply part of the process and that is OK. Dr Ian Gawler, a good friend and author of many fine books on the subject of cancer and meditation, provided me with a useful analogy about positive thinking, that I would like to share with you. Dr Gawler explained that developing an attitude of positive thinking was a bit like looking at a road map in order to find a specific destination. Sure, you need the map, and you also need the details of the final destination, but you need something else that is vital: a starting point. For without it you cannot plan your journey and you can't determine where you are coming from! Therefore it is OK to acknowledge where you are now, and what is your starting point, no matter how difficult the road ahead may appear to be. The essential elements of positive thinking....OK, so we want to develop a positive approach to being well and creating good health. So where do we start? In developing this approach, let's consider the following strategies which are necessary to ensure we progress in the right direction. Establish a clear goal. The first thing we must do is to clearly establish what it is we want to achieve; what is our goal? It should be achievable, and we should be able to monitor and measure how we are progressing. In developing a clear goal, it is best to actually write down what it is we wish to achieve. Remember I stressed the importance of setting targets that you feel you can honestly 'go for'. With regard to diet, you may decide to reduce the amount of coffee you drink from six to two cups per day. This is better than committing yourself to eliminating coffee completely, and then cheating on yourself! So be realistic and honest with yourself, as it will only be you who is let down if your goals are not achieved. I was speaking to a friend recently about vegetable juicing, and he explained that he was finding it increasingly difficult to juice every day. "I feel so guilty when I miss a day," he explained. My advice to this friend was simple. Set a goal of juicing four days each week, and deliberately plan to have an enjoyable rest on the other days. So, by actually scheduling several juice-free days into his plan, all the guilt and associated stress was removed. "But I can juice every day," says Gerry. Fine, in fact I juice every day as this is part of my own healing program. So if this is what you wish to aim for, then 'go for it' but establish your goals clearly and measurably. Do whatever it takes....Once you have set your goals it is vital to do whatever it takes to get where you want to go. To achieve the goal you must be genuinely committed and you must want to follow this program because you are committed to its outcome. If you are doing it because your spouse or sister/brother has pressured you, then the chances of success are slim. You must be resilient. Along the way there will be temptations to give up or cheat just a little. Develop this resilience and determination to see this through to the achievement of your goal.Embrace what you are doing. You really have to feel good about setting off on this journey to achieve your desired goal. Being 'half-committed' is a bit like wanting to take a shower but only wanting to get half wet. You can either be wet or dry, but you can't have an each way bet! By thoroughly embracing your 'creating good health' program you will feel it doing you good. Remind yourself every day that your actions are helping to achieve your desired goal. Enjoy what you are doing....If you are not enjoying the program you have set, then go back and re-evaluate the original goals, as it is almost impossible to progress positively unless you are having fun and enjoy what you are doing.So in developing your goals, consider what it is that you are prepared to put up with. Ask yourself "Am I prepared to be overweight, or depressed?" This is a choice you can make. You don't have to do this, and the options are yours, so make them clearly, and not only commit to them, but embrace the program you have set.
This is an extract from 'Creating Health....Yourself' a book by Ross Taylor with Dr Ian Brighthope. This book is available from Lifeforce Seminars In'tl, PO Box 125, Greenwood WA 6924 Australia.
This is an extract from 'Creating Health....Yourself' a book by Ross Taylor with Dr Ian Brighthope. This book is available from Lifeforce Seminars In'tl, PO Box 125, Greenwood WA 6924 Australia.
Coping with the effects of work-related traumatic incident stress
If, as an employee or emergency service worker, you have been involved in a traumatic incident you may experience a range of feelings and reactions - both positive and negative. As (say) an emergency worker you can experience very positive reactions. You may have helped others to survive. You may have got through a situation which would 'test the best'. You know about the intensity and personal satisfaction which comes from this type of achievement. However, some incidents demand a response from you which may place extreme pressure on your coping skills. You can experience some negative reactions after a traumatic incident. This fact sheet might help you to understand some of the common reactions other people have experienced in similar situations. Feelings and reactions you may experience .... Fear....for your own safety and those you care about; of returning to your workplace; of being left alone or having to leave loved ones; of breaking down and losing control; of a similar event happening again; just plain fear. Sadness....for deaths, injuries, or losses. Guilt....for things said and done; for things not said and done; for being better off than others. Anger....at what happened; at whoever caused it and/or allowed it to happen; at the waste of life; at the senselessness of it all; at people who don't understand; about why this is happening to you; with yourself for feeling this way. Memories....of what happened; of other traumas and losses in your life. Remember that although you may be an emergency worker with skills to deal with traumatic incidents, you are still a real human being who reacts normally to these types of events. You may be confused or worried by some of the physical and emotional reactions you may experience. Although these reactions can be distressing and cause you discomfort, they are part of a normal stress reaction to a traumatic event. You may experience: sleep disturbance or bad dreams; seeing the event over and over; being irritable and/or jumpy; difficulty concentrating; feeling down or 'flat'; nausea or upset stomach; muscle tension which can cause headaches and other physical aches and pains. Relationships.... Traumatic experiences can bring people closer together. Sometimes strains and tensions can appear with workmates, partners, family or friends. You may find it difficult to talk about what you have been through. You may not want to burden them with your problems. You may think that they're not as understanding as you would like them to be. Changes in your behaviour may worry or annoy them. Family members, generally, can also access your employer's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Reducing the effects of traumatic incidents..... As an emergency worker or an employee you have probably already some ideas about what works best for you after a critical or traumatic incident. Everyone is different and people cope in different ways. Whatever works for you is fine. Here are some further things other people have found useful in reducing the effects of any stress you may experience soon after the event. None of them are 'shoulds' - 'shoulds' only give you another job to do! Try not to be hard on yourself for what you are going through; allow yourself to have your feelings; take special care when driving or riding; keep a journal, write down your thoughts and feelings; physical activity is often helpful; maintain as normal a schedule as possible, eat well balanced and regular meals; don't make big life decisions or changes if you can avoid it; spend time with friends and others who are supportive, but have some time-out to rest and relax more; do things that you would normally enjoy doing; talk to people about your experience; recurring thoughts, memories are normal, they will fade over time - the traumatic experience has been significant to you; don't overdo alcohol or drugs. When to seek further assistance....if you feel you cannot handle the intensity of feelings or reactions you are experiencing right now; if your normal ways of coping are not working for you; if you continue to have disturbed sleep and/or nightmares; if you don't seem to be getting 'back to normal' as soon as you would expect; if there is no one you can talk to about how you are feeling; if your personal life or work performance is suffering. Where to seek assistance....with your employer's or organisation's EAP, or Welfare Services. Your local general practitioner; the local community health centre - (Bowral - 02 4861 8000); the local community mental health service - (Bowral - 02 4861 8000)
Saturday, July 25, 2009
The SANE Guide to mental illness for the workplace
This Guide helps you to understand mental illness and it's treatment, and suggests ways to work with and support colleagues in your workplace who are affected. Mental illness is common and is part of life. Nearly every workplace will have someone who experiences a form of mental illness at some time, and it is important that they feel understood and supported - as with any other illness or disability such as asthma, diabetes or a hearing impairment, for example. Work is an important part of our lives. It not only provides us with an income and a position in society, but is also a place to learn new skills and to meet people. Getting back into employment can also be an important part of recovering from an episode of mental illness. Those affected are highly motivated to work and can be as productive as any other worker, except for occasions when they experience episodes of illness or longer-term disability. This Guide focuses on those situations, therefore - where a colleague's mental illness is making things difficult for them at work. Understanding and support can make all the difference for them and for minimising potential negative effects on the workplace.
How to help: Practical advice on how to help. Being aware of mental illness and the effects it may have on people in the workplace is important for a number of reasons - to the person affected, to colleagues, to managers and employers, and to productivity as well. Improved productivity. Untreated mental illness costs the Australian economy hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Familiarity with the effects of mental illness, how it is treated, and simple modifications which can be made in the workplace to provide support, are actually good for productivity. When the workplace maintains someone in a job through a period of being unwell it is far less costly than losing them and having to recruit and train someone new. Improved workplace environment. When employees feel respected and cared for, they generally feel better about themselves and the work they do. This leads to better morale, and a happier, more productive workplace. We are all potentially affected. One in five of us will be affected by a form of mental illness at some time in our lives. An understanding of mental illness and its impact on the workplace is helpful, therefore, whether it is a work colleague, friend, family member or even yourself who is affected. Duty of care: Discrimination of someone in the workplace, or having a workplace which is unhealthy or unsafe, can have legal implications. It is important, then, to understand everyone's legal rights and responsibilities regarding mental illness in the workplace. How to help a colleague affected by mental illness: Understand: Mental illness is greatly misunderstood, and those affected are often stigmatised and treated disrespectfully because of this. No one expects you to be a psychiatric expert, but understanding the basic facts, such as symptoms and effects on everyday functioning, can dispel myths and help you be more aware of how it feels for your colleague when they are unwell. Support: Mental illness can have a serious effect on a person's life. This effect varies from person to person. Some have very occasional episodes of being unwell and recover in a relatively short period of time, as they would from a bout of 'flu or a minor injury. Others experience longer-term psychiatric disability requiring workplace modifications. It makes a big difference to those affected when someone makes the effort to understand and offer support. People with mental illness can sometimes feel left out or not listened to. It is important to remember to include them in discussions, meetings and social events. Act: When someone with a mental illness is receiving appropriate treatment and support, they may not need additional help at work. When they become unwell, though, it can be confusing to know where to turn for help. Avoid giving advice on dealing with mental illness (unless qualified to do so). Instead, focus on getting professional help. Ask the person if they have discussed with their manager or anyone else at work what appropriate action should be taken, and if they have a contact number for their doctor or mental health service.
