Suicide and Depression

I recently received this message-

I live in a small town like you once did. I have just gone though the hardest week of my life. I have just lost a friend that killed himself because he was going through a hard time?
Sorry I'm writing to you about something like this!!! But I just don't get it.
Ive done it hard over the years, but just cant get my head around why someone that has so many friends and family, goes and does this. I guess at the end of the day, I'm now sad that I have just lost a friend that I couldn't help.
Everyone that I've spoken to about (name) didn't see it coming at all, nor did I.



I can not tell you how much of an honor it is to have people come to me for advice, information or a listening ear on this. But this isn't about me... it's about understanding depression.

Before I start I have to say I have no formal qualifications in Depression, Physiology or counselling. I am a person who has spent an abundance of hours, days, weeks & months trying to reduce the stigma surrounding depression and helping others understand Depression.

The easiest way I can try to explain suicide lead from depression is... When someone dies from cancer, car accidents or heart disease we easily understand the death (it doesn't make it any less sad, just easier to understand) however because most people don't understand suicide and depression it leaves thoughts like why, how, I didn't know. Some people will even think of it as a selfish act.

If you switch your mindset so instead of thinking he commit suicide....think he died from a disease... they died from depression.

Happy people do not commit suicide sad, lonely and depressed people do. Someone who suffers from depression is extremely good at hiding and disguising it. So although they may have had friends and family around them they are just unable to see a way out from the deep dark hole they are in.
There is so much help available for anyone going through this the first port of call is a GP Beyond Blue have a list of GP's who specialise in Mental Illness all you have to do is type in your postcode and a list of GP's in your area will appear.
If you urgently need to speak to someone out of hours call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

Here are some interesting facts on suicide and depression from my peeps over at SANE

Suicide, self-harm and mental illness

Having a mental illness is recognised as one of the highest risk factors for suicidal
behaviour and self-harm, yet many people do not receive the practical help they
need to reduce the risk of further attempts . . .


Does talking about suicidal feelings help?
20% Provided with suicide crisis plan
73% Talked about suicidal feelings

After a suicide attempt, are people given help to reduce the risk of it happening again?
20% Provided with suicide crisis plan
80% Not provided with suicide crisis plan

Are people at risk of suicide recognised as having a mental health problem?
64% Diagnosis of mental illness
36% No prior diagnosis

Are people provided with psychological therapy after a suicide attempt?
43% Referred for psychological therapy

Full the full report on self harm from mental illness click here

If you have lost someone from suicide you can read this to hopefully help shed some light.

Learn it. Know it. Be it. Live it

So there I was 2 weeks ago driving toward Babycinos Café after Heather from Inspiring Mums was telling me about Heavenly Connected and they were doing “free readings”. I had no idea what to expect and I didn’t know anyone but I just had this feeling that I had to go, so I trusted my gut and I went.

Hayley give me a reading and it was extremely accurate and some of the things she said have really stuck.

• I’m a stifler- I hold back on the words I really want to say and I control my emotions. I shouldn’t…
• I’m healing and I should allow myself to heal.

She said heaps of other things but these stuck out to me the rest I know and I’m comfortable with the process and the progress of them.

Since then I have really tried to allow myself to feel whatever I am feeling and be honest with those thoughts.

So I have cried tears that I don’t really know how or why they come about but I allowed them to flow.

Life has bought me home twice in two short weeks and I’ll be back again soon. My partner said “Does it feel funny to be home again so soon?”

The answer was no. Why?

Over the years I have noticed that sometimes life has bought me home several times in short spaces of time because it’s where I draw my strength from.

Right now I need that, I need to understand and process information because the work I am doing is extremely close to heart and it’s bringing up some old memories that for some reason are raw at the moment.

Some people hate their home town but I love it and it’s the one place where I can go where I not only draw strength from but it feels like home it is home and I get to tackle my demons head on….

I can re visit some of the twisted things that have shaped my life and understand them on a new level.

• To the man that said “You should wear stilettos everyday so they shape your legs, wear a bra to bed so your breasts don’t sag and you’re only beautiful if you’re a size 8.” Twisted……

• To the teacher who stopped me from learning because he made me feel like I was stupid and to everyone that believe him that now say to my success “I didn’t know you had it in you” Twisted…. I did I’ve always known.

• To the man who used to take his violent drunken anger out on us I can now say you can not hurt us anymore. I may have not said anything then but I will now. Twisted….

