Today we recognise R U OK Day.
We are taking the opportunity to remind you all that no matter what you’re going through, we’re here to listen. At WholeLife we genuinely care. Today serves as a reminder that no matter what you might be experiencing, our pharmacists, and a range of other resources, are always available to help you. Sometimes a conversation is all it takes.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, almost 44% of people aged 16-85 years old have experienced a mental health disorder at some point in their life—that’s over 8 million people. Anxiety disorders including generalised anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder are most common in our population, followed by affective disorders including depression and bipolar affective disorder, and substance disorders such as the harmful use of alcohol and drugs.
While our awareness of the important role of mental health, as well as our knowledge of how to manage mental health for positive outcomes, has come a long way we’re all on this journey together and we’re continuing to learn new things all the time. Additionally, stigmatisation of people enduring mental health issues has generally improved, but it’s important for us all to keep working together to break down the barriers that still exist.
What is R U OK Day?
In 2010, Gavin Larkin founded R U OK Day as a response to the grief he’d experienced following his father’s suicide in 1995. He wanted to prevent other families and individuals from suffering the same pain he’d gone through. He believed that asking a single question—“Are you okay?”—had the power to change lives. His advocacy was centred around building and maintaining support networks to help people feel connected and to demonstrate that no one needs to endure their burdens alone.
How you can access support
There is a range of ways you can get support to help navigate your struggles. Details about Mental Health Treatment Plans, Australian mental health services (including low-cost, free, workplace-based, and rural services) are available here. In addition, there are free 24/7 hotlines and online chats you can access operated by Beyond Blue, Lifeline, Suicide Call Back Service, MensLine, Kids Helpline, and 13 YARN.
How our WholeLife pharmacists can help you
At WholeLife, mental health is a cause we’re passionate about. Our pharmacists interact with members of our communities all the time, and are excellent sources of knowledge, advice and support. They are ready to listen to you and as health care professionals, are equipped to direct you towards a range of support services, or to assist with further information about the medications you may have been prescribed by your doctor.
For R U OK Day this year, we’re encouraging you to check in on your loved ones, your friends, colleagues, and community members. When we join forces and open up the lines of communication we can give and receive support, ensuring that no one suffers in silence. By talking about our struggles we can continue to reduce the stigma around mental health and illness, and can share information and knowledge about the professional support services that are available to everyone.
WholeLife encourages you to access R U OK Day’s broad range of useful resources here.
If you’re struggling, please get in touch with your GP for support.
If you’re in crisis or feeling unsafe, please call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
References
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2023) ‘National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing’, Australian Bureau of Statistics. <https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing/2020-21>.
Healthdirect (n.d.) ‘Mental health where to get help’, Healthdirect. <https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-where-to-get-help>.
Kardachi G (2014) ‘Pharmacists’ role in mental health’, Mental Health Australia. <https://mhaustralia.org/general/pharmacists-role-mental-health>.