Here are some examples of helpful and unhelpful ways of reacting to a colleague affected by mental illness. Tanya: Tanya is 42-years old and is employed as a bank teller at the branch where you work. While chatting to you in the lunchroom, she mentions that she has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Unhelpful reaction: Change the subject and avoid talking to her again. Helpful reaction: let her continue to talk about her illness if she is comfortable doing so, and be supportive and encouraging. Ask if she would prefer you not to mention her diagnosis to others. Talk to her again at lunchtime, especially if she is sitting alone and would like company. Jim: Jim is 38-years old and works in the same team as you at an insurance company. He has just returned to work after a month away recovering from an episode of depression, which he has openly discussed. Unhelpful reaction: Avoid engaging with him, and make jokes about him being lazy. Helpful reaction: In a relaxed way ask how he is going, and offer to bring him up-to-date on what has been happening in your area while he has been away. Kate: Kate is 34-years old and has just started at the building supplies company where you work. In a week you will be travelling interstate together for training, and your manager tells you, with Kate's consent to let you know, that Kate is a person with schizophrenia. Unhelpful reaction: Tell Kate you are aware of her diagnosis and badger her with insensitive questions. On the trip, talk behind her back about her illness. Helpful reaction: behave naturally with Kate and get to know her. If she mentions her illness, ask her to let you know if there is anything you can do to help on the trip. How to help when you are a supervisor: Managers and employers have an important role in supporting workers with a mental illness, to everyone's benefit. Discussing mental illness: If an employee has disclosed that they have a mental illness, it is important to be willing to talk about their condition with them and to express support. At the same time, it is important to be frank about any productivity issues involved and how you can work together to address these - emphasise strengths and then look at areas where support is needed. Discuss too, their right to confidentiality and an agreement on when it would be appropriate to contact a doctor or family member if they become unwell at work. This support from management can make a great difference to someone's confidence and ability to work well. If they are willing for their condition to be generally known, discuss whether it would be helpful to give fellow-workers some basic information. If an employee has not disclosed they have a mental illness but you are concerned they may be affected, do not hesitate to express these concerns to them as you would with any other health issue. Ask a senior manager or human resources manager who might be the best person to speak with the employee, and how it can be done in a confidential, respectful and appropriate way. Making a plan: Once an employee has been diagnosed with a mental illness, it can be useful to discuss any workplace modifications that are helpful to the person and to maintaining their productivity. Some modifications worth considering are:Working hours: For some people, working 9-5, Monday to Friday, is not the most practical option. A provision for working part-time, using time-in-lieu and working from home at times, can be more productive for people affected by mental illness. Provision for medical appointments, extended leave and leave-without-pay may also be necessary, as with any other illness. Environment: The work environment itself can make a difference to how well someone feels and how well they are able to work. Discuss with the employee whether issues such as noise and degree of interaction with the public or other employees affect them, and what modifications are reasonable to manage these. Ask about other simple steps too, such as whether writing all instructions down would be helpful (where these would usually be given verbally), if their illness has affected short-term memory, for example. Allowing a longer period for training and induction is also an easy and cost-effective step that can make a big difference. Being prepared: Talk to the employee about you can both be prepared should they become unwell at work. For example, they may become depressed and unable to focus on tasks, start to feel anxious or even paranoid. If this happens, it would be a great help for you to have agreed on what should be done, such as calling their doctor to make an appointment. Accessing support: Investigate what other workplace support may be available. Larger organisations may have an EAP (Employee Assistance Program) available. A local employment service may have a specialist consultant able to provide on-site or off-site support. CRS Australia (Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service) may also be able to help through its 'Jobs in Jeopardy' program. Understanding the law: You should also be aware of relevant legal rights and responsibilities - for example, the Disability Discrimination Act, which makes it unlawful to treat and employee less favourably because of a disability, and occupational health and safety legislation. How can I apply these tips to everyday situations? The following scenario describes how these tips can be used to work effectively with someone affected by mental illness. Read this, than think about how you would deal with the scenario yourself. Helping Jake: You are the manager of a supermarket. Jake has worked on the checkout for three years, and he has told you that he had a period of depression before that. He is well-liked and efficient, but has not turned up for work on several occasions recently. He has also started looking untidy and has stopped engaging with customers. What do you do? Understand: Make a time with Jake to discuss work performance and mention your concerns about absenteeism, appearance and lack of concentration. Ask if there is any reason for this. If not, remind him of what he has told you about his depression. Ask if he thinks this may be an issue again, and if it is worth discussing how he currently feels with his doctor. Support: If depression is the cause of the change in Jake's behaviour, ask whether he would benefit from some time off, and discuss his entitlements to sick and holiday leave, as well as any work modifications that would help. Adjust other empoyees' shifts so that there is no resentment of Jake 'creating work' for them. Act: Discuss with Jake whether more flexible rostering would help, working fewer hours until he feels well enough to work full-time again. Check whether Jake wants other employees to know he has depression and respect his wishes. Talk frankly to Jake about the need to dress tidily and engage with customers. If talking to customers is difficult, discuss moving him temporarily to another, less stressful area of the workplace. Employers in the Southern Highlands may wish to give consideration to having their employees supported to access the Mental Health First Aid Training Program. For on-site training opportunities groups of 15-20 staff can be trained in each group. This is a 12-hour approved course provided only by qualified and accredited Trainers. Details about the course and contact with local Trainers is available on the MHFA website: www.mhfa.com.au There are 2 accredited Trainers attached to the Bowral Mental Health Service.
This post is an excerpt of the Guide produced by SANE Australia - a national charity helping people affected by mental illness. SANE Australia produces a wide range of Guides and other useful publications on mental illness - for consumers, carers, health professionals,students and the general community. For details, see the SANE website www.sane.org or call (03)9682 5933.
How to help: Practical advice on how to help. Being aware of mental illness and the effects it may have on people in the workplace is important for a number of reasons - to the person affected, to colleagues, to managers and employers, and to productivity as well. Improved productivity. Untreated mental illness costs the Australian economy hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Familiarity with the effects of mental illness, how it is treated, and simple modifications which can be made in the workplace to provide support, are actually good for productivity. When the workplace maintains someone in a job through a period of being unwell it is far less costly than losing them and having to recruit and train someone new. Improved workplace environment. When employees feel respected and cared for, they generally feel better about themselves and the work they do. This leads to better morale, and a happier, more productive workplace. We are all potentially affected. One in five of us will be affected by a form of mental illness at some time in our lives. An understanding of mental illness and its impact on the workplace is helpful, therefore, whether it is a work colleague, friend, family member or even yourself who is affected. Duty of care: Discrimination of someone in the workplace, or having a workplace which is unhealthy or unsafe, can have legal implications. It is important, then, to understand everyone's legal rights and responsibilities regarding mental illness in the workplace. How to help a colleague affected by mental illness: Understand: Mental illness is greatly misunderstood, and those affected are often stigmatised and treated disrespectfully because of this. No one expects you to be a psychiatric expert, but understanding the basic facts, such as symptoms and effects on everyday functioning, can dispel myths and help you be more aware of how it feels for your colleague when they are unwell. Support: Mental illness can have a serious effect on a person's life. This effect varies from person to person. Some have very occasional episodes of being unwell and recover in a relatively short period of time, as they would from a bout of 'flu or a minor injury. Others experience longer-term psychiatric disability requiring workplace modifications. It makes a big difference to those affected when someone makes the effort to understand and offer support. People with mental illness can sometimes feel left out or not listened to. It is important to remember to include them in discussions, meetings and social events. Act: When someone with a mental illness is receiving appropriate treatment and support, they may not need additional help at work. When they become unwell, though, it can be confusing to know where to turn for help. Avoid giving advice on dealing with mental illness (unless qualified to do so). Instead, focus on getting professional help. Ask the person if they have discussed with their manager or anyone else at work what appropriate action should be taken, and if they have a contact number for their doctor or mental health service.
Here are some examples of helpful and unhelpful ways of reacting to a colleague affected by mental illness. Tanya: Tanya is 42-years old and is employed as a bank teller at the branch where you work. While chatting to you in the lunchroom, she mentions that she has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Unhelpful reaction: Change the subject and avoid talking to her again. Helpful reaction: let her continue to talk about her illness if she is comfortable doing so, and be supportive and encouraging. Ask if she would prefer you not to mention her diagnosis to others. Talk to her again at lunchtime, especially if she is sitting alone and would like company. Jim: Jim is 38-years old and works in the same team as you at an insurance company. He has just returned to work after a month away recovering from an episode of depression, which he has openly discussed. Unhelpful reaction: Avoid engaging with him, and make jokes about him being lazy. Helpful reaction: In a relaxed way ask how he is going, and offer to bring him up-to-date on what has been happening in your area while he has been away. Kate: Kate is 34-years old and has just started at the building supplies company where you work. In a week you will be travelling interstate together for training, and your manager tells you, with Kate's consent to let you know, that Kate is a person with schizophrenia. Unhelpful reaction: Tell Kate you are aware of her diagnosis and badger her with insensitive questions. On the trip, talk behind her back about her illness. Helpful reaction: behave naturally with Kate and get to know her. If she mentions her illness, ask her to let you know if there is anything you can do to help on the trip. How to help when you are a supervisor: Managers and employers have an important role in supporting workers with a mental illness, to everyone's benefit. Discussing mental illness: If an employee has disclosed that they have a mental illness, it is important to be willing to talk about their condition with them and to express support. At the same time, it is important to be frank about any productivity issues involved and how you can work together to address these - emphasise strengths and then look at areas where support is needed. Discuss too, their right to confidentiality and an agreement on when it would be appropriate to contact a doctor or family member if they become unwell at work. This support from management can make a great difference to someone's confidence and ability to work well. If they are willing for their condition to be generally known, discuss whether it would be helpful to give fellow-workers some basic information. If an employee has not disclosed they have a mental illness but you are concerned they may be affected, do not hesitate to express these concerns to them as you would with any other health issue. Ask a senior manager or human resources manager who might be the best person to speak with the employee, and how it can be done in a confidential, respectful and appropriate way. Making a plan: Once an employee has been diagnosed with a mental illness, it can be useful to discuss any workplace modifications that are helpful to the person and to maintaining their productivity. Some modifications worth considering are:Working hours: For some people, working 9-5, Monday to Friday, is not the most practical option. A provision for working part-time, using time-in-lieu and working from home at times, can be more productive for people affected by mental illness. Provision for medical appointments, extended leave and leave-without-pay may also be necessary, as with any other illness. Environment: The work environment itself can make a difference to how well someone feels and how well they are able to work. Discuss with the employee whether issues such as noise and degree of interaction with the public or other employees affect them, and what modifications are reasonable to manage these. Ask about other simple steps too, such as whether writing all instructions down would be helpful (where these would usually be given verbally), if their illness has affected short-term memory, for example. Allowing a longer period for training and induction is also an easy and cost-effective step that can make a big difference. Being prepared: Talk to the employee about you can both be prepared should they become unwell at work. For example, they may become depressed and unable to focus on tasks, start to feel anxious or even paranoid. If this happens, it would be a great help for you to have agreed on what should be done, such as calling their doctor to make an appointment. Accessing support: Investigate what other workplace support may be available. Larger organisations may have an EAP (Employee Assistance Program) available. A local employment service may have a specialist consultant able to provide on-site or off-site support. CRS Australia (Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service) may also be able to help through its 'Jobs in Jeopardy' program. Understanding the law: You should also be aware of relevant legal rights and responsibilities - for example, the Disability Discrimination Act, which makes it unlawful to treat and employee less favourably because of a disability, and occupational health and safety legislation. How can I apply these tips to everyday situations? The following scenario describes how these tips can be used to work effectively with someone affected by mental illness. Read this, than think about how you would deal with the scenario yourself. Helping Jake: You are the manager of a supermarket. Jake has worked on the checkout for three years, and he has told you that he had a period of depression before that. He is well-liked and efficient, but has not turned up for work on several occasions recently. He has also started looking untidy and has stopped engaging with customers. What do you do? Understand: Make a time with Jake to discuss work performance and mention your concerns about absenteeism, appearance and lack of concentration. Ask if there is any reason for this. If not, remind him of what he has told you about his depression. Ask if he thinks this may be an issue again, and if it is worth discussing how he currently feels with his doctor. Support: If depression is the cause of the change in Jake's behaviour, ask whether he would benefit from some time off, and discuss his entitlements to sick and holiday leave, as well as any work modifications that would help. Adjust other empoyees' shifts so that there is no resentment of Jake 'creating work' for them. Act: Discuss with Jake whether more flexible rostering would help, working fewer hours until he feels well enough to work full-time again. Check whether Jake wants other employees to know he has depression and respect his wishes. Talk frankly to Jake about the need to dress tidily and engage with customers. If talking to customers is difficult, discuss moving him temporarily to another, less stressful area of the workplace. Employers in the Southern Highlands may wish to give consideration to having their employees supported to access the Mental Health First Aid Training Program. For on-site training opportunities groups of 15-20 staff can be trained in each group. This is a 12-hour approved course provided only by qualified and accredited Trainers. Details about the course and contact with local Trainers is available on the MHFA website: www.mhfa.com.au There are 2 accredited Trainers attached to the Bowral Mental Health Service.