These people would not even think that they made an impact on my life but they did and I’ll be damned if they’re going to shape my future.

I am strong…

We have our life lessons but it’s always a work in progress no matter how far you think you have come a smell or a song can have you back there in .2 seconds and it all comes back. The trick is to know your lesson and deal with it before it escalates and you can use that strength to your advantage.

We are never alone you make decision a choice, you may hurt someone, someone may hurt you we have all been there and we all understand no matter how much you think people don’t get it maybe it’s because we don’t explain it or maybe they just aren’t ready.

Learn it. Know it. Be it. Live it

Those who don’t get it are just at a different point then you and no matter where you are, what you’ve done, how much money you have or don’t have nor how old you are we go through those stages continuously through out our lives so get your head out of the sand and

Learn it. Know it. Be it. Live it

Understanding Depression Update

What a GREAT experience this has been and I can honestly say it is life changing. When we started this campaign we didn't know where or how it was going to go. I had one mission-

To understand depression and reduce the stigma surrounding it. To encourage anyone suffering to let them know that they are not alone.

After the series of posts on Understanding Depression there was so much support and I received so many emails. I decided to create a Facebook Page BE OPEN TO DEPRESSION AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT it is so moving the amount of inspiring people who have shared their stories and support it's impossible for it not to touch your heart.

But the black dog continues to haunt some people and the idea that help is out there just doesn't seem real so I urge you to please continue to spread the word and take part in this journey.

Our facebook page now has over 1000 people and it's climbing daily so I will continue to help, motivate and inspire others to understand depression.

My Feel Good Friend

We all have a friend who is going through something right at this very moment. So STOP and be there for them.

It maybe something small or it maybe some big but whatever it is; be there to listen, to guide or maybe even refer them to someone who can help them.

Sometimes we are so busy and we get caught up in our own lives that we just forget that other people have ‘stuff’. This world is bigger then you and I, sometimes it just takes a call.

What are friends for…?

Maybe YOU are the person who needs help guidance or someone to talk to. Call someone, one of “your people” the person who gets it, gets you.

It’s time for a reality call, your wake up call. What are you going to do today to brighten someone else’s day?

Do you remember my series on Understanding Depression? It’s going so well and I am so proud of it… it makes my heart smile. We nearly have 1000 fans so if you haven’t yet come on board you have too. The wall will leave you speechless reading their inspiring stories.

How to Beat the Blues When It's All Too Much!

What do you do when you don’t have Depression but you are starting to feel like the world is on your shoulders and things are getting on top of you.

How do you get yourself out?

With all the little things in life if you don’t allow your feelings to be and process them then they fester into something much bigger and it all gets too much and you crack, you feel yourself cracking, you know you’re close to the edge, so what do you do?

Do you reach out? Yes, of course but sometimes it isn’t as easy as that is it?

Sometimes you reach out and it’s taken the wrong way or they let their feelings get in they way of helping you and being there for you. People will always think of themselves and their own feelings first, it’s only natural. So as much as you say “This IS NOT about you” until your blue in the face they will still walk away thinking of themselves and thinking it IS them. Where does that leave you?

You reach out and in the end it’s still about others when for just once for a split second you wanted it to be about you, just so you can get validation and get it off your chest.

What do you do then?
Think about yourself and how you’re feeling, try to narrow the feeling down. Write it down, shake it out, breathe through it and move on. You need to validate it yourself, so sometimes you don’t have to address the person directly in order to move on.

Sometimes the people who you think will be there for you are often the ones that aren’t and vice versa the people who you think won’t be there for you often turn out to be the ones you begin to rely on. That’s the process of life and we have to trust it.

When a challenge comes your way; allow yourself to be mad, angry, frustrated or annoyed. Then ask yourself “What is life trying to teach me now, what lesson can I learn from this?”

In business you will always have the innovative thinkers, the doers and then you have the ones that will take your ideas, not think anything of it and not give reference to you. They don’t understand that joint ventures are a powerful thing if you work together you’ll have double the impact, not if I keep my cards close to my chest I’ll create possibility. But that’s OK because Entrepreneurs have so many ideas and we are not afraid to try them. So we will always be one step ahead….


Unless it has happened to someone then they can never really understand.

I remember when I was young we had a Christmas at our house Aunt’s, Uncle’s, Cousins and Granny (My Mum’s mum) and granny took all of her Grand kids out the front of our house and gave them all money for Christmas….. Except us!

