SP O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
Family Mental Health Check-in DR VALERIE DRUON is a family physician at Osler Health. She offers advice on protecting your family’s mental health.
S
ince the pandemic, we’ve seen a marked increase in patients seeking support for mental health, many for the first time. We’re also seeing an increase in teenagers and children in the clinic, with parents concerned about their mental wellbeing.
What do we mean by mental health?
Mental health relates to your emotional and mental wellbeing. Mental health problems are common but treatable.
When should I seek support for anxiety?
High anxiety can impact your daily activities, work performance, and relationships, causing self-doubt and affecting your self esteem. You may experience difficulties relaxing, shallow breathing, increased heart rate, sweating, How do I know if I’m discomfort in your feeling a little down or chest and stomach, am depressed? inability to focus and You may be depressed if you concentrate, sleep have more than two weeks of issues, and change in low mood, poor motivation, appetite and sex drive. difficulties with initiating Anxiety can worsen activities, disturbed sleep and chronic conditions appetite, and the inability to like asthma, eczema, enjoy pleasurable activities. or blood pressure. It can be hard to identify the Activities that would border between feeling a bit normally help you to flat and mental illness – reach relax, no longer work. out to your doctor who can If this sounds like you, guide you. please seek support. A doctor will review: Duration and severity of symptoms I think my Physical signs partner may be Impact on day-to-day depressed – what functioning can I do? Effects on others An open discussion in a non-judgmental
and supportive manner is the first step. It’s important to find time to listen to your partner and give them an opportunity to express their feelings. Empathy goes a long way. SOME THINGS TO SAY: “I’m here if you want to talk.” “You’re not alone.” “There is a way to recover from this.” THINGS NOT TO SAY: “Pull yourself together.” “Go and get some help.” “Cheer up.” Suggest they see a friendly doctor and offer to go with them for support.
What else can I do to protect my family’s mental health?
4adults inhave 10
reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, excessive stress, excess alcohol consumption and smoking.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with good sleep, regular exercise, nutritional balance, moderation with alcohol and quit smoking. Limit your exposure to negative press and schedule regular time to check in on each other.
Remember:
Finding sources of help in a foreign country can be challenging - ask for help! Be mindful of your own mental wellbeing, while being there for others.
HOW CAN A GP HELP?
We see patients all the time who are suffering with mental health challenges. We are here to help and have the knowledge and resources. Call us on +65 6339 2727 osler-health.com 54 anza
Since the pandemic,
Dr Valerie Druon is a French-speaking Australian family physician based at Osler Health Star Vista.
May/June 2021
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