MENTAL ILLNESS

I am quite literally stunned.  I have just read a report from a 'so called' psychiatrist and I simply could not believe what I read.

Firstly, let me ask you: What does depression and or anxiety look like?  Hmm, I am stumped too.  This is the problem with mental illness because it is not as visible as a broken arm or leg and the body does not have any contusions.  Therefore one relies on suitably qualified practitioners to make assessment and then administer appropriate treatment.

It makes me furious that a supposed well trained and respected psychiatrist would use terms as 'they presented well, were well groomed, spoke clearly and had good posture'.  This was to insinuate that there was nothing really wrong.  Especially when reading on further.

Well, I ask this gentleman (and we will get the chance), obviously using his very loose model he would have determined that there was nothing wrong with Mr Robin Williams.  He was always well groomed, well spoken and as we all know was as funny as a fit.  However, we are all aware that he suffered terribly from depression and he hid it really well.  Mr Williams eventually could not take it anymore and committed suicide and ultimately leaving the professional world who treated and knew him stunned.

This reaction is sad because still in 2015 despite all the media focus on the subject from teenage suicide through to shift workers and anyone effectively.  Anyone can surrender to depression or anxiety and no one is immune.  Yet there is still this stigma attached to it, especially from a professional perspective and from many employers.

There are many people in Management that are too ready to dismiss mental illness because people look ok.  Gone are the days of 'she'll be right mate'!  But to get such a dismissive response from a professional is somewhat bewildering.

I ask you to make sure you ask your loved ones, friends, co-workers, anyone that you care about if they are ok.  Seriously, ask them if they are cool, anything bothering them.  If they are struggling encourage them to seek help but don't ever tell them to get over it or don't be silly because chances are they themselves feel silly for bothering you with their problems.  Just because something does not bother you does not mean that it does not bother others.

Mental illness is more prevalent in our society than many people give credit for.  As with Mr Robin Williams don't leave it too late to render assistance to someone in need. 

That's my view.