Making mental health a priority

How to support your colleagues during difficult times

 

Almost half (45%) of all Australians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime, but the effect of COVID-19 has seen a very real surge in Aussies needing help for their mental health.

 

At Wesley Place, we recognise the importance of looking after your mental health and encourage our tenant-customers to check-in with their families, friends and colleagues to ask how they are feeling during this time.

 

This R U OK day, take a moment to ask someone how they are really doing as a conversation could change a life. Not sure how? Try these simple tips:

 

1. Firstly consider if you yourself have the mental capacity to help another person right now.

2. Choose a private and soothing place to talk where you can share your concern.

3. Practice reflective listening and don’t forget to be kind, supportive and empathetic.

4. Encourage the person to seek professional assessment, but if they’re not ready to ask for help yet, respect their decision and wait until they are ready.

5. Remember to periodically check in on them. Mental illness is a marathon and not a short sprint.

 

If you need help, talking to your doctor is a good place to start. If you’d like to find out more or talk to someone else, here are some organisations that can help.

 

Beyond Blue - www.beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 22 4636

Lifeline - www.lifeline.org.au or call 13 11 14

 

If you are a tenant customer of Wesley Place, visit Charli to join our wellness webinar, wellness classes or check out our full suite of wellbeing resources.

 

To learn more about what’s happening at Wesley Place, sign up to our newsletter at: https://www.wesleyplace.com.au/sign-up