A recent article published by mivision reports that 31% of the optometrists surveyed experience symptoms of moderate to severe psychological distress, with one in four also experiencing moderate to extremely severe stress. This was more prevalent in young optometrists.

Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Although we may be maintaining good physical wellness, our mental health could be suboptimal.

Young Optometrists provide access to a variety of resources to help members that are struggling with their wellbeing. Over 90% of our committee are accredited with mental health first aid. If you are not feeling your best and would like to speak to us, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Self care is important to maintain and improve your emotional, physical and mental health.

• ​​Self-care at work

• • Take breaks - don’t skip your lunch break 

  • Balance challenging and difficult tasks with easier, enjoyable tasks 

  • Eat healthy and balanced meals 

  • Take sick leave when you notice increased signs of stress and fatigue 

  • Have personal boundaries

  
  

• Self-care at home 

• Connect with friends and family 

• Have non-work related hobbies 

• Have regular, moderate exercise 

• Allocate time to relax - meditate, yoga, journal, progressive muscle relaxation

• Reduce work access - limit your availability to work on phone and email 

• Engage in sufficient sleep and have a regular bedtime

Resources - Help is available

Please see below contacts for various resources which could be of help:

Telephone/online:

• 24-7 Mental Health Crisis Numbers 

• • NSW: Nearest hospital or Mental Health Line - 1800 011 511 

  • ACT: Mental health triage service - 1800 629 354 or 02 6205 1065

• Beyondblue support service

• • 1300 224 636

  • www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support 

  • 24-7 telephone counseling service

• Lifeline 24-hour counseling and crisis support chat 

• • 13 11 14 

  • www.lifeline.org.au/crisischat

  • 24-7 telephone support from a trained crisis supporter. Online Crisis Support Chat 7 days a week between 7pm-4am AEDT.

• Kids Help Line 

• • 1800 55 1800 

  • www.kidshelp.com.au

  • 24-7 days telephone web-based and email counseling service for young people aged up to 25 years

• Suicide Call Back Service

• • 1300 659 467 

  • www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

  • 24-7 Free nationwide telephone and online counsellng service for anyone affected by suicide

• Mensline Australia

• • 1300 78 99 78

  • www.menslineaus.org.au

  • 24-7 telephone counseling service for men with relationship or family concerns 

• PANDA 

• • 1300 726 306

  • www.panda.org.au

  • 9am-7:30pm Mon-Fri AEST national helpline for women, men and families affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood and post-nasal psychosis.

  • Email support@panda.org.au

Websites

• Beyondblue: national depression and anxiety initiative. www.beyondblue.org.au 

• Bipolar caregivers: supporting a person with bipolar disorder ww.bipolarcaregivers.org 

• Black Dog Institute: Information about bipolar disorder  www.blackdoginstitute.org.au 

• BluePages: Information about depression www.bluepages.anu.edu.au 

• Head to Health: managed by Australian Department of Health with people who have experience with mental health issues and organisations www.headtohealth.gov.au

• Mindspot: Service for depression and anxiety problems www.mindspot.org.au

• Suicide Prevention Australia: www.suicidepreventionaust.org 

Smartphone Applications

• Smiling mind 

• Reach out 

• Headspace