Table of contents
How do I know if my mental health is suffering
What can I do if I recognise some of the signs?
Who can I talk with about this?
Men’s health issues
Mental health – what is it?
Mental health is considered to be a state of wellbeing in which we can realise our own abilities, cope with the normal stressors of life, work productively and are able to contribute to our community.
How do I know if my mental health is suffering?
Whilst we can all, at times, feel overwhelmed and ‘stressed’, the key is to not ignore the signs when we experience this over an extended period of time. If we can recognise these signs early, we’re then able to stop and check in with ourselves to see how we’re travelling. The signs can be physical, emotional, behavioural and can be present in our personal lives and within the workplace. Here are some of the signs to watch out for within ourselves and those closest to us:
- I seem to be feeling anxious and worried more than I usually am
- I am feeling depressed and unhappy more than I usually am
- I seem to be having unusual emotional outbursts, such as extreme distress or anger
- I seem to be having trouble getting, or staying asleep
- I am experiencing unusual and inexplainable weight and appetite changes
- I don’t feel like engaging with others these days – I prefer to withdraw and isolate
- I seem to be taking more substances such as drugs or alcohol than I usually do
- I often feel worthless, guilty and or that I’m a failure.
If you are experiencing any of the above, seek the advice and support of someone you trust to discuss and take action.
What can I do if I recognise some of the signs?
Aspen Medical promotes four major steps to early intervention in relation to mental health. These steps are:
- recognition – recognise some signs from the list above
- response – gain or provide early support and responding to the acknowledgement that you are experiencing any of these signs. See list of support mechanisms below
- assessment and planning – develop an action plan to address the issues promptly
- recovery and resolution – maintain support and monitor progress.
Who can I talk with about this?
There are a wide range of support options available to you, including:
- someone you trust from your private or work life
- your manager
- a member of the HSE team or the HR team
- the Aspen Medical Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – available to you and your immediate family members for short-term support
- Lifeline online, or call 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue online, or call 1300 224 636.
I want more information
Each year, Aspen Medical promotes and supports the RU Ok? Day. Their website provides a wide range of information on how to ask someone if they’re okay and ways you can support them if they respond that they are not okay.
Aspen Medical also runs an annual Mental Health Week in September each year.
During Mental Health Week 2020, Aspen Medical developed a series of informative, casual discussion videos covering a wide range of everyday mental health issues, which can be seen here:
Session 1: Premeditated Kindness
Session 2: Language of Stress
Session 3: Inner peace is hiding in plain sight
Session 4: Social media and its impact on our sense of self
Session 5: If we’re not happy, are we depressed?
Women’s Health Issues
enter here info on highest cancer risk factors, etc etc
Men’s Health Issues
enter info here regarding male breast cancer, prostrate cancer, the need to seek regular GP check up, suicide awareness and prevention
Discounted Gym Membership
As an Aspen Medical employee, you can claim a 15% membership discount at any Club Lime fitness centre. To take advantage of this, please follow this link and select the Corporate name: Aspen Medical and enter the password ASPENGYM2020 (case sensitive).
Your HSE Coordinator can also provide advice if you require further support.
Podcast