1. MHPE Volunteer Resource HEALTH MANAGEMENT Mental health and mental illness Tab 27

2. MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 27 Health management: Mental health and mental illness What is mental illness? Mental health is nurtured by time with others, staying physically healthy, having a sense of purpose, realistic thinking and expectations, and experiencing pleasure Worries, sadness and grief are all normal and healthy human responses Stressors that persist and trouble a person can have negative effects Mental health problems indicate concerns about behaviours, emotions or thinking Mental illness occurs when sufficient signs or symptoms allow diagnosis of a condition

3. MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 27 Health management: Mental health and mental illness Depression Depression is an illness that can be treated Distinguished by prolonged feelings of sadness and lack of interest or pleasure in usual activities Other symptoms can include lack of energy and concentration, sleep problems, worry, loss of appetite (or weight gain) and feeling guilty At least one in eight Australian men will experience depression at some time

4. MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 27 Health management: Mental health and mental illness What helps for depression? Seeing the GP or VVCS is most helpful They can initiate psychological treatment, or medications if the doctor thinks needed Other helpful things include exercise (preferably in daylight), and good self-help books, apps and websites (ask VVCS/GP for recommendations) Learning and talking about depression helps; ignoring it doesn’t! Most people can get better!

5. MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 27 Health management: Mental health and mental illness Anxiety and anxiety disorders Anxiety is normal, healthy and helpful Anxiety disorders are more severe, longer lasting, and interfere with normal activities Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in Australian women and men Generalised anxiety disorder, agoraphobia and panic disorder are some of the more common anxiety disorders Posttraumatic stress disorder shares many characteristics of anxiety disorders

6. MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 27 Health management: Mental health and mental illness What helps for anxiety disorders? Seeing the GP or VVCS is most helpful They can initiate psychological treatment, or medications if the doctor thinks needed Other helpful things include learning relaxation techniques and good self-help books, apps and websites (ask VVCS/GP) Learning and talking about anxiety helps; avoiding the problem doesn’t! Most people can get better!

7. MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 27 Health management: Mental health and mental illness Recovery and staying well For all mental illness, early acceptance that there is a problem, and subsequent early treatment, results in best outcomes. Stigma is a problem for many Supportive family and mates are important The MHPE health promotion message is crucial for all men: good food, exercise, sleep and social connectedness are great for your mental health!

8. MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 27 Health management: Mental health and mental illness Talking about mental health concerns Create a ‘safe’, confidential setting to talk, express your concern and willingness to help Listen non-judgmentally Give support and information (know your limits) Encourage appropriate professional help Encourage self-help and involve family and friends as appropriate Stay in touch

9. MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 27 Health management: Mental health and mental illness Resources Lifeline Veterans &Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) Operation Life Online At-Ease High Res Beyondblue Mental Health First Aid Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression Phoenix Australia © Commonwealth of Australia 2015