RUOK’s Mateship Manual helps you reach out to loved ones
Now more than ever it’s important to check in on how your friends and family are. This is how to do it without imposing.
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From school closures to job losses, social isolation to working from home, the coronavirus has changed how we work, play and learn. And it’s taking an extreme toll on our mental health.
The crisis is causing a spike of anxiety and depression, and it’s more important than ever to raise awareness of mental health and to ask loved ones for help if you need it.
Mental wellbeing charity RUOK and the mental health and suicide prevention research group at the University of South Australia are offering a glimmer of solace during a dark time with the Mateship Manual.
The guide provides Australians with the tools and confidence they need to approach a loved one going through a tough time, especially when the first thought might be that you are imposing.
Mateship Manual began as a way to address the challenges of living and working outside the country’s biggest cities and towns but is now more relevant than ever.
“A conversation can change someone’s life for the better and the manual can help guide that conversation,” said RUOK CEO Katherine Newton.
RUOK ambassador Chris Savill, who experienced depression after work-related stress, understands that being shut in has a way of bringing out dark thoughts. But it’s also a chance for honest conversation.
“Asking if someone is OK isn’t always easy, but it could change a life,” he said.
“Whether it’s connecting through video and phone calls, or Facebook and emails, it’s important to keep the power of communication going.”
Overwhelming evidence shows that social isolation is causing anxiety and depression.
A recent Monash University study launched to track the mental health effects of the crisis has already shown a rise in depression in Australians.
Almost 1200 Australians were surveyed about how they were coping during the pandemic.
Preliminary results showed a majority of participants registered mild levels of anxiety and depression and about 30 per cent of people showed moderate to high levels.
Meanwhile Beyond Blue has noticed an increase of almost 60 per cent in calls and emails since before the pandemic, while Lifeline is currently receiving a call every 30 seconds.
While mental health concerns us all, some families are grappling with an urgent question.
What do you do when a loved one is so depressed that you’ve started worrying that nothing you say will make a difference?
You may not feel that your presence is helping, but psychologist Jemma Doley says that just being by the side of someone who is depressed, and reminding them that they are special to you, is important in ensuring that they don’t feel alone.
“Australians are under a significant amount of stress and uncertainty right now,” she said. “Sharing your experiences with others can help you to access support.”
For those who struggle to open up, Ms Doley suggests a journal. Encouraging your loved ones to write down their thoughts and feelings is one simple example of an affordable, effective outlet.
“Engaging in positive activities such as increasing your exercise and doing things you enjoy is important for helping improve your mood,” she said.
Across the country, the pandemic has scrambled mental health services, forcing thousands of people with psychological distress to adjust at home, either with or without their families depending on their individual circumstances.
Georgina Cowell, 20, has suffered with obsessive compulsive disorder and depression since she was 12 and has found it difficult to stay motivated.
“I can still feel those shadows creeping in every now and then,” she said.
Depression has been a constant companion for as long as Ms Cowell can remember.
Her earliest memories are of intense worry.
“There was a moment where I stopped and looked at my life and realised how hopeless I felt,” she said.
“It terrified me because I pride myself on being a really passionate person. But at that moment, I had no ability to care.”
She said that so far, her depression has been mostly under control at home, in part because her family has come to better understand her needs.
“My parents have gone above and beyond for me and I can always reach out to them for support,” Ms Cowell said.
“It’s important to know that you’re not alone and you’re not broken. There are people out there who care and who want to help.”
RUOK’s Mateship Manual is supported by News Corp Australia. Download the Mateship Manual at ruok.org.au