This post is an excerpt of the Guide produced by SANE Australia - a national charity helping people affected by mental illness. SANE Australia produces a wide range of Guides and other useful publications on mental illness - for consumers, carers, health professionals,students and the general community. For details, see the SANE website www.sane.org or call (03)9682 5933.
NSW Community Mental Health Strategy 2007-2012
From prevention and early intervention to recovery -
Summary
What is the NSW Community Mental Health Strategy 2007-2012?
The NSW Community Mental Health Strategy 2007-2012 describes the future model for community mental health services in NSW. This model provides a framework for improving responses to the needs of people with a mental illness or disorder and their families and carers. It covers services delivered across NSW, across the age range, across diverse communities and in collaboration with service partners. The purpose of this Strategy is to guide NSW Health, NSW Area Mental Health Services and non-government organisations (NGOs) in the implementation of this model.
The Strategy is underpinned by significant investment from the NSW Government - over $939 million over five years will be spent on the initiatives outlined in the Strategy. What does the Strategy aim to achieve? The Strategy aims to achieve improved outcomes in mental health by delivering comprehensive recovery oriented community mental health services across NSW. These services will: promote mental health and well being; embed a recovery approach to service delivery; prevent and/or intervene early in the onset or recurrence of mental illness; improve evidence based practice in community supports and services; enhance community responses to mental health emergencies and acute care needs. The Strategy renews a focus on community mental health and highlights a reform of mental health services to strengthen and develop the capacity of the mental health workforce (public and NGO) and key service partners, GPs other primary health care services and other government agencies. Rehabilitation is positioned as a core program for all public sector and NGO mental health services. Access to rehabilitation from the earliest point of contact with services will assist to promote the recovery of people with a mental illness or disorder. Principles of Community Mental Health Care: All of the community mental health services outlined in the model apply recovery-focused service principles. This is supported through applying evidence-based practices, ensuring service integration and providing individualised care to encourage consumers' community participation. Promotion, prevention and early intervention initiatives are also essential to enhance the well being of the overall community and ensure early access to treatment. Each of these latter five principles are inter related, as they are all aspects of providing recovery focused care. The service is also supported by underlying frameworks to ensure the quality and safety of care. What is the NSW Community Mental Health Service Model? The Strategy outlines a community mental health service model comprising two key components: Specialist Community Mental Health Services; Community Mental Health Partnerships.
Summary
What is the NSW Community Mental Health Strategy 2007-2012?
The NSW Community Mental Health Strategy 2007-2012 describes the future model for community mental health services in NSW. This model provides a framework for improving responses to the needs of people with a mental illness or disorder and their families and carers. It covers services delivered across NSW, across the age range, across diverse communities and in collaboration with service partners. The purpose of this Strategy is to guide NSW Health, NSW Area Mental Health Services and non-government organisations (NGOs) in the implementation of this model.
The Strategy is underpinned by significant investment from the NSW Government - over $939 million over five years will be spent on the initiatives outlined in the Strategy. What does the Strategy aim to achieve? The Strategy aims to achieve improved outcomes in mental health by delivering comprehensive recovery oriented community mental health services across NSW. These services will: promote mental health and well being; embed a recovery approach to service delivery; prevent and/or intervene early in the onset or recurrence of mental illness; improve evidence based practice in community supports and services; enhance community responses to mental health emergencies and acute care needs. The Strategy renews a focus on community mental health and highlights a reform of mental health services to strengthen and develop the capacity of the mental health workforce (public and NGO) and key service partners, GPs other primary health care services and other government agencies. Rehabilitation is positioned as a core program for all public sector and NGO mental health services. Access to rehabilitation from the earliest point of contact with services will assist to promote the recovery of people with a mental illness or disorder. Principles of Community Mental Health Care: All of the community mental health services outlined in the model apply recovery-focused service principles. This is supported through applying evidence-based practices, ensuring service integration and providing individualised care to encourage consumers' community participation. Promotion, prevention and early intervention initiatives are also essential to enhance the well being of the overall community and ensure early access to treatment. Each of these latter five principles are inter related, as they are all aspects of providing recovery focused care. The service is also supported by underlying frameworks to ensure the quality and safety of care. What is the NSW Community Mental Health Service Model? The Strategy outlines a community mental health service model comprising two key components: Specialist Community Mental Health Services; Community Mental Health Partnerships.
What is an eating disorder?
What are eating disorders? Anorexia and bulimia are the two most serious eating disorders. Each illness involves a preoccupation with control over body weight, eating and food. People with anorexia are determined to control the amounts of food they eat. People with bulimia tend to feel out of control where food is concerned. Anorexia affects two out of every 100 teenage girls, although the illness can be experienced earlier and later in life. Most anorexia sufferers are female, but males also suffer from the disorder. Bulimia affects one in six females from the late teens. More females than males suffer from bulimia. While these rates show that few people meet the criteria for eating disorders, it is far more common for people to have unrealistic attitudes about body size and shape. These attitudes may contribute to inappropriate eating habits or dieting practices. Both illnesses can be overcome and it is important for the person to seek advice about either condition as early as possible. What are the symptoms of anorexia? Anorexia is characterised by: a loss of at least 15% of body weight resulting from refusal to eat enough food, despite extreme hunger; a disturbance of perceptions of body image in that the person may regard them as fat, overestimating body size the thinner they become; an intense fear of becoming 'fat' and of losing control; a tendency to exercise obsessively; a preoccupation with the preparation of food; making lists of 'good' and 'bad' food. Usually, anorexia begins with a weight loss, either resulting from a physical illness or from dieting. Favourable comments cause the person to believe that if thin is good, then thinner is better. The body does not react well to starvation, and erratic eating behaviour begins to dominate the person's life. About 40% of people with anorexia will later develop bulimia. What are the symptoms of bulimia? Bulimia is characterised by: eating binges which involve consumption of large amounts of calorie-rich food, during which the person feels a loss of personal control and self disgust; attempts to compensate for binges and to avoid weight gain by self-induced vomiting, and/or abuse of laxatives and fluid tablets; and a combination of restricted eating and compulsive exercise so that control of weight dominates the person's life. A person with bulimia is usually average or slightly above average weight for height, so is often less recognisable than the person with anorexia. Bulimia often starts with rigid weight reduction dieting in the 'pursuit of thinness'. Inadequate nutrition causes tiredness and powerful urges to binge eat. Vomiting after a binge seems to bring a sense of relief, but this is temporary and soon turns to depression and guilt. Some people use laxatives, apparently unaware that laxatives do not reduce kilojoules/fat content, and serve only to eliminate vital trace elements and to dehydrate the body. The person can make frantic efforts to break from the pattern, but the vicious binge/purge/exercise cycle, and the feelings associated with it, may have become compulsive and uncontrollable. A person with bulimia may experience chemical imbalances in the body which bring about lethargy, depression and clouded thinking. What causes anorexia and bulimia? The causes of anorexia and bulimia remain unclear. Biological, psychological and social factors are all involved. For some people, some of the following may compound low self-esteem and contribute to the onset of anorexia or bulimia. Social influences: This includes media and other presentations of the ideal shape in western societies as slim and fit, and a tendency to stereotype fat people in a negative manner. Personal factors: changes in life circumstances such as the onset of adolescence, breakdown of relationships, childbirth or the death of a loved one;fear of the responsibilities of adulthood; poor communication between family members, or parental reluctance to allow independence as children mature; or a belief that love from family and friends depends upon high achievement. Biological factors: This includes chemical or hormonal imbalances (perhaps associated with adolescence). What are the effects of anorexia and bulimia? Physical effects: The physical effects can be serious, but are generally reversible if the illnesses are tackled early. If left untreated, severe anorexia and bulimia can be life-threatening. Responding to early warning signs and obtaining early treatment is essential. Both illnesses, when severe, can cause: harm to the kidneys; urinary tract infections and damage to the colon; dehydration, constipation and diarrhoea; seizures, muscle spasms or cramps (resulting from chemical imbalances); chronic indigestion; loss of menstruation or irregular periods; and strain on most body organs. Many of the effects of anorexia are related to malnutrition, including: absence of menstrual periods; severe sensitivity to the cold; growth of down-like hair all over the body; and inability to think rationally and to concentrate. Severe bulimia is likely to cause: erosion of dental enamel from vomiting; swollen salivary glands; the possibility of a ruptured stomach; and chronic sore throat and gullet. Emotional and psychological effects: These are likely to include: difficulties with activities which involve food; loneliness, due to self-imposed isolation and a reluctance to develop personal relationships; deceptive behaviours relating to food; fear of the disapproval of others if the illness becomes known, tinged with the hope that family and friends might intervene and provide assistance; and mood swings, changes in personality, emotional outbursts or depression. What treatment is available? Changes in eating behaviour may be caused by several illnesses other than anorexia or bulimia, so a thorough physical examination by a medical practitioner is the first step. Once the illness has been diagnosed, a range of health practitioners can be involved in treatment as the illnesses affect people physically and mentally. These may include psychiatrists, psychologists, dietitians, social workers, occupational therapists and nurses. Outpatient treatment and attendance at special programs are the preferred treatment for people with anorexia. Hospitalisation may be necessary for those severely malnourished through lack of food. Treatment can include medication to assist severe depression and to correct hormonal and chemical imbalances. Dietary education assists with retraining in healthy eating habits. Counselling and specific therapies are used to help change unhealthy thoughts about eating, and educating the person that the family and friends are supportive.
