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  • Jill Gamberg

R U OK? - Mental Health

An important question to ask someone today or any day! 

Three million Australians are currently living with anxiety and depression. 

Anxious feelings are a common response to a situation where we feel under pressure. Once the situation has passed, these feelings usually go away.  Anxiety is when the anxious feelings don't go away – they are ongoing and happen without any particular reason. It makes it hard to cope with daily life. Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. On average, one in four people will experience anxiety at some stage in their life.   Symptoms of anxiety can include - panic attacks, racing heart, tightening of the chest, excessive worry, obsessive thoughts, and poor sleep. 

We all feel sad or low sometimes, however some people experience these feelings intensely and for long periods of time (even for weeks or months). On occasion, people with depression feel this way without any apparent reason. Depression is more than just a low mood – it's a serious condition that affects your quality of life.  Symptoms of depression may include:

Feeling down or miserable most of the time for over two weeks

You may have lost interest or pleasure in your usual activities

You may feel very teary and moody

You may withdraw from your friends or family and not feel like going to work or school. 

There are many treatment options for depression and anxiety. Getting regular exercise, reducing your work stress, talking to a psychologist, and taking medication are some options. Speak to your doctor if you are worried about yourself or someone you know. 

Sometimes your depression and anxiety may get so bad that you think about hurting yourself.  Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44. Every day around 200 Australians attempt suicide. One in eight of those people will die.  Please talk to someone and get help if you are thinking about suicide or if you are worried about a friend or family member. #YouCanTalk

In Australia there are many places you can call for help if needed. Call 000 in an emergency. Lifeline 13 11 14.


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