1. talking about it Mental Illness

2. talking about it What is mental illness Who is affected Risk factors for mental illness Warning signs Treatments The lived experience of mental illness How to help someone experiencing a mental illness Overview

3. talking about it “A mental illness is a diagnosable illness that significantly interferes with a person’s thoughts, feelings, actions and mental functioning” What is Mental Illness

4. talking about it Who is affected by Mental Illness “1 in 5 Australians will experience a mental illness every year”

5. talking about it Depression Anxiety Disorders Bipolar Disorder Schizophrenia Eating Disorders Types of Mental Illness

6. talking about it Family history/Genetic factors Biochemical factors Environmental stressors Social and cultural factors Personal traits Other factors Risk factors for Mental Illness

7. talking about it Warning signs of Mental Illness Social withdrawal Changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns Extreme changes in mood Deterioration in performance and abilities Lack of motivation Difficulty with thought processes Feeling extremely fearful and anxious Sense of worthlessness and hopelessness Feeling extremely sad or tearful Loss of enjoyment Obsessive focus on weight and body image Acting inappropriately Seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling or tasting something that does not exist Believing things that aren’t based in reality Unusually reckless and uninhibited behaviour

8. talking about it Medication Individual therapy Social Support Community Support Treatments for Mental Illness

9. talking about it “Mental illness is not exclusive to the white English speaking population. It affects people from all cultures” Cultural Perceptions

10. talking about it “A mark or sign of shame, disgrace or disapproval that results in rejection and discrimination” Stigma

11. talking about it Myth or Fact? Mental illness only affects a few people Mentally ill people are violent People with a mental illness should be kept in hospital People with a mental illness never get better Questions for discussion

12. talking about it G Gather: information e.g. observations, asking others. Look for signs and symptoms. R Respond: talk and listen non judgmentally to the person and give reassurance. I Involve others: encourage the person to seek professional help either from a GP, Psychologist, Psychiatrist or Mental Health Services. P Plan: to encourage the use of self help techniques such as support groups, medication compliance and stress management. How to help someone who may be experiencing a Mental Illness

13. talking about it Spot the signs and symptoms Seek professional help eg. see your GP Make changes in your life eg. reduce stress, learn some relaxation techniques, get the support of friends and family, reduce alcohol and other drug use Helping yourself

14. Living with a Mental Illness

15. Questions?

16. talking about it Mental illness is a medical condition, not a character flaw Mental illness is quite common Mental illnesses are triggered by a combination of risk factors Summary

17. talking about it A range of treatments are used in the management of mental illness Identifying the warning signs of mental illness and getting help early is important for recovery GRIP Summary

18. talking about it Where to seek help and information Services Local GP Mental Health Services Psychologist Psychiatrist Community Health Centre Local Support Groups Counselling Services Local Hospital

19. talking about it Where to seek help and information Helplines & Information Services NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 Lifeline: 13 11 14 SANE Australia Helpline: 1800 187 263 Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978 Beyondblue Information Line: 1300 224 636 Mental Health Information Service: 1300 794 991