Where to go for help. your local general practitioner; your local community health centre (Bowral (02) 4861 8000); your local community mental health service (Bowral (02) 4861 8000).
Where to go for help. your local general practitioner; your local community health centre (Bowral (02) 4861 8000); your local community mental health service (Bowral (02) 4861 8000).
Friday, July 24, 2009
Wingecarribee Carers News
This local Carers News is produced by the Southern Highlands Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation which has received generous support from the Springett Family Foundation specifically to produce the Carers News four times a year. You can contact the SHF through their email: carersnews@gmail.com or through the mail to: Southern Highlands Foundation, PO Box 853, Bowral 2576.
The following services are just some of the local services described in the Carers News for the first quarter of 2009. IDEAS online: If you have access to the internet, the IDEAS website provides a high quality accessible web portal for people with a disability, and people with age related disability - their families, carers and other supporters, to access and search for information that promotes their independence. www.ideas.org.au They also have a toll free phone number: 1800 029 904, and a TTY phone number: (02) 6947 3377. What is TTY? The telephone is a vital element in our daily living. For most of us, the telephone provides a convenience that we take for granted. However, for deaf people the convenience as well as the life-saving capacities of the telephone have, until recent years, been inaccessible. Today, a deaf or speech impaired person can make telephone calls using a TeleTypewriter (TTY). With a TTY, the conversation is typed rather than spoken and direct communication is possible with anyone who has a similar device. Calls placed to or from a non-TTY user can be placed through the Telecommunications Relay Service. A growing number of government agencies and businesses are installing a TTY to provide direct phone communication to and for their deaf employees and customers. Availability of this service is denoted with a TTY preceeding the telephone number. To find out more, contact the Deaf Society of NSW: E: info@deafsociety.com - Ph: (02) 9893 8555 - TTY: (02) 9893 8858 - Fx: (02) 9893 8333
The Disability Trust (formerly known as the Illawarra Disability Trust) TDT has announced that "Parmenter House", their new respite home in East Bowral offers a home-away-from home atmosphere so that a Carer will feel comfortable leaving a loved one in the care of others. For more information about "Parmenter House" and the other services provided by TDT, please contact Peg Ludwig on (02) 4872 4975 or www.disabilitytrust.org.au
Coping with grief - when counselling might be needed. Grief is a natural reaction to loss, and recovering from it is also usually a natural process. It takes time and it takes patience and support from those who are close to us. Sometimes however, a person may need the help of a professional counsellor to resolve issues that cause some distress to an individual. The Southern Highlands Bereavement Care Service offers counselling that is supportive and confidential, and aims to assist the individual to find their own way through the darkness of a terrible loss. Karen Mundell and Bruce Schubert are experienced in providing a listening ear and one that can help. The Bereavement Care Service is located in the grounds of the Bowral Hospital and can be contacted on (02) 4861 1701. There is also a web page with resources: www.shbcs.org.au
Interchange Wingecarribee Inc (IWI) Interchange Wingecarribee Inc (IWI) has been assisting people with disabilities, the frail-aged and their carers in the Wingecarribee Shire for over 20 years. They currently run 20 programs, the majority of which are government-funded and are designed to assist eligible people to remain living at home independently. Services provided under thee programs include respite, social support, recreation, case management, domestic assistance, personal care and community participation. "Springett House" was set up in 2006 to provide overnight respite in a home-like setting in the Southern Highlands. It was the first of its kind in this area and continues to be very well patronised. Eligible clients can also attend Day Programs at "Springett House", undertaking activities such as learning basic living skills, numeracy and literacy; crafts; minor home maintenance; and participating in recreation. For further information contact IWI at 59 Kirkham Road Bowral, or PO Box 1284, Bowral 2576. Ph: (02) 4862 2644 - Fx: (02) 4862 1563.
Southwest Sydney Community Care Centre of Anglicare: NSWSWSCCC of Anglicare NSW has the following services for Carers: South West Sydney: (a) Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre. The Centre provides: Advice and support to assist the carer in performing their caring role on an emergency, short-term, or planned respite options. Single access point providing information on services available in the community for Carers. Referral service for longer term assistance to support the Carer on an ongoing basis. The Centre assists Carers of people who are frail aged or with: a disability (physical and intellectual); an acquired brain injury; chronic illness; mental health issues/psychiatric disability or autism; palliative care needs; dementia and/or challenging behaviours. South West Sydney: Carer Services Program: short term and emergency respite; respite for Carers of younger people with severe and profound disability; young carers program; mental health respite program; commonwealth carelink - information and advice service. To contact your local Centre - SWS Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre, during standard business hours: Tollfree - 1800 052 222. For emergency respite support outside standard business hours: Tollfree - 1800 059 059. Calls from mobile phones - charges will apply. Funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, and the Department of Family, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs - South West Sydney: (b) Support Coordination Program: The Support Coordination Program supports older parent Carers of an adult son or daughter with a disability to maintain their caring role for as long as possible, by providing support and respite opportunities and to plan and to prepare for a transition from parental care. What services do we provide? case management: needs assessments case plan, evaluation and review. Information and referral. Home visits. Carers Assistance Packages. Who can access this service? Parent Carers aged 65 years and over who are caring for their adult son or daughter with a disability, also some non-parent providing the 'parental' care may be eligible. Priority for access will be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Carers aged 45 years and older, and parent Carers that are currently not accessing any disability or family support services. How to contact: Tel: (02) 9728 0252 - 9am to 5 pm (Monday to Friday) Funded by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
The following services are just some of the local services described in the Carers News for the first quarter of 2009. IDEAS online: If you have access to the internet, the IDEAS website provides a high quality accessible web portal for people with a disability, and people with age related disability - their families, carers and other supporters, to access and search for information that promotes their independence. www.ideas.org.au They also have a toll free phone number: 1800 029 904, and a TTY phone number: (02) 6947 3377. What is TTY? The telephone is a vital element in our daily living. For most of us, the telephone provides a convenience that we take for granted. However, for deaf people the convenience as well as the life-saving capacities of the telephone have, until recent years, been inaccessible. Today, a deaf or speech impaired person can make telephone calls using a TeleTypewriter (TTY). With a TTY, the conversation is typed rather than spoken and direct communication is possible with anyone who has a similar device. Calls placed to or from a non-TTY user can be placed through the Telecommunications Relay Service. A growing number of government agencies and businesses are installing a TTY to provide direct phone communication to and for their deaf employees and customers. Availability of this service is denoted with a TTY preceeding the telephone number. To find out more, contact the Deaf Society of NSW: E: info@deafsociety.com - Ph: (02) 9893 8555 - TTY: (02) 9893 8858 - Fx: (02) 9893 8333
The Disability Trust (formerly known as the Illawarra Disability Trust) TDT has announced that "Parmenter House", their new respite home in East Bowral offers a home-away-from home atmosphere so that a Carer will feel comfortable leaving a loved one in the care of others. For more information about "Parmenter House" and the other services provided by TDT, please contact Peg Ludwig on (02) 4872 4975 or www.disabilitytrust.org.au
Coping with grief - when counselling might be needed. Grief is a natural reaction to loss, and recovering from it is also usually a natural process. It takes time and it takes patience and support from those who are close to us. Sometimes however, a person may need the help of a professional counsellor to resolve issues that cause some distress to an individual. The Southern Highlands Bereavement Care Service offers counselling that is supportive and confidential, and aims to assist the individual to find their own way through the darkness of a terrible loss. Karen Mundell and Bruce Schubert are experienced in providing a listening ear and one that can help. The Bereavement Care Service is located in the grounds of the Bowral Hospital and can be contacted on (02) 4861 1701. There is also a web page with resources: www.shbcs.org.au
Interchange Wingecarribee Inc (IWI) Interchange Wingecarribee Inc (IWI) has been assisting people with disabilities, the frail-aged and their carers in the Wingecarribee Shire for over 20 years. They currently run 20 programs, the majority of which are government-funded and are designed to assist eligible people to remain living at home independently. Services provided under thee programs include respite, social support, recreation, case management, domestic assistance, personal care and community participation. "Springett House" was set up in 2006 to provide overnight respite in a home-like setting in the Southern Highlands. It was the first of its kind in this area and continues to be very well patronised. Eligible clients can also attend Day Programs at "Springett House", undertaking activities such as learning basic living skills, numeracy and literacy; crafts; minor home maintenance; and participating in recreation. For further information contact IWI at 59 Kirkham Road Bowral, or PO Box 1284, Bowral 2576. Ph: (02) 4862 2644 - Fx: (02) 4862 1563.