My mum was most upset and it was the main topic of conversation for months, maybe even years. We said to Mum “Don’t worry about it because we don’t care” she would often respond with something like “I don’t care, she doesn’t care about me and I don’t care about her” But of course it did bother her.

I didn’t understand, until it happen to me.

Around 20 years later, seven Grand kids nearly eight. Everyone was at my house and although my Father was not there he sent all Grand kids a present except mine…

I understand now. I try to talk about it and the first thing I say is “I know it’s his loss, his choice, he made that decision” I KNOW that, but it still makes me feel crap.

Do know what everyone still says-
• It’s his loss, don’t let it get to you.

Not that easy, I know that but in that small part of your brain you wonder “Out of 5 kids why me, just one, what’s wrong with me?”

Nothing! His choice or his wife’s but that’s not the point, you have to be accountable. I was made to feel guilty in the last couple of years “Because he tries really hard with me, it’s my fault because I’m a bad daughter”

Maybe I am-
• Because I can’t pretend that you were never there,
• That you only cared when it suited you,
• You left when we needed you most and didn’t even talk about it.
• Sorry those yearly phone calls (if that) didn’t really cut it,
• That you only thought I looked good when I had an eating disorder,
• That my partner whom I love with ALL of my being “Is not good enough for me but good enough for my other sister” What the…. Idiot.
• That in 11 years you have probably called about 5 times (that’s trying really hard).
• When my first daughter was born she was not even acknowledged.
• Even when I have tried to put it behind and start a fresh, reach out you always manage to put me down and patronize me.

Because “Women in business never succeed!”

Some people think that’s funny and maybe it is just you, but I see past that persona for as funny as you maybe and all the guys think you are so funny and such a nice guy. They weren’t there to see what I saw, others maybe able forgive and I have forgiven you as well because I know it’s just you to be selfish and always take the easy way out and that’s OK because you don’t have “it” but your 4 in line does.

With that said I am done and that’s your choice. So I am not mad, angry and I don’t even hate you and from the bottom of my heart I wish you well. But I am done…

Everyone has a limit and I will not feel guilty for being true to myself, honestly and passionately. Those who love you for you will get that.

As soon as it starts to affect your day to day life you must break down your feelings into bit size chewable chucks, process it allow yourself to feel and think and move on.


Is there something that is troubling you, how do you get back on top of it?


Sunny Mummy also has some great advice on seeing life sunny side up :)


Disclaimer: This article was written from a personal opinion and I am NOT a qualified in psychology or counselling. If you do need assistance with emotions or mental health, to seek assistance from your GP immediately.

Depression Facebook Group

I can not tell you how excited I am about BE OPEN TO DEPRESSION & SHOW YOUR SUPPORT the support has been absolutely great. It has left me so humble, moved and so touched. If you haven't joined then please check it out it will blow your mind!

Here's some photo's of my Family getting in on the action.

BE OPEN TO DEPRESSION & SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

Just like we ALL know someone who has had Cancer & Heart Problems WE ALL know someone who suffers from Depression but chances are YOU DON'T KNOW!

Help RAISE AWARENESS TO DEPRESSION & SHOW YOUR SUPPORT (Hence the Bra)

We NEED to be open about this and we can SAVE LIVES!

Here's what we are going to do-

* Take a photo of yourself in a BRA or use mine :)
* Write BE OPEN TO DEPRESSION & SHOW YOUR SUPPORT on your Facebook, Twitter & Myspace status or Blog along with mine/your photo
* Send a message to EVERYONE and get them to do the same.
* Join our Facebook Group and tell your friends, you can even upload your photo there!

Lastly Amanda Cox and I say A BIG THANK YOU to Brava Lingerie & MJPhotography for your support :) Lingerie was donated by the LOVELY girls at Brava Lingerie & Photography was done by MJPhotography

Understanding Depression Moving Forward

When I woke up on Australia Day to see Professor Patrick McGorry was made Australian of the Year for his dedication on the work he has done on Mental Illness, it was divine timing with our BE OPEN TO DEPRESSION AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT Campaign that Amanda Cox and I are putting together. On the same day ironically my sister’s friend (who suffered from Depression) sadly Commit Suicide on that very day.

