R u OK? Mental health movement

Mental health is a state of mental well-being which enables people to cope with the stresses of life, learn and work efficiently and contribute to their community. Our collective mental health reflects the abilities to learn, make decisions, creativity, good physical health, build relationships and is crucial for personal, community and socio-economic development.

Mental health is an important part of overall well-being, yet it is often neglected due to the stigma of society. The World Health Organisation has recorded that one in four people in the globe will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives.

The most common type of mental health condition is:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Substance use

Throughout our individual lives, various individual, social, and environmental factors contribute to the safety or undermining of our mental health. Individuals living with mental ill-health are at a higher risk of having physical health issues, having mental disorders, being unemployed, being homeless, or being in prison.

Negative Factors

Individual factors such as emotional coping skills, substance use, medications, and genetics can all increase the risk of developing mental health issues. The exposure to social, economic, and environmental conditions such as poverty, violence, inequality, and environmental deprivation also poses an increased risk of facing depression and anxiety.

Early childhood is a particularly sensitive developmental period, and harmful effects linger into adulthood. This could include harsh parenting, physical punishment, and bullying, which can all negatively impact a child's mental health.

Positive Factors

Individuals with positive experiences in social and emotional interactions, quality education, and a secure family component can all enhance resilience.

It is important to address any concerns one may have regarding their emotional health, and there are various options to explore. Choosing to speak with family and friends may be the first support individuals seek, as they are accessible and usually may understand the situation firsthand. People can connect with support groups and share and learn from one another's experiences.

Seeking professional help through talking with a counsellor or psychologist/psychiatrist could be life-saving. These professionals help people with mental health issues to get out of their stresses of life and realize their abilities to learn and grow. In some cases, the counselling session will be adjunct with some type of medication to ensure complete suicide prevention.

Some of the daily activities when prevented can limit the negative effect on mental health.

• Reducing drug and alcohol use
• Reducing cigarette smoking
• Healthy Eating
• Exercise regularly
• Adequate sleep

R u OK is a public health promotion encouraging people to stay connected and have conversations that can help each other during difficult times. The movement occurs on Thursday, 12th September, and has proven how conversations can positively impact mental health. By the simple act of someone, if they are okay and listening to their response, it can make a big impact on people.

This initiative aims to break down the stigma barriers by encouraging individuals to reach out to friends, family, and colleagues who may be struggling. The world is moving at an overwhelming pace, and sometimes a simple question, genuinely and with compassion, can be a lifeline to some. It can help make a difference in someone's life and foster a culture of support, leading to stronger communities.

The steps to consider when starting a conversation:

1. It is important to find a quiet comfortable space where a conversation without interruptions can occur.
2. The conversation style should be filled with sincerity and be genuine, as people are comfortable when they sense someone is truly interested in their well-being.
3. Use of open-ended questions could encourage the person to share their feelings freely.
4. Listening actively to the responses of people without judgment.
5. Offering support at an individual level and helping them explore professional assistance if needed.

Resources:

What is Mental Health - Beyond Blue

R U OK Movement