Southwest Sydney Community Care Centre of Anglicare: NSWSWSCCC of Anglicare NSW has the following services for Carers: South West Sydney: (a) Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre. The Centre provides: Advice and support to assist the carer in performing their caring role on an emergency, short-term, or planned respite options. Single access point providing information on services available in the community for Carers. Referral service for longer term assistance to support the Carer on an ongoing basis. The Centre assists Carers of people who are frail aged or with: a disability (physical and intellectual); an acquired brain injury; chronic illness; mental health issues/psychiatric disability or autism; palliative care needs; dementia and/or challenging behaviours. South West Sydney: Carer Services Program: short term and emergency respite; respite for Carers of younger people with severe and profound disability; young carers program; mental health respite program; commonwealth carelink - information and advice service. To contact your local Centre - SWS Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre, during standard business hours: Tollfree - 1800 052 222. For emergency respite support outside standard business hours: Tollfree - 1800 059 059. Calls from mobile phones - charges will apply. Funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, and the Department of Family, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs - South West Sydney: (b) Support Coordination Program: The Support Coordination Program supports older parent Carers of an adult son or daughter with a disability to maintain their caring role for as long as possible, by providing support and respite opportunities and to plan and to prepare for a transition from parental care. What services do we provide? case management: needs assessments case plan, evaluation and review. Information and referral. Home visits. Carers Assistance Packages. Who can access this service? Parent Carers aged 65 years and over who are caring for their adult son or daughter with a disability, also some non-parent providing the 'parental' care may be eligible. Priority for access will be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Carers aged 45 years and older, and parent Carers that are currently not accessing any disability or family support services. How to contact: Tel: (02) 9728 0252 - 9am to 5 pm (Monday to Friday) Funded by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
Feelings around pregnancy and motherhood
Anxiety and distress during pregnancy and after the birth of a baby are often subjects that no one wants to talk about....... During pregnancy many women feel a sense of well-being during their pregnancy. Some women (about 15-30%) will feel depressed. With such an important event occurring, we could expect that coping with all the hopes and fears might be difficult - especially if you are not well supported. Society considers pregnancy a time of joy, so if depression or other problems occur then women may feel isolated and unable to reveal their true feelings. Talking to someone can often help. If other help is required, it can also be arranged. Some things you can do: Find a support person who will be able to help after baby is born. Talk to your partner about taking time off after baby is born. Join a group and talk to other mothers-to-be. Try not to move house or make any big changes for a while after baby is born (or late in your pregnancy). Be kind to yourself. It takes time and a lot of energy to adjust to becoming a mum. If you are returning to work try to allow as much time off as possible. As a Parent: Women respond to motherhood in many ways. Many feel a sense of joy and elation at the arrival of a new baby, while others may feel emotions such as anxiety, sadness, or grief, fear or despair, after the birth. Most mothers have a mixture of feelings. For some mothers the responsibility of caring for a new baby can be overwhelming. Mothers are often exhausted looking after a new baby (it is a 24 hour job), especially if they have the extra responsibility of other children. They can be so busy looking after everyone else that they have no time to look after themselves. For those having their first baby, changes in lifestyle, roles and relationships take place. It takes time to adjust and it often helps to talk to someone. Partners may be confused by what is happening and may even have similar problems adjusting. They, the partners, can also become depressed. Motherhood: Motherhood is a new role and one that has to be learned like all others. For you, this may be a new responsibility. Caring for someone who is totally dependent on you is an awesome experience, and can be a source of considerable worry as well as a special privilege. You may be working long hours within the household, you may also be back at work, you may not have a lot of support or be isolated. Stress and depression during pregnancy, and after the birth of the baby, are common. Many women experience symptoms such as those listed below:
low mood; loss of interests and pleasures; leep disturbance; appetite disturbance; exhaustion or over-activity; crying; irritability; confusion; anxiety; panic attacks; feeling negative about things; feeling inadequate; feeling guilty; loss of sexual interest; fear of being alone; fear of social contact; memory loss; loss of concentration. If you feel you are becoming overwhelmed by these feelings and you are worried about coping, or if you have little support, please speak to your doctor or nurse about them. Or you might like to contact your local Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Service. This service has been set up to support women during both the antenatal and the postnatal period. Bowral contact number is: the Antenatal Service Midwife and/or Social Worker at the Bowral District Hospital on (02) 4861 0200 (Mon to Fri- 9am-5pm); or postnatally - Family and Childhood Community Health Nurses, at the Bowral Community Health Centre on (02)4861 8000
low mood; loss of interests and pleasures; leep disturbance; appetite disturbance; exhaustion or over-activity; crying; irritability; confusion; anxiety; panic attacks; feeling negative about things; feeling inadequate; feeling guilty; loss of sexual interest; fear of being alone; fear of social contact; memory loss; loss of concentration. If you feel you are becoming overwhelmed by these feelings and you are worried about coping, or if you have little support, please speak to your doctor or nurse about them. Or you might like to contact your local Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Service. This service has been set up to support women during both the antenatal and the postnatal period. Bowral contact number is: the Antenatal Service Midwife and/or Social Worker at the Bowral District Hospital on (02) 4861 0200 (Mon to Fri- 9am-5pm); or postnatally - Family and Childhood Community Health Nurses, at the Bowral Community Health Centre on (02)4861 8000
Domestic Violence
"I just want the violence to stop" It is hard to accept that someone your care about has deliberately hurt you. We are not just talking about physical abuse. Abuse can also include using force or fear to make you do things that you don't want to do. What is domestic violence? Domestic violence is an abuse of power perpetrated mainly (but not only) by men against women both in a relationship and after separation. It occurs when one partner attempts to physically or psychologically dominate and control the other. Domestic Violence takes on a number of forms, the most commonly acknowledged forms are: Physical Assault - punching, hitting, kicking, pushing, slapping, choking or use of weapons, spitting, raising fists, throwing objects at you. Sexual Assault - Being forced to have sex (rape), indecent assault, being forced to look at pornography. Emotional Abuse - Threats of violence or death, emotional and verbal abuse which threatens, degrades or insults you. Social Abuse - Being stopped from seeing friends and family. Your partner isolating you from people and controlling where you go. Economic Abuse - Having no access to, or control over money and other resources, being forced to live without money.
Effects of Domestic Violence: The effects of Domestic Violence have been well documented. Women in their child-bearing years appear to be more at risk than older women. Domestic Violence is likely to escalate during pregnancy. Domestic Violence can lead to substance misuse and abuse. Domestic Violence impacts adversely on the victim's physical and mental health. Effects of Domestic Violence include: Physical injury, disability and death. Stress related illnesses: - depression, anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks, feelings of helplessness and inability to cope. Loss of self-esteem and ability to make decisions and exercise choice. Poverty and homelessness.
Effects of Domestic Violence on children: Greater anxiety, bed wetting, restlessness, and unmanageable behaviour. Verbally and physically aggressive, destructive with toys and property. Withdrawal and suicidal. Learning difficulties. Hyperactivity, running away from home. Disrespect for women.
Facts: Police respond to approximately 120,000 domestic violence incidents each year. 75% of victims are female and 80% of offenders are male. On average there are 77 domestic homicides in Australia each year. Aboriginal women are far more likely to experience domestic violence than non-Aboriginal women.
Local Police Stations - Domestic Violence is a crime:
Bowral - 4862 9299; Mittagong - 4871 1222; Moss Vale - 4868 1222; Robertson - 4885 1244
In emergency or life-threatening situations always dial 000 and ask for urgent police response.
Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs): Apprehended Violence Orders are preventative Orders to protect victims in the future. An AVO puts conditions on the offenders behaviour to protect the victim from future violence. Orders can be made if the victim is afraid the offender will assault, threaten, molest, harrass, intimidate or stalk them. Orders can be made whether or not the offender has been charged by the police. Making an Apprehended Violence Order does not give the offender a criminal record. However, breaking an Order is a criminal offence. Conditions on your AVO can be varied, if your circumstances change, by applying to the Local Court for a variation.
For further information contact: Yvonne at the YWCA Family Abuse Prevention Service situated at the Bowral Memorial Hall 24 Bendooley Street, Bowral 2576. Phone: (02) 4861 1911 or mobile: 0423 770 305. Domestic Violence Help Line: 1800 65 64 63
Effects of Domestic Violence: The effects of Domestic Violence have been well documented. Women in their child-bearing years appear to be more at risk than older women. Domestic Violence is likely to escalate during pregnancy. Domestic Violence can lead to substance misuse and abuse. Domestic Violence impacts adversely on the victim's physical and mental health. Effects of Domestic Violence include: Physical injury, disability and death. Stress related illnesses: - depression, anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks, feelings of helplessness and inability to cope. Loss of self-esteem and ability to make decisions and exercise choice. Poverty and homelessness.
Effects of Domestic Violence on children: Greater anxiety, bed wetting, restlessness, and unmanageable behaviour. Verbally and physically aggressive, destructive with toys and property. Withdrawal and suicidal. Learning difficulties. Hyperactivity, running away from home. Disrespect for women.
Facts: Police respond to approximately 120,000 domestic violence incidents each year. 75% of victims are female and 80% of offenders are male. On average there are 77 domestic homicides in Australia each year. Aboriginal women are far more likely to experience domestic violence than non-Aboriginal women.
Local Police Stations - Domestic Violence is a crime:
Bowral - 4862 9299; Mittagong - 4871 1222; Moss Vale - 4868 1222; Robertson - 4885 1244
In emergency or life-threatening situations always dial 000 and ask for urgent police response.
Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs): Apprehended Violence Orders are preventative Orders to protect victims in the future. An AVO puts conditions on the offenders behaviour to protect the victim from future violence. Orders can be made if the victim is afraid the offender will assault, threaten, molest, harrass, intimidate or stalk them. Orders can be made whether or not the offender has been charged by the police. Making an Apprehended Violence Order does not give the offender a criminal record. However, breaking an Order is a criminal offence. Conditions on your AVO can be varied, if your circumstances change, by applying to the Local Court for a variation.
For further information contact: Yvonne at the YWCA Family Abuse Prevention Service situated at the Bowral Memorial Hall 24 Bendooley Street, Bowral 2576. Phone: (02) 4861 1911 or mobile: 0423 770 305. Domestic Violence Help Line: 1800 65 64 63
Myths, misunderstandings and facts about mental illness
Myths, misunderstandings, and negative stereotypes and attitudes surround mental illness. These result in stigma, discrimination and isolation of people with mental illness, as well as their families and carers.
Common questions about mental illness are: Are mental illnesses a form of intellectual disability or brain damage? No. They are illnesses just like any other, such as heart disease, diabetes, and asthma. Yet the traditions of sympathy, support, and flowers given to people with physical illnesses are often denied to those with a mental illness. Are mental illnesses incurable and lifelong? No. When treated appropriately and early, many people recover fully and have no further episodes of illness. For others, mental illness may recur throughout their lives and require ongoing treatment. This is the same as many physical illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease. Like these other long-term health conditions, mental illness can be managed so that individuals live life to the fullest. Although some people become disabled as a result of ongoing mental illness, many who experience even very major episodes of illness live full and productive lives. Are people born with a mental illness? No. A vulnerability to some mental illnesses, such as bipolar mood disorder, can run in families. But other people develop mental illness with no family history. Many factors contribute to the onset of a mental illness. These include stress, bereavement, relationship breakdown, physical and sexual abuse, unemployment, social isolation, and major physical illness or disability. Our understanding of the causes of mental illness is growing. Can anyone develop a mental illness? Yes. In fact, as many as one in five Australians may develop a mental illness at some stage in their lives. Everyone is vulnerable to mental health problems. Many people feel more comfortable with the notion of having 'a nervous breakdown' rather than a mental illness. However, it is important to talk openly about mental illness, as this reduces the stigma and helps people seek early treatment. Are people with mental illness usually dangerous? No. This false perception underlies some of the most damaging stereotypes. People with a mental illness are seldom dangerous. Even people with the most severe mental illness are rarely dangerous when receiving appropriate treatment and support. Should people with a mental illness be isolated from the community? No. Most people with a mental illness recover quickly and do not even need hospital care. Others have short admissions to hospital for treatment. Improvements in treatment over recent decades mean that most people live in their communities, and there is no need for the confinement and isolation that was commonly used in the past. A very small number of people with mental illness need hospital care, sometimes against their will. Improvements in treatment are making this less and less common, and fewer than one in 1000 people are treated this way. Is stigma one of the biggest problems for people with a mental illness? Yes. One of the biggest obstacles for people recovering from mental illness is confronting the negative attitudes of other people. These often mean that people with mental illness face isolation and discrimination just for having an illness. Positive and hopeful attitudes of family, friends, service providers, employers, and other members of the community toward people with a mental illness are critical to ensuring quality of life for people with mental illness and supporting recovery. What can be done about the stigma of mental illness? Think about mental illnesses like any other illness or health condition and bring them into the open. Talk about mental illness openly with everyone you meet - it is surprising how many people are affected by mental illness, particularly by the highly prevalent disorders of depression and anxiety. Educate the community to overcome negative stereotypes based on misconceptions. Promote mental health and healthy attitudes through childhood and adult life. Support the development of resilience: learn ways to deal with stress in relationships, situations and events. Assist friends and family with a mental illness to obtain care and treatment as early as possible. Ensure high quality support and treatment services are provided to people with mental illness to promote recovery. Actively support the families and carers of people who have a mental illness, who also experience the confusion, distress, and stigma that can accompany mental illness. Address discrimination in every area of life, including employment, education, and the provision of goods, services and facilities. Encourage research into mental illness to assist understanding of how these illnesses affect people and can be prevented and/or effectively treated.