If we are going to combat Depression we ALL need to come together with a realistic and clear approach. Here are a few facts for you to think about-

Deaths due to Mental Illness is in the TOP 4 of Medical related deaths

Each one of these Epidemic Illnesses has Specialists in their field.

1. Heart Disease- General Cardiologists and Cardiac Surgeons
2. Arthritis & Musculoskeletal conditions- Rheumatologists
3. Cancer- Oncologists
4. Mental Illness- NOTHING. OK they have General Practitioners
5. Diabetes- Endocrinologist

Now I do not want to get into a GP debate however there is such a shortage of any GP’s let alone a good one. GP’s just don’t have the time or the knowledge to configure the right course of action for someone with Depression, so instead they put them on Antidepressants and organise no testing to see if it is Biological or Physiological (this determines that the right medication is prescribed) or no referrals to a Psychologist or any follow up.

According to new studies men and people who live in the Country are most at risk for being undiagnosed, so where do we go from here?

The Government needs to-

• Educate ALL GP’s through out the Country have a CLEAR protocol in which GP’s have to follow. With testing, referrals and follow ups.
• They already have the Rebates BUT

I don’t know about you but I have a hard time trying to get my head around what is available and what they have or should do, LET ALONE IF I ACTUALLY HAD DEPRESSION. It’s too confusing, especially if your mind is UNABLE to process information. They will put it in the too hard basket and too be honest I wouldn’t blame them.

If you have cancer-
• You have tests
• You see a Specialist
• You receive treatment
• You are closely monitored

It’s kept really simply because when you ARE SICK you do not need any other stress. You mind should be focusing on getting better, yes?

What I find the most frustrating is Mental Illness is totally treatable and those 48 million people who will commit suicide due to Mental Illness DO NOT HAVE TO DIE! It gives me shivers, it brings tears to my eyes and it makes me sick to my stomach. That it just DOESN’T have to be this way.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE EDUCATE EDUCATE EDUCATE


Disclaimer: This article was written from a personal opinion and I am NOT a qualified in psychology or counselling. If you do need assistance with emotions or mental health, to seek assistance from your GP immediately.

Textbook Answers to Understanding Depression

On my Road to Understanding Depression I have also been Inside the Mind of Depression. Today I am going to use the same questions from Inside the Mind of Depression BUT I am going to give you "The textbook answers" from the Experts over at SANE.

What causes Depression?
There are a number of possible causes of depression.
• Depression can be a reaction to a distressing situation like loss or stress (reactive depression). Some women experience depression following the birth of a child (post-natal depression).
• Depression can be part of an illness like bipolar disorder in which the person experiences extreme moods without any reason –very high and very-excited or very low and depressed.
• Depression can be unrelated to any outside cause, but associated with a chemical imbalance in the brain (endogenous depression). Sometimes the person may be affected so much that he or she experiences the symptoms of psychosis and is unable to distinguish what is real.
• Children and teenagers can also become depressed. This can show itself in different ways to depression in adults, and they are best helped by a doctor who is a specialist in this area.

Click here for the full report.

Why can’t you snap out of it?

Illness? Depression is an illness? Some may ask. Yes, depression is an illness. People do not choose depression. Depression causes a chemical imbalance in the brain, and thus people can't "snap out of it."
People with depression need treatment, just like people with other illnesses need treatment. But many people who have depression do not receive treatment because of the societal stigma that is associated with depression.
Many people think individuals with depression are weak. And that they are choosing to be depressed, or they are just acting. And thus should be able to "snap out of it."
Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.
Not only is depression an illness that people cannot "snap out of," but untreated depression is also the number one cause for suicide.
Depression is a very serious mental illness that always needs to be treated
And it is highly treatable.

Click here for the full report.


How can stigma be reduced?

Respondents were optimistic that stigma could be reduced, with suggestions spread across a whole range of initiatives in the community. Tackling stigma in the media was seen as the most urgent priority (17%), reflecting the enormous influence of the media on community attitudes as a whole. The SANE StigmaWatch initiative was recognised by almost half of respondents as active in this area. Education about mental illness in schools and in the workplace, as well as in the general community, was also highlighted as an important ongoing measure to reduce stigma. An important barrier to stigma reduction is the fact that vilification of people with a disability including those who have a psychiatric disability because of mental illness – is not unlawful in Australia (except under Tasmanian legislation). While people cannot be publicly ridiculed because of their religion or sexual preference, journalists, advertising agencies and anyone else is free to mock and invite contempt for people
with a mental illness or any form of disability.

