Simple Conversations
That could change someone’s life forever
How You Can Make a Difference
What would you say if I told you that you could potentially change a friend or loved one’s life forever or EVEN save their life!
Are you serious? How?
The fact is we all can make a difference by starting simple conversations with our friends and family about mental health.
It’s a frightening statistic that1 in 8 males and 1 in 5 females will struggle with either anxiety or depression. Knowing these statistics, stop for a second and think about the people in your life. There is a high chance that someone close to you is living with a mental health condition.
Many of us assume that the people in our lives know we are there for them if they ever need to talk. However, the truth is, in most cases people struggling with mental health conditions are so over whelmed by their situation they cannot see that you are there to help.
I was once told by someone who had lived with depression to squint my eyes and block my ears and he started talking to me. The sound was muffled, my sight was blurred and unclear, he then proceeded to say, “That’s what it was like for me”. He believed he had people there for him but just didn’t know who or how to ask for help? That was until he had a friend reach out to him and say they had noticed changes in him, they were concerned, and were there to listen, support and stand by him.
Similarly to cancer, mental health conditions can affect anyone, no one is immune. You may have people in your life that on the outside may appear to have the perfect life however everyday life pressures can affect anyone.
So what can we do? Start conversations with our friends and loved ones about mental health. We can have open discussions about the facts of mental health and let our family and friends know that if they ever feel the need to talk, you are there to listen and support. The “I’m here” conversion can happen anywhere… kid’s sports days, dinner parties, gym, shopping or having a quite beer with a mate. There is no inappropriate time to have a chat as long as you have the time and a safe place to have it.
Here are a Few Ways to Start the #Letstalk Conversation
“I read an article the other day about mental health. Surprisingly, 45% of all Australians will struggle with a mental health condition in their life! If you or anyone you may know of needs to talk please know I’m here to listen and support you.”
“Guys, did you know 1 in 8 men suffer from either anxiety or depression in a 12-month period? Boys, you know if any of you need to talk I’m always here. I’m not going to judge, just help.”
“I read an article the other day about mental health. Surprisingly, 45% of all Australians will struggle with a mental health condition in their life! If you or anyone you may know of needs to talk please know I’m here to listen and support you.”
“I read an article the other day about mental health. Surprisingly, 45% of all Australians will struggle with a mental health condition in their life! If you or anyone you may know of needs to talk please know I’m here to listen and support you.”
You may end up having these #letstalk conversations to ten, twenty or more times with family and friends, however all you need is just ONE person to stop and think “He/she is really genuine, I’m comfortable to reach out to them and talk” and you have made a world of difference in their life.
If you do have someone reach out to you don’t panic! Let them know that you are there to support them and be by their side. Make an appointment to see their local GP and show your support by going along to the appointment. The GP will help set up a plan to address their current situation. It’s important to remember that mental health issues are medical conditions that can be treated with consultation and planning from medical professionals.
