Speaking to the doctor about mental health condition gets easier over time, survey finds – News-Medical. Net

Today NPS MedicineWise released survey results about young Australians with mental health issues. Almost half (47%) were uncomfortable speaking to their physician about it when first diagnosed. This got easier over time. Around 4 in 10 (43%) had used a mental health safety plan. This is something that can lower the risk of suicide by almost half.

We carried out the study from 25-29 June 2022. 309 Australians between the ages of 16 and 24 diagnosed with a mental health condition took part. The people were representative of young people with a mental health.

Mental health and young people

Awareness of psychological ill wellness in Australia is growing. It is a problem that often starts in younger age.

“More than half of all young adults go through some form of mental ill health by the age of 25, ” says Dr Caroline West, GP and medical advisor at NPS MedicineWise.

“For three quarters of adults living with a psychological health issue, it started before twenty five years of age. This is why it is so important for youthful people to seek help early. There are treatments that work.

“Fear of stigma and feeling alone in their struggles stop people from seeking help, ” she says.

This is why NPS MedicineWise has created a series of videos where young people share their stories. They talk about overcoming stigma, building relationships with health professionals and navigating the wellness system.

Stigma

“There are usually cultural aspects to having the mental health condition, ” says Jeanette Chan, a 23 year-old mental wellness advocate through Melbourne.

“It was really challenging in first talking about mental health with my family. It wasn’t something that will we talked about a lot.

“For a long time I held it inside and dealt with it on my own.

“I eventually spoke to my family about mental wellness. It was not great at first. Over time, I persisted with the different conversations. It’s worked out for the best, ” the girl says.

A trusted relationship with your doctor

The survey found people felt more comfortable more than time talking with their physician about psychological health. When first diagnosed almost fifty percent (47%) felt uncomfortable speaking about the topic. Only about 3 in ten (31%) associated with these people still feel uncomfortable now.

The survey also discovered almost one in five (18%) of people were not part associated with treatment decisions. Over four in 10 (44%) experienced as an equal with their doctor in working on their mental health.

“It is important you sense comfortable with your doctor. They are your partner working with you on your mental health. It is regarding you plus what is right for a person, ” states Dr West.

“It can sometimes take time to feel comfortable. If you don’t connect with 1 doctor, it is important to seek away one who you can relate to and trust.

Safety plans reduce the danger of committing suicide

Close to four in ten (43%) of teenagers with the mental wellness condition use a mental health safety plan. Only about one inside seven (15%) had never heard of a mental wellness safety strategy.

Suicidal thoughts are common for people sensation mental health distress.

A mental wellness safety plan is an important part of psychological health treatment. A security plan can lower the risk of suicide by almost half (435).

You may use the Beyond Now app from Beyond Blue as the mental health safety program. It is on your phone and it is always there when you need it. ”

Dr Caroline Western, GP and Medical Advisor, NPS MedicineWise

There are 7 steps to the Beyond Now mental health protection plan:

• Recognizing your own warning signs
• Making your surroundings safe
• Reminders of reasons to live
• Things that can make a person feel strong
• People plus places to connect along with
• Family and friends you can talk in order to
• Professional support