Where to go for help: your local general practitioner; your local community health centre (Bowral (02) 4861 8000);your local community mental health service (Bowral (02) 4861 8000).
Useful Websites:
www.sane.org
www.mifa.org.au
www.ranzcp.org
www.auseinet.com
www.healthinsite.gov.au
Common questions about mental illness are: Are mental illnesses a form of intellectual disability or brain damage? No. They are illnesses just like any other, such as heart disease, diabetes, and asthma. Yet the traditions of sympathy, support, and flowers given to people with physical illnesses are often denied to those with a mental illness. Are mental illnesses incurable and lifelong? No. When treated appropriately and early, many people recover fully and have no further episodes of illness. For others, mental illness may recur throughout their lives and require ongoing treatment. This is the same as many physical illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease. Like these other long-term health conditions, mental illness can be managed so that individuals live life to the fullest. Although some people become disabled as a result of ongoing mental illness, many who experience even very major episodes of illness live full and productive lives. Are people born with a mental illness? No. A vulnerability to some mental illnesses, such as bipolar mood disorder, can run in families. But other people develop mental illness with no family history. Many factors contribute to the onset of a mental illness. These include stress, bereavement, relationship breakdown, physical and sexual abuse, unemployment, social isolation, and major physical illness or disability. Our understanding of the causes of mental illness is growing. Can anyone develop a mental illness? Yes. In fact, as many as one in five Australians may develop a mental illness at some stage in their lives. Everyone is vulnerable to mental health problems. Many people feel more comfortable with the notion of having 'a nervous breakdown' rather than a mental illness. However, it is important to talk openly about mental illness, as this reduces the stigma and helps people seek early treatment. Are people with mental illness usually dangerous? No. This false perception underlies some of the most damaging stereotypes. People with a mental illness are seldom dangerous. Even people with the most severe mental illness are rarely dangerous when receiving appropriate treatment and support. Should people with a mental illness be isolated from the community? No. Most people with a mental illness recover quickly and do not even need hospital care. Others have short admissions to hospital for treatment. Improvements in treatment over recent decades mean that most people live in their communities, and there is no need for the confinement and isolation that was commonly used in the past. A very small number of people with mental illness need hospital care, sometimes against their will. Improvements in treatment are making this less and less common, and fewer than one in 1000 people are treated this way. Is stigma one of the biggest problems for people with a mental illness? Yes. One of the biggest obstacles for people recovering from mental illness is confronting the negative attitudes of other people. These often mean that people with mental illness face isolation and discrimination just for having an illness. Positive and hopeful attitudes of family, friends, service providers, employers, and other members of the community toward people with a mental illness are critical to ensuring quality of life for people with mental illness and supporting recovery. What can be done about the stigma of mental illness? Think about mental illnesses like any other illness or health condition and bring them into the open. Talk about mental illness openly with everyone you meet - it is surprising how many people are affected by mental illness, particularly by the highly prevalent disorders of depression and anxiety. Educate the community to overcome negative stereotypes based on misconceptions. Promote mental health and healthy attitudes through childhood and adult life. Support the development of resilience: learn ways to deal with stress in relationships, situations and events. Assist friends and family with a mental illness to obtain care and treatment as early as possible. Ensure high quality support and treatment services are provided to people with mental illness to promote recovery. Actively support the families and carers of people who have a mental illness, who also experience the confusion, distress, and stigma that can accompany mental illness. Address discrimination in every area of life, including employment, education, and the provision of goods, services and facilities. Encourage research into mental illness to assist understanding of how these illnesses affect people and can be prevented and/or effectively treated.
Where to go for help: your local general practitioner; your local community health centre (Bowral (02) 4861 8000);your local community mental health service (Bowral (02) 4861 8000).
Useful Websites:
www.sane.org
www.mifa.org.au
www.ranzcp.org
www.auseinet.com
www.healthinsite.gov.au
What is mental illness?
About one in five Australians will experience a mental illness, and most of us will experience a mental health problem at some time in our lives. Mental illness is a general term that refers to a group of illnesses in the same way that heart disease refers to a group of illnesses and disorders affecting the heart. A mental illness is a health problem that significantly affects how a person feels, thinks, behaves, and interacts with other people. It is diagnosed according to standardised criteria. The term mental disorder is also used to refer to these health problems. A mental health problem also interferes with how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, but to a lesser extent than a mental illness. Mental health problems are more common and include mental ill health that can be experienced temporarily as a reaction to the stresses of life. Mental health problems are less severe than mental illnesses, but may develop into a mental illness if they are not effectively dealt with. Mental illnesses cause a great deal of suffering to those experiencing them, as well as their families and friends. Furthermore, these problems appear to be increasing. According to the World Health Organisation, depression will be one of the biggest health problems worldwide by the year 2020. Types of mental illness: Mental illnesses are of different types and degrees of severity. Some of the major types are depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder, personality disorders, and eating disorders. The most common mental illnesses are anxiety and depressive disorders. While everyone experiences strong feelings of tension, fear, or sadness at times, a mental illness is present when these feelings become so disturbing and overwhelming that people have great difficulty coping with day-to-day activities, such as work, enjoying leisure time, and maintaining relationships. At their most extreme, people with a depressive disorder may not be able to get out of bed or care for themselves physically. People with certain types of anxiety disorder may not be able to leave the house, or may have compulsive rituals to help them alleviate their fears. Less common are mental illnesses that may involve psychosis. These include schizophrenia and bipolar mood disorder. People experiencing an acute episode of psychosis lose touch with reality and perceive their world differently from normal. Their ability to make sense of thoughts, feelings, and the world around them is seriously affected. A psychotic episode may involve delusions, such as false beliefs of persecution, guilt or grandeur. It may involve hallucinations, where the person sees, hears, tastes, or smells things that are not there. Psychotic episodes can be threatening and confusing to other people. Such behaviour is difficult to understand for people who are not familiar with it. Treatment of mental illness: Most mental illnesses can be effectively treated. Recognising the early signs and symptoms of mental illness and accessing effective treatment early is important. The earlier treatment starts, the better the outcome. Episodes of mental illness can come and go during different periods in people's lives. Some people experience only one episode of illness and fully recover. For others, it recurs throughout their lives. Effective treatments can include medication, cognitive and behavioural psychological therapies, psycho-social support, psychiatric disability rehabilitation, avoidance of risk factors such as harmful alcohol and other drug use, and learning self-management skills. It is rarely possible for someone with a mental illness to make the symptoms go away just by strength of will. To suggest this is not helpful in any way. People with a mental illness need the same understanding and support given to people with a physical illness. A mental illness is no different - it is not an illness for which anyone should be blamed. People with a mental illness may be at risk of harmful alcohol and other drug use. This makes treatment more complex, so that effectively managing alcohol and other drug use is important. Risk of suicide is heightened for people with some mental illnesses, particularly soon after diagnosis or release from hospital.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
What is mental illness?
About one in five Australians will experience a mental illness, and most of us will experience a mental health problem at some time in our lives. Mental illness is a general term that refers to a group of illnesses in the same way that heart disease refers to a group of illnesses and disorders affecting the heart. A mental illness is a health problem that significantly affects how a person feels, thinks, behaves, and interacts with other people. It is diagnosed according to standardised criteria. The term mental disorder is also used to refer to these health problems. A mental health problem also interferes with how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, but to a lesser extent than a mental illness. Mental health problems are more common and include mental ill health that can be experienced temporarily as a reaction to the stresses of life. Mental health problems are less severe than mental illnesses, but may develop into a mental illness if they are not effectively dealt with. Mental illnesses cause a great deal of suffering to those experiencing them, as well as their families and friends. Furthermore, these problems appear to be increasing. According to the World Health Organisation, depression will be one of the biggest health problems worldwide by the year 2020. Types of mental illness: Mental illnesses are of different types and degrees of severity. Some of the major types are depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder, personality disorders, and eating disorders. The most common mental illnesses are anxiety and depressive disorders. While everyone experiences strong feelings of tension, fear, or sadness at times, a mental illness is present when these feelings become so disturbing and overwhelming that people have great difficulty coping with day-to-day activities, such as work, enjoying leisure time, and maintaining relationships. At their most extreme, people with a depressive disorder may not be able to get out of bed or care for themselves physically. People with certain types of anxiety disorder may not be able to leave the house, or may have compulsive rituals to help them alleviate their fears. Less common are mental illnesses that may involve psychosis. These include schizophrenia and bipolar mood disorder. People experiencing an acute episode of psychosis lose touch with reality and perceive their world differently from normal. Their ability to make sense of thoughts, feelings, and the world around them is seriously affected. A psychotic episode may involve delusions, such as false beliefs of persecution, guilt or grandeur. It may involve hallucinations, where the person sees, hears, tastes, or smells things that are not there.Psychotic episodes can be threatening and confusing to other people,. Such behaviour is difficult to understand for people who are not familiar with it. Treatment of mental illness: Most mental illnesses can be effectively treated. Recognising the early signs and symptoms of mental illness and accessing effective treatment early is important. The earlier treatment starts, the better the outcome. Episodes of mental illness can come and go during different periods in people's lives. Some people experience only one episode of illness and fully recover. For others, it recurs throughout their lives. Effective treatments can include medication, cognitive and behavioural psychological therapies, psycho-social support, psychiatric disability rehabilitation, avoidance of risk factors such as harmful alcohol and other drug use, and learning self-management skills. It is rarely possible for someone with a mental illness to make the symptoms go away just by strength of will. To suggest this is not helpful in any way.People with a mental illness need the same understanding and support given to people with a physical illness. A mental illness is no different - it is not an illness for which anyone should be blamed.People with a mental illness may be at risk of harmful alcohol and other drug use. This makes treatment more complex, so that effectively managing alcohol and other drug use is important. Risk of suicide is heightened for people with some mental illnesses, particularly soon after diagnosis or release from hospital.
