This week is mental health week! Oganisations and individuals worldwide are working together this week to raise awareness of mental health issues and to lift the stigma attached to this health issue.
World Health Organisation startling statistics:
The World Health Organisation has predicted that depression will become the second cause of disease in the world by 2020! Dr. Dhanapal Natarajan of The World Health Organisation made the following statement in the Calgary Hearald, Canadia: “Unless people with mental illness come out of the shadows and seek help, Dr. Dhanapal Natarajan worries projected statistics will become a deadly reality.
Loved Ones and colleagues with Depression:
Are you supporting someone you love who is suffering with depression? Do you work with a colleague who is suffering with depression?
Are you concerned about someone yet not quite sure if they are suffering with depression?
Visit my website http://trailblazingwoman.com.au/faqs/ to find some clear indicators to assist you identify if someone is suffering with depression.
What are you doing to ensure those you love who are suffering with depression reach out and seek the help that is available to them?
It is vitally important they feel OK about seeing a specialist who can give a correct diagnosis of their disorder and offer them a level of support that can make a major difference in their life.
What can you do this week to make a difference:
1. Ask this very important question!!
Are you OK? This week we actually had a day that was called – RU OK day. People world wide were asked to be alert to unusual behaviour or communication from friends, colleagues and loved ones and to ask the question: RU OK?
It is important we ask this question and do not allow fear about the person’s reaction to our question to stop us expressing our concern. Your question could be the “bridge” that links them to the support and assistance they need. Your expression of concern could be the one thing that actually prevents a suicide. Think about that!
Think about how proactive you are in relation to mental health issues and making it OK for people in society with mental health issues to be treated as any other person suffering with a health issue.
Please keep asking the question – RU OK?!
2. Understand that the person supporting the sufferer of depression is also in a world of pain and anxiety
Let’s not forget to support and express love and care to those who support someone suffering with depression. Their world at times can also be dark and lonely. Remember to also ask them – Are You OK?
Recently in Australia we heard a heart rending interview with famous television personalities Bert and Patti Newton as they shared about their journey of anguish supporting their son, Matthew, also a TV personality, in his struggle with mental health issues.
Worldwide we are hearing more about politicians, film stars, elite sportsmen and women taking the courageous step to speak out about their depression and the impact it has had on their own life, career and relationships.
The Trail Blazing Woman Coaching Practice
My coaching practice has been specifically created to offer specialised support to women supporting a partner or family member suffering with depression. Through my coaching these women can find:
- support and understanding
- emotional freedom
- energy
- solutions
- strategies
- change
3. Make contact with me if you are supporting a partner or loved one suffering with depression. You will be amazed at the difference coaching can make to your life and situation.
Refer to me your friends or colleagues who are supporting someone suffering with depression
Together we will make a difference and we will lift the stigma attached to mental health issues.
I look forward to connecting with you.
Christine McRae, The Trail Blazing Woman
©October 2010, The Trail Blazing Woman
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.