To move forward we must educate.


Click here for the full report.


Intimacy and mental illness how does it affect relationships?

* 51% of people with a mental Illness are in a relationship
* 49% are single
* 65% had some sexual contact in the last 12 months
* 35% Had no sexual contact.

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.

Click here for the full report.

Inside the Mind of Depression

On my road to understanding Depression I am rolling out a series of posts to raise awareness of Depression. In order to raise awareness I think we need to understand Depression. I asked a variety of people who DON'T have Depression "What questions would you ask to get a better understanding of Depression" and I have asked people who DO have Depression to answer them. Here is just one of the actual response.


1. What needs to change. And how can we help that process happen?

I think the views of depression need to change. I think for some people who’ve had no exposure to the issue it conjures up images of people sitting in a dark room drinking themselves into a coma or slitting their wrists or bouncing off padded walls. And that’s not the case. Everyday people deal with depression – whether for all of their lives or for a short period of time – and I think because of the stigma surrounding the issue they don’t speak out, which of course does nothing to let people know that all sorts of people go through it.

2. Why do/did you hide it?
I’ve hid and still do hide it because of the above. I am still very sensitive about the issue and don’t tell too many people what I’ve been through because I worry about what they’ll think of me. I think I feel this even more now that I’m in business for myself too. My reputation is a big deal these days and I worry that if people notice my mood or see my scars or hear from someone else that I have depression that they will not want to do business with me.


3. What triggered it for the first time or was it a series of events that led you to depression?
I really don’t know. I have been to a million doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists and counselors and haven’t found the answers. I’m fairly highly strung and my current counselor seems to think I suffer from PTSD due to living in a violent household growing up. I think there is more too it than that though. I’ve been through some traumatic events throughout my teenage years and even now as an adult which has had an accumulative effect with the PTSD. So, I suppose you could say it started with a violent father and was compounded by years of panic attacks, bullying, low self confidence and even bad breakups.


4. Why is it so paralysing?
The way you feel when you’re depressed takes over everything else going on. It becomes bigger than your job, your family, your friends and even your appearance. It can leave you crying in a heap unable to talk to anyone or see anyone, wondering why you feel how you do, or it can leave you completely numb and unable to find enjoyment in anything anymore. It leaves you feeling worthless and incapable of doing day to day things. Even doing the dishes is too hard. I’ve heard people call it laziness, but that’s just not it. When you feel that way, looking at a pile of dishes is like standing at the bottom of a mountain and looking up at just how far you have to climb. And it’s too hard, so you walk away.


5. Why can't you just snap out it?
You can’t snap out of it because it’s a medical issue. You can’t snap out of cancer or a broken leg and this is no different. I feel that people often don’t think depression is as serious as things like cancer but it really is. And it IS a medical issue. There is a big difference between feeling down every now and then and depression – the difference is a mental health condition that needs serious attention and often medical help. You can’t just snap out of something like that.


6. Intimacy and mental illness does it affect relationships?
Mental health absolutely does affect intimacy. When you’re depressed, you lose interest in most things and that includes sex. Not only do you find it hard to get close to someone, the thought of having sex just doesn’t seem interesting or enjoyable at all. You have zero sex drive and it can have such a negative impact on your relationship.


7. Why do you think there is such a stigma?
I suppose the stigma surrounding depression comes from all of the things relating to depression that are so hard to talk about – alcohol and drug abuse, self harm, suicide, etc. People are afraid of what they don’t understand.


8. What's the difference between just being sad and depression
Everyone gets sad. That’s not what depression is. You might get sad because you’re not happy with your job or you’ve had a fight or you’re feeling sick and it’s impacting your mood. The difference is that there’s usually a reason you can pinpoint for feeling that way when you’re just sad. That’s not the case with depression. I spent years in counselors’ offices with them asking me why I feel like I do and only being able to answer ‘I don’t know.’ It’s incredibly frustrating to not know WHY you feel like crap. You only know that you feel that way and you wish you didn’t. People get over sadness. When you’re feeling down for more than a couple of weeks and it starts affecting your day to day life, there’s a good chance it’s depression.


If you feel anything like this PLEASE contact SANE 1800 18 SANE (7263)

BE OPEN TO DEPRESSION AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT...


