It can be kinda daunting taking control of your mental health, especially if you don't even know where to start. A few years back, I was in that exact situation. I knew something wasn't right because I just didn't feel like myself anymore. For awhile I just blamed it on stress from university and study, working heaps of unreliable casual jobs and a truly terrible ex-relationship but then It got to a point where I looked around and realised I was struggling a lot more than the average person. And I had shit to do and didn't want to / didn't have the time to deal with feeling like that anymore. But at the same time, I had absolutely no clue what to do about it. So as classic Gen Z that I am, I obviously went to the internet.

"Real talk. You can feel depressed without being diagnosed with depression and you can feel anxious without being diagnosed with anxiety. Your feelings are ALWAYS valid. And it's okay to not feel okay sometimes."

I found an online service called MindSpot. And I believe more people need to know about it. Simply summed up, MindSpot is a 'free service for Australian adults who are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, stress, depression and low mood'. It offers a lot of different services, however, what I want to mention today is its Free Online Assessment. Anyone can do this assessment and I'd actually urge anyone and everyone who is reading this to do it. There is no harm in doing it, It's free and it's there to help you. Every year since I came across MindSpot, I retake this Online Assessment. It's no different to having a regular dentist, optometrist or health checkup, except the fact it's free, you don't need an appointment and you can do it online in your own time!

Photo from https://mindspot.org.au/

SO, HERE IS ONE WAY YOU CAN HELP YOURSELF IF YOU DON'T FEEL OK-

STEP 1: Hop online to MindSpot.org.au and on the main page click 'Start Your Online Assessment'.

STEP 2: Complete the Online Assessment, and when prompted put in the contact details of your regular GP/Doctor.

STEP 3: Wait for your report to be emailed to you, this usually takes a day or two. MindSpot also offers to call you to have a chat about your report. They are so incredibly kind, understanding and easy to speak too!

STEP 4: Make an appointment with your regular GP/Doctor and request a 'Mental Health Treatment Plan'.

STEP 5: When you arrive for your appointment with your GP/Doctor, they will already have the report from your online assessment through MindSpot. Your GP/Doctor will work with you to design a Mental Health Treatment Plan. If you have a Medicare Card, you are entitled to 6 free sessions with a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan. 

And again please remember, I am not a medical professional.

If you want more information about 'Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the MBS (Better Access) Initiative' please click here to visit The Australian Goverment Department of Health website! I've tried to keep this blog as simple as possible, so visit that website for all the extended facts!

If you're starting to feel less like yourself, ask for help. There is nothing more important than your health!

THIS IS NOT SPONSORED.

Until next time,
Chels x