Chapter 9

Asking for Help

Everyone feels down, stressed, frustrated or anxious at times. It is very important to recognise when your mood, thoughts and behaviours are persisting and are no longer short term.

It is best to seek help if you notice one or more of your relapse signs are:

• Present for 2 weeks or more
• Constant or noticeable most of the time
• Impacting your life in a negative way

You may decide to contact your doctor and/or choose a support person to be involved in your care. The support person may be a carer, friend, or family member. If this person knows you well, they may agree to support you.

This would involve helping you recognise your signs of relapse, monitoring your wellbeing, and letting you know when they think you are becoming unwell and need to seek further support.

This will help reduce the possibility and severity of a decline in your mental health.

Things to consider when choosing a support person:

• Is the person supportive, interested, and trustworthy?
• Are they knowledgeable about your illness?
• Are they aware of your warning signs?
• Were they helpful when you have been unwell before?
• Do they see you regularly?
• Do you trust their opinion and recommendation?
• Will they help you in this way?
• Will they support you to seek help if needed?

Please remember, there are people who want to support you.

If you’re unsure of who the best support person is, please talk about it with your APMHA mental health clinician so you can explore this together.