Mental Health – what is it?

What comes to mind when you hear the term ‘mental health’? For many, we often think about illnesses, like Depression, Anxiety.

‘Mental health’ however is a much broader term. It refers to our overall emotional, psychological and social wellbeing, and involves more than just an absence of illness.

The World Health Organisation (WHO, ref) define mental health as:

“a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community”.

Being mentally healthy is important. Just like having good physical health allows you to function well, withstand stress and perform tasks and activities, having good mental health allows you to manage stress, have meaningful connections with others and good self-esteem, and cope with change. Check out this video for more information about what mental health means.

We all have a state of mental health, and it fluctuates in response to different experiences and life stressors. The Mental Health Continuum is a helpful way to understand this.

Mental Health Continuum Model. Image source: BC First Responders.

At the green end, people experience high levels of wellbeing. While they still may experience mental health difficulties, they effectively use a range of supports and coping strategies to deal with these, and have found ways to proactively manage their mental health. Many of us will move between the green and yellow in response to life stressors, however we typically use our own strategies and supports to help move ourselves back towards green.

The yellow moving into orange represents people who are experiencing more pronounced and progressive impact on their mental health. While they may use a range of strategies and supports, they may not be enough, and this is where more formal supports may start to be engaged.

The red end represents both chronic or persistent difficulties, as well as acute crises, and professional help is required.

Most emergency services workers manage the strains of their job well, and have a good ability to manage, adapt and recover from the challenges associated with their work. However understanding the continuum and being aware of your signs and symptoms can help you to recognise when you may need extra support sooner rather than later.

It is important to note that the mental health continuum does not necessarily reflect the presence or absence of a diagnosed mental health condition. Someone can have a well-managed mental health condition and still experience good mental health and wellbeing (in the green). Equally, someone can experience a range of stressors and severe mental health symptoms (in the red) without having a diagnosable illness.

So what is a mental illness?

Mental illnesses, disorders or mental health conditions refer to signs and symptoms that co-occur in particular ways and are often diagnosed by their intensity, severity and pattern over time. Describing signs and symptoms in this way creates a common language that helps practitioners understand and communicate about treatment and care. In the same way that diabetes is diagnosed on the basis of tests and symptoms, is treated in a specific way, so too are mental health conditions such as Depression, Anxiety and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

It is important to note that people can lead happy and fulfilling lives with a mental health condition when it is managed well, just like living with physical health conditions.

What causes poor mental health?

There is still a lot to be learned about why some people experience a mental health condition and why others don’t. It is generally accepted that a combination of biology, personal characteristics, environment, and life events combine to cause the development of a mental health condition. However any of us at any time can experience impacts on our mental health in response to stress and life events without having a mental health condition.

Those things that can exacerbate or make it more likely you will experience a mental health issue are called risk factors, for example isolation, drug/alcohol abuse or loss of a loved one. Protective factors are those things that can support or buffer against poor mental health, including good social support, healthy coping strategies and good physical health.

Some groups are more likely to experience poor mental health There are some groups who are more likely to experience higher rates of psychological distress in our community.

Indigenous Australians and LGBTIQA+ people in particulate experience higher rates of distress, depression and suicide than other members of the community.

What is stigma and why is it a problem?

Stigma refers to the negative attitudes and beliefs we hold about mental health and those who experience poor mental health. One of the biggest obstacles for those recovering from mental health conditions is the negative judgements of other people.

Despite there being effective treatments for mental health conditions, there are still many myths and inaccurate beliefs that those who have such conditions are weak, difficult or not intelligent. Click here for more myths and facts about mental health. Stigma results in more than hurt feelings – it can make people feel ashamed and isolated, further disengaging them from support, and decreasing the likelihood of help-seeking, resulting in worse mental health outcomes.

Stigma has been particularly prevalent in emergency services professions. Concerns about confidentiality, career development and performance can deter people from seeking help.

In addition there is the concept of self-stigma, which was recognised by Beyond Blue in “Answering the Call”. They found that most people held more stigma around their own mental health than that of others.

Emergency services roles are often characterised by ideals such as strength, resilience and competence. To then experience a mental health condition, combined with embarrassment or shame, as well as concerns about disclosure and discrimination presents significant barriers to recognising and reaching out for help.

We all want to have good mental health, so we all have a role to play in breaking down the stigma. Learning the signs and symptoms, understanding how to support yourself and others, knowing where to go to get help, and most importantly, normalising the language around mental health and wellbeing are critical in reducing stigma.

More information about the mental health continuum, mental illness and stigma can be heard in this video.

The pros and cons of Emergency Services Work

There are unique aspects of emergency services roles that can have both positive and negative effects on a person’s mental health.

A culture of camaraderie and loyalty, common to emergency services, helps many feel a strong sense of purpose, connection and identity, which help protect mental health. On the potentially harmful side, the nature of emergency services work means workers are exposed to difficult situations and potentially traumatic events. Understanding what can support and what can detract from your mental health and wellbeing can help you identify healthy habits and things you can do to stay well.

How can I support my mental health and wellbeing?

Log on to the MyPulse mental health and wellbeing screen and undertake an assessment to get an accurate picture of how you are travelling. There are a number of things you can do to promote your mental health and wellbeing so you can create and maintain a life that is meaningful and satisfying. These include:

• Spending time with friends and family
• Healthy diet and physical exercise
• Having good sleep habits
• Learning new skills that can provide a sense of achievement
• Engaging in work or activities that provide a sense of meaning or purpose
• Having someone to talk to or turn to for support

Click here to read more about self-care.

Want help or more resources?

There are a range of DPFEM and AT wellbeing support services available. Click here for more information.

You can also find more information at the following links:

• Beyond Blue - www.beyondblue.org.au

• Working it Out – Tasmania’s gender and sexuality support and education service. https://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/service_information/services_files/working_it_out

• LGBTIQA+ - Qlife - counselling and referral service – call 1800 184 527 or chat online at www.qlife.org.au

• www.headtohealth.gov.au provides links and resources to online and phone supports and treatment options