Mental Health Awareness Week

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week 2015. Each year 1 in every 5 Australians will experience some sort of Mental Health illness. Approximately 4% of people will suffer a Major Depressive Episode, and 14% of Australians will experience an Anxiety disorder within a 12 month period. Unfortunately, only 35% of people who suffer from a mental illness will seek treatment from a Health Professional.

Mental illness is not always a life sentence and individuals who access treatment early can recover fully.

Many people experiencing mental illness delay seeking help because they are frightened by the illness and fear stigma and discrimination. Education and awareness of mental health conditions reduces the fear and stigma of being labelled mentally ill.

A number of treatments are available to individuals who are experiencing mental illness. This includes Psychotherapy, Mindfulness, Relaxation and medication. Not all mental illnesses will require medication.

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties with mental illness it is important to access treatment as early as possible. Contacting your treating doctor is important and a referral to a psychologist for counselling is required to access ongoing treatment.

I can be contacted on (07) 5580 9063 if you need assistance with the following mental health concerns:

-Depression

-Anxiety

-Grief

-Trauma

-Sexual health

-Gender Dysphoria or confusion (Transgender)

-Chronic Pain

Sharen Curtis, Psychologist

Robina, Gold Coast