What are anxiety disorders?
What is anxiety? Anxiety is a term which describes a normal feeling people experience when faced with threat or danger, or when stressed. When people become anxious, they typically feel upset, uncomfortable and tense. Feelings of anxiety are caused by experiences of life, such as job loss, relationship breakdown, serious illness, major accident or the death of someone close. Feeling anxious is appropriate in these situations and usually we feel anxious for only a limited time. These feelings are not regarded as clinical anxiety, but are a part of everyday life. What are the anxiety disorders? The anxiety disorders are a group of illnesses, each characterised by persistent feelings of high anxiety. There are feelings of continual or extreme discomfort and tension, with the fear of panic attacks, usually without discernible cause. People are likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder when their level of anxiety and feelings of panic are so extreme that they significantly interfere with daily life and stop them doing what they want to do. This is what characterises an anxiety disorder as more than normal feelings of anxiety. Anxiety disorders affect the way the person thinks, feels and behaves and, if not treated, cause considerable suffering and distress. They often begin in early adulthood and are often triggered by a series of significant life events. Anxiety disorders are common and affect one in 20 people at any given time. What are the main types of anxiety disorders? Most types of anxiety disorder are characterised by heightened anxiety and fear of panic. Obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder are considered types of anxiety disorder, as both feature high levels of anxiety, which people try to control. Generalised anxiety disorder People with this disorder worry constantly about harm affecting themselves or loved ones, for example, financial disaster, their health, work, or personal relationships. The irrational worry is accompanied by a feeling of constant apprehension.Agoraphobia: Agoraphobia is a fear of being in places or situations from which it may be difficult or embarrassing to get away, or the fear that help might be unavailable if needed. Agoraphobia is the most common anxiety disorder and constitutes about half those with anxiety disorders who seek professional help. People with agoraphobia most commonly experience fear in a cluster of situations: in supermarkets and department stores, crowded places of all kinds, confined spaces, public transport, lifts, freeways and heights. People experiencing agoraphobia may find comfort in the company of a safe person or object. This may be a spouse, friend, pet or medicine carried with them.We do not understand why, but the onset of agoraphobia is common between the ages of 15 and 20, or between 30 and 40. many more women than men seek treatment. Panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia):People with this disorder experience extreme panic attacks in situations where most people would not be afraid. The attacks are accompanied by all the unpleasant physical symptoms of anxiety, with a fear that the attack will lead to death or a total loss of control. It is because of this that some people start to experience a fear of going outside (agoraphobia) and being in places where help is not at hand. Specific phobia: Everyone has some irrational fears, but phobias are intense fears about particular objects or situations which interfere in our lives. These might include fear of heights, water, dogs, closed spaces, snakes or spiders. Someone with a specific phobia is fine when the feared object is not present. However, when faced with the feared object or situation, the person can become highly anxious and experience a panic attack. People affected by phobias can go to great lengths to avoid situations which would force them to confront the object or situation which they fear. Social phobia: People with social phobia fear that others will judge everything they do in a negative way. They believe they are permanently flawed and worthless if any sign of poor performance is detected. They cope by either trying to do everything perfectly, limiting what they do in front of others, especially eating, drinking, speaking or writing, or they withdraw gradually from contact with others. Obsessive compulsive disorder:This disorder involves constant unwanted thoughts, and often results in the performance of elaborate rituals in an attempt to control or banish persistent thoughts. The rituals are usually time consuming and seriously interfere with everyday life. For example, people may be constantly driven to wash their hands or continually returning home to check that the door is locked or the oven is turned off. People with this disorder are often acutely embarrassed and keep it a secret, even from their families. Post-traumatic stress disorder: Many people who have experienced major traumas such as war, torture, vehicle accidents, fires or personal violence continue to feel terror long after the event is over. They may experience nightmares or flashbacks for years. The flashbacks are often brought about by triggers related to the experience, but not necessarily central to it. What cause anxiety disorders? The causes of each disorder may vary and it is not always easy to determine the causes in every case.Personality: People with certain characteristics are more prone to anxiety disorders. Those who are easily aroused and upset, and are very sensitive and emotional, are more likely to develop anxiety disorders. People who, in childhood, were inhibited and shy may also be prone to develop certain anxiety disorders, such as social phobia. Learnt response: Some people exposed to situations, people or objects that are upsetting or anxiety-arousing may develop an anxiety response when faced with the same situation, person, or object again, or become anxious when thinking about the situation, person, or object. Heredity: The tendency to develop anxiety disorders may run in families or a person may also "learn" anxious responses from their family or parents. Biochemical processes: Although there is no clear evidence, it is possible that some anxiety disorders result from chemical processes in the brain. In all cases, there is a need for a thorough examination of the person to help determine the nature of the problem and how it may best be treated. What treatment is available? Anxiety disorders, if they are not managed, continue to interfere significantly with the person's thinking and behaviour, causing considerable suffering and distress. Many professionals such as your general practitioner, psychologists, social workers or counsellors can assist in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Treatment will often include education and counselling, to help the person understand their thoughts, emotions and behaviour. People develop new ways of thinking about their anxiety and how to deal more effectively with feelings of anxiety. Medication is sometimes used to help the person control their high anxiety levels, panic attacks or depression. The benzodiazepines (eg diazepam and valium), are used for the temporary relief of anxiety, but care has to be taken as these medications may cause dependence. Anti-depressants play an important role in the treatment of any associated or underlying depression. Contrary to common belief, antidepressants are not addictive. Where to go for help: your local general practitioner; your local community health centre. (Bowral (02) 4861 8000); your local community mental health service. (Bowral (02) 4861 8000)
Intimacy and mental illness
The social isolation experienced by people with a mental illness includes a lack of emotional and physical intimacy - action is needed by government at all levels to improve opportunities for those affected to be enabled to develop close relationships with others, and so improve their capacity for recovery. Social isolation and loneliness are a common experience for many people with a mental illness, especially those who have a psychiatric disability. This not only impedes recovery, it is also a known risk factor for physical and mental health. The SANE Research Bulletin #8, focuses on the lack of emotional and physical relationships among people living with a mental illness, the consequences of this for their lives, and what can be done about it. The survey was conducted between September and December 2008, using a convenience sample of 424 people who completed a questionnaire anonymously via the SANE website. The majority of respondents were female (75%) and predominantly 25-39 years old (42%). Nearly all (89%) had dependent children. The most common diagnoses reported were depression (47%), bipolar disorder (20%), anxiety disorders (11%), schizophrenia (10%), and personality disorders (5%). What is the impact of mental illness on personal relationships? About half of those surveyed (49%) had no close relationship with another person (compared to around 15% of the general population). Almost as many (43%) reported they did not have a close friend with whom they could discuss things. Being isolated from other people is known to damage mental health. It is even used as a punishment and torture technique in prisons - yet this is a situation many people with a mental illness have to endure, in addition to their symptoms and the poverty they commonly experience. What is the impact of mental illness on physical intimacy? Almost all respondents reported needing physical intimacy, yet this was rare for many, and a significant number (13%) had not even touched or been touched by another person for over 12 months. Physical intimacy includes hugging and touching others, whether a partner, friend or family member. It is an important aspect of feeling affection and of being valued. What is the impact of mental illness on sexual intimacy? Sexual pleasure is a basic human need, as well as being an important part of a loving relationship with another person. People with a mental illness, however, are far less likely to experience sexual intimacy than the general population. Over one third (35%) of those surveyed reported that they had not had a sexual relationship in the previous 12 months. Sexual desire and function may be affected by the side-effects of medication as well as by symptoms. What support is provided for sexual health? Despite the importance of intimacy in people's lives and the negative impact on it of mental illness, there is little support to overcome this challenge. Half of all respondents reported that they had not discussed the issue with their doctor or health worker, even though many (65%) said that medication affected sexual desire and function. A similar number (65%) reported that they felt that they did not know enough about sexual matters, and would welcome support in this important and highly personal area of their lives. A concerning finding in the survey was that almost half of those who took part (46%) were not receiving regular pap tests, breast screening or checks for prostate cancer. Around one third (32%) had never been tested for STDs. These figures reflect the general poor physical health care provided to people regarded all too often as solely "mental health patients". In summary: many people with a mental illness lead isolated, lonely lives, often having no partner or even friends to share their lives. For many people with a mental illness, loneliness is compounded by a lack of physical intimacy - signs of affection such as hugs and kisses. This is a particularly harsh aspect of social exclusion. People with a mental illness are far less likely to have sexual relationships than the general population, reflecting a more general difficulty in social relations. People with a mental illness report poor support regarding sexual health, with a high number not receiving regular health checks such as pap smears, breast screening or prostate checks. Recommendations
Promotion of social inclusion: Action is needed by all levels of government to ensure people with a mental illness are genuinely included in their local communities, and have opportunities to meet and socialise with others.
Recovery-focused rehabilitation programs also need to provide support to improve communication and social skills where necessary to to facilitate this social inclusion.
Support to develop relationships: Doctors and other health professionals need improved awareness of the effects of mental illness on social relations, and to understand the profound negative impact this has on quality of life and mental health.
Education and training is needed in how to discuss the effects of mental illness on emotional, physical and sexual intimacy, and how these issues can be addressed.
Improved sex education: The onset of mental illness often occurs in the late teens, disrupting acquisition of life skills as well as education. Health professionals and recovery-focused rehabilitation programs need to provide practical education for people affected by mental illness about sexuality and related issues.
Sexual health checks: People with a mental illness, are known to be at greater risk of physical health problems than the general population, yet most do not receive regular health checks. As this survey indicates, checks of sexual health are also sparsely provided. GPs and other health services need encouragement and incentives to provide regular health checks for people with a mental illness. These need to include pap smears, breast screening, prostate checks and testing for sexually-transmitted disease, as well as other routine tests.
SANE Australia - A national charity working for a better life for people affected by mental illness - through campaigning, education and research. www.sane.org Supported by the R E Ross Trust - Feb 2009.
Promotion of social inclusion: Action is needed by all levels of government to ensure people with a mental illness are genuinely included in their local communities, and have opportunities to meet and socialise with others.
Recovery-focused rehabilitation programs also need to provide support to improve communication and social skills where necessary to to facilitate this social inclusion.
Support to develop relationships: Doctors and other health professionals need improved awareness of the effects of mental illness on social relations, and to understand the profound negative impact this has on quality of life and mental health.
Education and training is needed in how to discuss the effects of mental illness on emotional, physical and sexual intimacy, and how these issues can be addressed.
Improved sex education: The onset of mental illness often occurs in the late teens, disrupting acquisition of life skills as well as education. Health professionals and recovery-focused rehabilitation programs need to provide practical education for people affected by mental illness about sexuality and related issues.
