Mental Health, Reforms, HR and Tony Abbott

I know I’ve been absent from the blog for a few days, but there has been lots happening and I wasn’t feeling up to it. You know those days where you just want to hide underneath the covers and not talk to anyone. Eat a whole pizza and lay there like a sloth.

Someone took all their frustrations out on me at work, then my kitten ate a pistachio nut (which needed to be removed from her intestines at a cost of $1500) and then a pipe burst in the bathroom which flooded our house (and warped the floorboards). Yeah I was feeling pretty awesome at this point.

So I did the girly thing and headed off to the hairdresser Saturday (now have red hair) and then had a few drinks with some friends. Sunday while still lying on the couch I realised that come Monday I needed to try and get myself out of this funk. I was thinking that I needed to eat better, exercise and make sure I get enough sleep (see more tips here).

Then yesterday a friend blogged about someone that she’d lost to suicide and wanted to raise awareness about mental illness.

Also on twitter and facebook people started talking about the ‘Get Up’ campaign and I was lured to the website to watch their video.

GetUp is an independent, grass-roots community advocacy organisation giving everyday Australians opportunities to get involved and hold politicians accountable on important issues.

This particular campaign is being led by Australian of the Year, Prof. Patrick McGorry in the call for mental health reform.

Of your closest friends, family and colleagues, about 1 in 5 will suffer mental ill health this year — but most won’t discuss it, and most won’t receive treatment.

The largest healthcare reform in decades is on the cards this year — but without our support, mental health may be forgotten.

As a HR professional I know this is something that I’ve had to deal with, with several employees. It’s no surprise the employees who aren’t performing are often suffering from depression or anxiety, or another mental health condition. As a workplace, I know its something I’ve tried to address through Lifeline’s Stress Down Day’s and R U Okay Day. Taking every opportunity to talk about it and promote the services available goes a long way. I’d be interested in hearing from anyone else who has promoted this in their workplaces. The more things we can share, the better.

Now something to make you smile. Tony Abbott. You either love him or hate him, but this very cheeky campaign by the ‘Get Up team is pretty hilarious.