Page 25 - Tropic Magazine Issue 37

TROPIC • HEALTH

Mind matters

MENTAL WELLBEING
Tropic health columnist
Dr Chris Donohue explains
how depression can manifest
through a range of symptoms
and what to do if you spot
the signs. Signs of depression to look out for in others:

I was discussing potential topics for this 1 A lack of enthusiasm, changes in mood, a sense of sadness, irritability or aggression
column with a friend recently and he
raised the importance of mental health 2 Substance abuse such as increased alcohol intake or smoking
awareness. More explicitly, he asked what
to do if a friend, relative or work colleague 3 Change in sleep patterns, including sleeping more or having trouble getting to sleep
is not okay. Our discussion coincidentally
occurred in the leadup to the Australian 4 Withdrawing from friends and family
R U OK? Day. Held on Thursday 8
September, it’s our national day of action 5 Loss of interest – not engaging in activities they once enjoyed
to remind Australians that every day is
the day to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and start a
meaningful conversation.
Depression affects many Australians and
can deeply affect the way people feel,
think and behave. Some symptoms of
depression can resemble low mood or
sadness that persists throughout the day,
lasting two weeks or more. It can often
have other associated symptoms such as
sleep or appetite changes.
I can recall a time several years ago
when I was going through a difficult life
transition and a work colleague asked the
question privately in the tearoom,
‘are you okay?’. Fortunately, I was able to
navigate through this period of my life,
but that caring thought at that time was
very profound for me and something
I have never forgotten. Just asking the If you think someone you know displays some of these
question can be very meaningful to signs, there are things you can do to help.
someone or it could even save their life. Firstly, the R U OK website has some great resources on
Depression is not uncommon and how to have the conversation. The most important thing
chances are you are likely to come across is to ask the question, encourage them to take action and
someone going through a check in with them. You could encourage them to seek
tough time. Many people suffer in silence, professional help either by visiting their GP or a mental
not wanting to burden others with what health professional. There are also online and phone
they are facing on a daily basis or they can services such the R U OK website, Lifeline Australia 131 114,
feel embarrassed to seek help. Beyond Blue 1300 224 636, the Suicide Call Back Service
on 1300 659 467 or in an emergency, 000.
Best,
MORE: ruok.org.au
Dr Chris

25 • tropicnow.com.au