Disclaimer: This article was written from a personal opinion and I am NOT a qualified in psychology or counselling. If you do need assistance with emotions or mental health, to seek assistance from your GP immediately.

My Road to Understanding Depression

As you know I have been working on raising awareness for Depression with the lovely Mad Cow Amanda Cox of Real Mums, we’re just about to launch our campaign and while we’ve been putting it together I have been doing a lot of research and I’ll be doing a series of posts on ‘Understanding Depression’ but before I start that-

My road to Understanding Depression-


Now while I don’t suffer from Depression I am beginning to get a thorough understanding of somewhat how it would feel like and understand the thought process for NOT being out in the open.

As a successful business woman who LOVES her job and works extremely odd hours to ensure I stay on top of everything because I like to be in control of it and it’s growing SUPER quick, YAY!
Now as a Mother here’s where I get frustrated; 2 very young and extremely dependant girls whom I love dearly but some days, some weeks I just can not cope and I feel like I am losing that plot, 3 ½ years later some days I’ve just had enough. Tired of the noise, the depends, the extra 20kg on my hip every second of the day, sweeping the floor 200 times a day, repeating the same thing 200 times a day, the endless washing and ironing, having to remain calm and not raise my voice at them and it is so monotonous it makes me want to scream.

When someone reaches out do you listen?

It takes A LOT of courage for a woman to reach out, I did recently and do you know what I got-
But you’re a woman, it’s in your genetic make up, it’s what you’re born to do. Now at that point I realised (I put aside the desire to throw something at him) as much as it was ingest THAT REALLY IS THE COMMON THOUGHT PROCESS. To every joke is an element of truth.

I understand why women with PND don’t say anything and have the ability to act as if nothing is wrong.

THAT ALONG WITH-

Personally I think as a Mother/Partner/Wife we are the back bone of our family. Often if our partners see us starting to freak out or stress out then they stress out too. When they stress out WE DON’T we are calm and clear headed and help solve the problem. Leaving us with the feeling if we crumble the whole family crumbles, or does it?

ANOTHER REASON TO PRETEND IT DOESN’T EXIST, see now I’m getting the picture. But surely although now I understand WHY people pretend but isn’t it still a smoke screen, shouldn’t we be working through it with our partners and making them understand?
I’ll get my old mate Chris Owen the relationship guru onto that and she can rectify it for us.

Yes we all have so much on our plates and we do take on a lot but I don’t know about you but if I wasn’t working on my business and on this blog I would spiral into a dark place because this is what KEEPS me SANE.


This is my own personal opinion, I am in no means an expert in this field so if you do feel like you need help please go to SANE or call them on 1800 18 SANE (7263)

Disclaimer: This article was written from a personal opinion and I am NOT a qualified in psychology or counselling. If you do need assistance with emotions or mental health, to seek assistance from your GP immediately.

Depression Checklist

Everyone feels sad or worried sometimes but if these feelings go on for more than a few weeks or they start to interfere with your life, talk to a doctor about it! Because you don't have to live like that.

If you feel sad or worried for more than a few weeks it maybe because you have depression or an anxiety disorder. A doctor can help treat this, so you feel better again.

Ask Yourself

* Feel unusually sad or worried for more than two weeks

* Lose interest in things you usually enjoy

* Feel guilty for no real reason

* Think you are worthless

* Are so worried sometimes, you feel shaky or have difficulty breathing

* Feel it wouldn’t matter if you died

* Drugs or alcohol abuse.

* Say or write things that don’t make sense


How to get help

* Make an appointment to see a doctor.

* You may want to ask for a longer appointment so you can cover everything

* Be really honest about how you feel, we always play things down but be honest

* Write some notes to take along, to help explain how you feel.

* If you are worried about someone else, encourage them to see a doctor. Offer to go with them, as a support.

Help is there FOR FREE!

Medicare rebates are available for up to 12 individual mental health services per calendar year to patients with an assessed mental disorder who are referred by:

* A GP (General Practitioner) or under a psychiatrist assessment and management plan or
* a psychiatrist or paediatrician.
* You will be referred to undergo some tests to determine whether you are Clinically Depression (biological- the way you're wired rather than psychological)

For more information

The SANE website is fantastic it explains everything in an easy to understand manner or call them on 1800 18 SANE (7263)

DEPRESSION, ANXIETY & FEAR, EFF OFF

As I have been so totally pumped about 2010 and all of the delicious things it’s going to bring to everyone including myself.
I have just had a reality check; I am currently working on a campaign that is set to be HUGE and it will be really testing the waters to see what Social Media is REALLY capable of. My thought was this-

• What about the people you AREN’T pumped about the New Year who struggle with getting through the DAY let alone the YEAR.

