Local nurse delves into mental health awareness
Reddy emphasised that mental health includes a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
THIS year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Month is Mental Health in an Unequal World and Musgrave nurse, Samentha Reddy unpacks the stigma around the topic.
Reddy emphasised that mental health includes a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how a person feels, how stress is handled, and relating to others to make decisions.
“Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood right through to adulthood,” she said. Reddy said symptoms of a mental health disorder include withdrawal from friends, family, and colleagues.
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“Avoiding activities that they would normally enjoy, insomnia, a lack of motivation to get out of bed to do simple tasks, feeling hopeless and lethargic,” she said.
Describing a few of the telltale signs of a possible mental health disorder. When asked about the impact of Covid-19 on mental health, Reddy said the main psychological impact included stress and anxiety.
“During quarantine, a person’s usual activities, routines and livelihoods have been affected. There has been a rise in levels of loneliness, depression, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and attempted suicide. Individuals must seek professional help early when symptoms develop. Free treatment is available at local hospitals and clinics,” she said.
Reddy said therapy treatment would help a person understand the root of their mental illness and would help improve their cognitive function. This will support decision making, concentration and their emotions. It will help individuals create boundaries, develop healthy relationships and reduce the risk of isolation.
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“Medication is prescribed by a psychiatrist and this includes antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytic drugs. It helps a person resume social interaction and enter a normal routine while they work on their mental health,” said Reddy.
In addition, she said a person coping with mental health difficulties will usually need to make changes to their lifestyle.
Relaxation techniques will help an individual understand their body and the ability to cope with psychological social stress. Support groups, friends and family can also be essential for recovery,” said Reddy.
The best way to reduce stigma of mental health is to educate the community. “Individuals with mental illnesses, who speak out and share their stories, can have a positive impact. Encourage equality between physical and mental illness. Show compassion for those with mental illness,” she said.
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