R U OK? COULD SAVE A LIFE
A simple question: are you okay? Might be a lifesaver for someone living with depression or anxiety, just reaching out could have a significant impact, says GP Access CEO Dr. Mark Foster. A national day of action has been launched in Australia this year. R U OK? Day on 29 November aims to raise awareness of, and assist in preventing, suicide.
Dr. Foster said while the message was simple, the impact of depression and anxiety on the community and its relationship with other health issues was often under-recognised. Suicide claims the lives of more Australians each year than the road toll – over 2000 people every year (Source: ABS 2007 statistics). It is the biggest killer of men and women 15-35 years old. For every person who takes their own life, it is estimated that up to 10 people make an attempt.
Dr. Foster said that general practice has a vital role to play in treating and managing mental illness which can often trigger suicide.
GPs are trained and experienced in helping their patients manage both their mental and physical health issues. Often there is a link with physical health impacting on mental health and wellbeing and GPs are well equipped to deal with both,” said Dr. Foster.
GP Access has taken a leading role in supporting GPs to care for the mental health of their patients, Dr. Foster said.
GP Access is about filling gaps in our health care system. We recognised many years ago that mental health issues were placing an increasing burden on GPs workloads so we established our own Psychology Service. GP Access Psychology Services enables GPs to refer patients to psychologists more easily and offers more patient support. The service has become so popular with GPs we now employ 17 Clinical Psychologists and Psychologists”, Dr. Foster said.
Specifically in the area of suicide prevention we are now providing GPs with access to a quick response service for patients who are at high risk of or who have attempted suicide or deliberate self harm. This service does not replace those services provided by public mental health services but is an additional option GPs can consider for patients who may be at risk of suicide following a recent stressful life event or significant change in personal circumstances,” Dr. Foster said.
This year on November 29th, all of Australia will be encouraged to ask someone they care about: “Are you ok?” And, if they are, the worst that can happen is they will know you care about them…but if they are not, that conversation could change a life.
Dr. Foster encouraged the community to heed the message of R U OK? Day and to take the time to ask people they care about – R U OK?
For more information on R U OK? Day, visit the website www.ruokday.com.au