Sexual health checks: People with a mental illness, are known to be at greater risk of physical health problems than the general population, yet most do not receive regular health checks. As this survey indicates, checks of sexual health are also sparsely provided. GPs and other health services need encouragement and incentives to provide regular health checks for people with a mental illness. These need to include pap smears, breast screening, prostate checks and testing for sexually-transmitted disease, as well as other routine tests.
SANE Australia - A national charity working for a better life for people affected by mental illness - through campaigning, education and research. www.sane.org Supported by the R E Ross Trust - Feb 2009.
Fix Mental Health and you fix health
Fixing Australia's mental health system is a key priority area if we are serious about fixing up the existing health system - that was the message from the AIHW report Australia's Health 2008.The AIHW report found that mental health accounts for: Over a third of all health costs for adults 15-44; A quarter of the burden of disability for all diseases; Over 20 million prescriptions a year; 13% of all health costs; the fourth most common reason for seeing a GP; and, over 3 million hospital bed days per year. Another key statistic revealed in the report was that mental illness was the leading cause of years lost due to disability (24% of all years lost or around 330,000 years). This reflects the fact that 75% of all mental illness occurs before 25 years of age and, if left untreated, can result in lifelong disability. The AIHW report also highlights that the average cancer, diabetes, stroke or coronary heart disease patient will stay four times longer in hospital is they also experience a mental illness. "These statistics speak for themselves. Mental illness is at the very heart of our health and hospital system," said Mr David Crosbie, CEO of the Mental Health Council of Australia. "The burden of disease caused by mental illness is 13% but governments only invest around 8% of health expenditure on mental health. Moreover, the vast majority of this spending goes into hospital and acute services. This report confirms that we are locked into what we currently do and who we currently service. This leaves little scope to invest more effectively in the proven community-based and early intervention social services we know are desperately needed across our community. As well as helping people with a mental illness, investment in these new services will have a major impact and relieve pressure on our hospital and health systems," Mr Crosbie said. The Mental Health Council of Australia is the independent, national representative body of the mental health sector in Australia. www.mhca.org.au
General Practitioners and Mental Health treatment
As much as possible, the Bowral Mental Health Service will prefer to work with general practitioners and other medical specialists in delivering the mental health treatments provided to their patients. Most patients would agree that they would prefer to have treatments for mental illnesses or disorders provided by their own general practitioner whenever possible. As treatment for mental illness is a specialised field the Bowral Mental Health Service is happy to collaborate with general practitioners in the care planning for their patients. This collaboration also extends to the consultancy service provided by the Visiting Psychiatrists and Registrar through the Bowral Mental Health team. The community has been fortunate over the past few years to have had the "Teams of Two" program conducted in the Southern Highlands. In this program the Bowral Mental Health Service and the General Practitioners and other clinicians in the private sector are able to meet, discuss any issues associated with working together, listen to guest speakers about trends and treatments for various disorders and illnesses, and network to develop strong ties and working relationships between practitioners. As well, the Bowral Mental Health Service has ongoing contact with the Southern Highlands Division of General Practice at regular meetings with the health service and hospital. These meetings have ensured that any emerging problems are identified and dealt with in order to ensure that the continuity and transition of care between the health service and the patient's treating GP is managed efficiently and effectively so that the best outcome is achieved for the patient and their family or primary carer. There is no doubt that, in the work of the Bowral Mental Health Service, it is committed to ensuring that wherever possible the patient and their general practitioner take the lead role in managing the care and treatment of the patient's mental illness or disorder. Similarly, patients who have an identified private psychiatrist can be certain that the Bowral Mental Health team would prefer that the patient maintains that therapeutic relationship with their private psychiatrist or therapist. Nonetheless, should circumstances change and the patient wishes to engage with the Visiting Psychiatrists or Registrar of the Bowral Mental Health Service, they will be given every opportunity to make that change. With private psychiatrists, general practitioners and private therapists there is often the need to exchange information to maintain optimal treatment and care, and provide a best practice model of care to the patient. This may require the Service to ask the patient to authorise the release of information to and from the private practitioner. This collaborative partnership enables the Mental Health Service to provide to patients the least restrictive option of treatment and care for them. Similarly, the view is taken that, if the patient can be treated while remaining in their community it is preferable than being admitted and treated in an inpatient unit some distance from where they (or their families and carers) may reside. Given the extensive working knowledge and clinical skills of the General Practitioners in the Southern Highlands it is now most likely that patients with mental illnesses and disorders can be effectively treated at general practices with some support provided, if necessary, by the Bowral Mental Health Service.
Feeling Good: Answers to questions about alcohol, drugs and mental health
What's wrong with drinking if it makes me stress less? Alcohol is a drug that people use to help them relax socially, such as when friends get together. Sometimes people use alcohol to deal with worries or when they are feeling anxious or miserable. Alcohol may help for a while. But if someone really has a depression or anxiety problem, alcohol only covers up the symptoms. After the effects of drinking wear off, those symptoms come back, and could even be worse. You can even get anxious and depressed while you are drinking. If you have anxiety or depressive symptoms, it is not a good solution to wipe them out with alcohol. Drinking alcohol may end up making your symptoms worse. If someone has a mental illness, will drinking make it worse? Drinking small amounts of alcohol is not likely to cause problems for someone with a mental illness. Drinking too much has the same effects as on everybody else, namely increased depression, anxiety, insomnia, as well as affecting their social relationships. Alcohol can also induce inhibitions and increase the risk of a person harming themselves, especially if drinking alone. If you have a mental illness you are in a more vulnerable situation because these symptoms may lead to relapse of your mental illness and possible hospitalisation. For a person with mental illness, just like with everyone else, it is important to look after your mind and body and keep up good relationships with your friends, family and other supports. A good hint is to try to keep track of how much you are drinking and not to drink to wipe yourself out. It is also not a good idea to drink alone. Drinking too much can make your mental illness worse.Is it bad to mix alcohol and other drugs (including medication)?Different drugs act on the brain in different ways. It is not a good idea to mix drugs. Mixing alcohol with other drugs such as speed, ecstasy and heroin can have very serious consequences. The effects of mixing can be unpredictable depending upon how much of each drug you have taken. Mixing alcohol with speed or ecstasy can cause problems such as cramps and headaches. Drugs like sleeping pills when mixed with alcohol can cause your central nervous system to slow down and in some cases you could stop breathing. If you are on medication for anything (physical or mental), it is most important that you check with your doctor about what other drugs you can safely use. As a general rule alcohol (being also a diuretic) can cause prescribed medication to be excreted from your body more rapidly. This may require larger doses of some medications to be prescribed in order to achieve the therapeutic level necessary to treat your condition.Avoid mixing alcohol with illegal or prescription drugs as the combination can have unpredictable and negative effects. To find out what effect alcohol may have on your medication, talk to your doctor. The concurrent presentation of mental illness and the misuse of drug substances is often described as a dual diagnosis. A person experiencing both as problems can be assessed, reviewed and treated at the Bowral Community Health Centre by both the mental health service and the drug health service. A visiting psychiatric registrar works collaboratively with both services to ensure optimal treatment for the patient.There are many ways that you can get help. You could start off by talking to trusted friends or relatives or by seeing a general practitioner. The doctor can give you more information, treat you, or refer you on to another professional.
Feeling Good: Answers about cannabis and mental health
Can people smoke cannabis and not have any problems? Some people experience unpleasant effects when they use cannabis such as anxiety and panic. Others may experience hallucinations (seeing, hearing and feeling things that are not really there). Many of these unpleasant effects disappear after the cannabis wears off, but they can be very frightening and in some people they keep on happening. One in ten people who ever use cannabis will have problems with it and may become addicted to it. Young people who are daily, or near daily, cannabis users are more likely to experience problems such as psychotic symptoms and depression. The earlier in life and more frequently you use cannabis, the more likely you are to continue using and develop problems. Some people who use cannabis regularly become addicted to the drug. Should you smoke cannabis if you've been told you have a psychosis? People who have a mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar are more likely to experience the negative psychological effects of cannabis and should try to avoid using it. Many people who use cannabis also use other drugs at the same time, including alcohol. This makes it much more likely for them to experience another psychosis. Studies have found that people with severe mental illness tend to relapse and have to go back into hospital more often if they use cannabis, especially in large amounts. If a person has psychosis, cannabis can make some of their symptoms worse. Can cannabis make you mad or paranoid? Research is increasingly pointing in a direction that cannabis can be a key to unlocking the door to psychosis in some people. Certain people are more at risk of this than others. If anyone in your family has a psychosis, cannabis use might trigger an episode. The problem is that you may not be aware that you are at risk. One in seven people who use cannabis experience psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. They are also probably at greatest risk of developing a psychosis and should be encouraged to cease use. If a person has ever had a psychotic episode or if they have a family history of mental illness, then they should avoid using cannabis. It might trigger problems. The concurrent presentation of mental illness and the misuse of drug substances is often described as a dual diagnosis. A person experiencing both as problems can be assessed, reviewed and treated at the Bowral Community Health Centre by both the mental health service and the drug health service. A visiting psychiatric registrar works collaboratively with both services to ensure optimal treatment for the patient. There are many ways that you can get help. You could start off by talking to trusted friends or relatives or by seeing a general practitioner. The doctor can give you more information, treat you, or refer you on to another professional.
Feeling Good: Answers about Speed (amphetamines) and mental illness
Can people hear voices or get paranoid because they use speed? Speed (amphetamines) can make the symptoms of mental illness worse or bring them back when a person has been well for some time. People with no mental illness can experience an overdose which is called speed psychosis. This is brought on by using too much speed which can cause toxic blood levels of the drug. Speed psychosis is like a sudden attack of paranoia where you become frightened of things and people around you for no good reason. Some people may hear voices or see things that aren't really there. This can be very distressing, but it will usually go away once the drug leaves your body. This can take a couple of days but some people still have symptoms up to three months afterward. If you use speed again these symptoms may come back. Speed can make the symptoms of mental illness much worse. Speed overdose can give you symptoms such as paranoia. The concurrent presentation of mental illness and the misuse of drug substances is often described as a dual diagnosis. A person experiencing both as problems can be assessed, reviewed and treated at the Bowral Community Health Centre by both the mental health service and the drug health service. A visiting psychiatric registrar works collaboratively with both services to ensure optimal treatment for the patient. Persons experiencing a speed psychosis will often display aggressive behaviours. It is likely that because of this behaviour they could come to the attention of the police. Generally, such a person will be detained in hospital for a short period of time while they recover from the effects of the drug. There are many ways that you can get help. You could start off by talking to trusted friends or relatives or by seeing a general practitioner. The doctor can give you more information, treat you, or refer you on to another professional.
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