• What about the people who WANT to be pumped BUT can not because there minds are not willing to allow them to.

• What about the people who are prepared to have a cracker of a year but their MINDS shutter at the thought and can’t process the work load.

• What about the people who just feel shit all the time and can’t figure out why

• What about the people who are drowned in pressure and work and can’t find their way through

• What about the new Mum who feels like it’s god damn ground hog day and is 2 seconds away from harming herself

• What about the Mum who is working, looking after the kids and her husband, who is getting pulled in every direction imaginable and doesn’t have the strength to say ENOUGH!

• What about the guy who is just Effing so angry and shitty all the time and is 2 seconds away from crying “But that would be weak” can’t get help “Because I’m too proud” because men have to tough.

F@#K OFF!

• Do we seriously leave in a world where EVERYBODY feels the Effing need to hide the truth, to pretend that everything is OK when it’s not,
• We can not be open and honest with ourselves and others in fear of how we will be judged.

• That by admitting that we are Back from the Brink we our losing control and respect and appear weak?

It drives me God Damn mental that we STILL have this perception and apparently we do have to hide because unfortunately some people DO judge, DON’T get it and must have the most perfect life in the world, WHAT you’ve never had a bad day or bad thought BULL SHIT!

WELL WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

WATCH THIS SPACE because I’m on a mission.


Disclaimer: This article was written from a personal opinion and I am NOT a qualified in psychology or counselling. If you do need assistance with emotions or mental health, to seek assistance from your GP immediately.

Prescription Drugs Have Become the New Black!

Are we now a nation of quick fixes? With prescription drugs being handed out like there is no tomorrow. God forbid if anyone actually deals with their problems! That is far too hard when you can just duck down to your local GP and they can give you a pill for your problems!
According to new figures, Doctors in Australia are handing out dangerous amounts of prescription medication.

1 in 10 GP visits are people seeking help for a mental health problem and 1 in 2 Australians seeking help each year.

Doctors prescribed 12.3 million treatments with antidepressants in 2005-06, compared with 9.8 million prescriptions in 2000-01.

Now Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression has risen by a whopping 40% in the last 10 years.

That is not even taking into account the 60,000 times Valium has been prescribed in 1 YEAR in NSW alone! Or
Zoloft (an antidepressant) has been issued more than 230,000 times in the past 12 months in Australia.

Who do you think we are really helping, the one in two Australians who are genuinely seeking help or Doctors and the Pharmaceutical companies?

Seriously people CAN NOT be on this medication forever. It is a quick fix, a smoke screen for the real issues. We HAVE to start being accountable and start teaching society how to deal with depression and anxiety.

More talking and less pill popping! We need to work through our issues. So with every prescription of Zoloft, Xanax or Valium there needs to be a plan to get you back on track.

Once you know the secrets and discover how you can tackle your problems you will quickly become a happier you.

Here are some quick ways you can deal with Anxiety:

Slow your breathing down- You need to stop and breathe. Sounds easy? It is and it works.

Be honest yourself- You have to ask yourself what are you feeling and what bought it on? Sometimes you can get upset by something but it’s just the icing on the cake it’s not the real problem.

Think good things- Easier said then done. With every thought or anything that happens in life you can choose how you view. This takes practice and work but stick with it you will feel much better.


Your life will not change if YOU don’t change!

Depression is nothing to be ashamed of and once you tell someone you’ll be surprised with how many people feel or have felt the same way.
Are you ready to feel better? Dig deep there are some serious skeletons in that closest and it ALL needs to come out.

Every feeling you have relates back from somewhere, sometime. What do you do?

•Write it down; keep a diary of your thoughts, your feelings and whatever pops in your head.
•Talk to someone- A friend, a family member or if you what someone who will not judge you talk a Counselor or now you can see a Personal Development Mentor who is a proactive source to help you.

Now with the likes of the web you can get help at the touch of a button. Read other people’s stories such as the myself and UrbanSmiler.wordpress.com we openly share stories and our life experiences with you reassuring us that we are not alone.
Beyond Blue do great work and have all the information you need to get you back on track.