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Better Together: Mental Illness

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Every now and something awesome pops up that is so perfect, so exquisitely designed that it needs no improvement, no enhancement and no add-ons. Things like Nutella (best eaten straight from the jar), fire, golf and Ray Charles’ music are perfectly acceptable single entities that can be enjoyed solo, or used to make other not-quite-as-perfect items better. Think Nutella on toast, or Ray Charles singing “What a Wonderful World” as happy parents hold their new born for the first time.

Other things are better enjoyed when combined with something else. One-sided basketball is never quite as exhilarating as playing on a team, against an opposing team. Vegemite and cheese is actually the world’s best sandwich combo, though both are pretty satisfying to begin with.

And finally, something aren’t fun to begin with, and need a helping hand to make them better. Imagine trying to learn the ABC without the song?

The effects of mental illness are horrible for sufferers, who often feel alone, discarded or weak. These perceptions are completely warped by the illness and often affect those who care about the person struggling. Sadly, incidence of mental illness are on the rise, with one in five Australians now effected. Chances are, you know more than one person who has or had suffered from it. According to W.H.O (World Health Organisation) by 2030, depression will be the number one cause of disability.

In a society such as Australia, this is often a difficult concept to understand. We are one of the most economically advantaged countries in the world, yet the sharp cut of “what a first-world problem” when someone experiences a difficulty seldom does anything constructive. The effects are even worse in a sufferer of depression. Mental illness does not discriminate, a fact backed up by findings in the 2004/05 ABS National Health Survey (ABS NHS), showing that 9% of those who reported having a behavioural or mental illness lived in the least disadvantaged socio-economic areas.

So what can be done to help? The 2004/05 ABS NHS reported that in the last fortnight before surveyed, 19% of adults had used some form of medication to support their mental health. This included 27% of people using anti-depressants, 23% using sleeping pills, 10% for anxiety or nerves and other medicinal therapies included increased intake of certain vitamins or minerals and herbal alternatives. Unsurprisingly, 75% of those aged 15 years and over who reported having behavioural or mental problems, also reported having sedentary or low levels of exercise.

Beyond Blue and The Black Dog Institute have both acknowledged the link between exercise and depression treatment and, as Elle Woods so eloquently put it “exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy.” Exercising with others also increases social contact which has been shown to helps with depression. There’s no better way to exercise with other than by joining a team sport.

Local councils are a great way to make initial contact and many provide links to local sport associations. Even if you’re not the most skilled sport player, short, local competitions are often run in the pre- or post-season (Spring or Autumn depending on the sport) which encourage new players to give it a go. Playing sport has also shown to actually increase energy levels and lift mood, even if the participant is fatigued to being with. Similar to this, according to Beyond Blue, the effects of sport have shown to help block negative thoughts and the effects can last up to several hours after the initial exercise has ceased.

This year, Beyond Blue is aligning itself with Mental Health Week in a massive effort to raise awareness. Mental Health Week runs from Sunday 9 October to Saturday 15 October to coincide with World Mental Health Day on Monday 10 October. Want to be get involved?

Exercise Your Mood is a national fund and awareness raising campaign of The Black Dog Institute. These funds will go towards research into effective diagnosis, treatment, early intervention and the ability to expand their services Australia-wide. Check out how you can be involved here. The Black Dog Institute also holds regular community support groups, community seminars and education sessions, as well as an annual Writing Competition and Photo competition!

Mental illness is a tough hurdle to face, but together, we’re up to the challenge. With time, effort and support, mental illness can be beaten. So let’s get better, together.


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