Breaking Barriers: Encouraging Help-Seeking for Mental Health

At Pharus Wellbeing, we often hear from participants within our training courses who face challenges when someone they care about refuses to seek help. They turn to us seeking ideas and tips on how to encourage their loved ones to take that crucial step toward seeking help and support.

Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all solution, but we want to share a story about how understanding certain mental health resources or support services can be the key to unlocking the power of seeking help. There's no single answer; it's not "the way" to go about it, but it's certainly "one way." Keep reading...

A few years ago, while working in Melbourne as the Health & Wellbeing Coordinator within the healthcare sector, it was natural for staff to approach me for various support conversations or guidance on where to find help or what resources were available. This came with the territory, and I was always willing to lend an ear or offer support.

One day, I met up for coffee with a staff member I had built a strong relationship with over the years. We would occasionally catch up for a chat or just "shoot the shit," as they say. During our meetings, they were typically outgoing and cheerful, and we'd always share a laugh or two. However, recently, I had noticed some changes in their behaviour that seemed out of character. So, I decided to check in on them to see how they were doing and delve a bit deeper, as I had some concerns.

It turned out that they were facing ongoing issues with their superiors that had started to significantly affect their mental health. It wasn't my role to fix the situation or find solutions—tempting as it was—but rather, my primary concern was their mental well-being. Towards the end of our conversation, I inquired if they had talked to anyone else or sought support elsewhere. Their response was an emphatic "no." So, I followed up by asking if they would consider reaching out to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider for support.

Their response was, "Nah mate, I don't want to use EAP. I've heard they aren't that good, and they wouldn't be able to help me with this issue anyway."

Before I continue, a couple of things to note: If you're unfamiliar with EAP programs, they typically offer short-term, confidential, and professional support to employees dealing with a wide range of personal and work-related issues. These services are external to the organization and are usually free for a certain number of support sessions. EAP providers give you access to various professionals, including counsellors, social workers, mental health nurses, psychologists, and additional wellbeing coaches etc. I recommend checking if your workplace offers this service to staff.

Secondly, unfortunately, there is sometimes a negative stigma associated with EAP programs, often due to stories circulating from individuals who have had negative experiences (usually second- or third-hand accounts) or misperceptions. In my professional experience, I've encountered more positive experiences than negative ones regarding EAP services. Personally, I've used EAP services multiple times for various reasons and have consistently found them highly beneficial. Just like with anything else, negative stories tend to stick in our minds more than positive ones. Now, back to the story...

When my colleague firmly rejected the idea of accessing our EAP program, even though they hadn't personally tried it themselves, I encountered a common barrier that helpers often face—help refusal. According to Beyond Blue, about 50% of Australians with a mental health condition seek help. That means around 50% of individuals do not seek help, although help-seeking is gradually increasing, but we still have a way to go.

This is where I'd like to share a valuable tip that may help in similar situations in the future: It's all about knowing more about the available service. When my colleague claimed that EAP couldn't assist them, I gently responded, "Did you know that there is a specific support stream within EAP called Conflict Assist? By using this service, you can speak confidentially with a professional about strategies to address workplace conflicts with your superiors. They can provide guidance on how to approach your superior, what to say, and even inform you about your rights at work. Additionally, they can serve as a sounding board for you, allowing you to discuss what's on your mind, and provide strategies to support your mental health. It's free, and you can access up to six sessions. Does this sound like something that might interest you?"

Their interest was piqued immediately. They responded, "They can provide that type of support? For free? I didn't know that!" When I asked if they'd be interested in giving it a try, they replied, "Yea, I think I would."

Cue the internal happy dance!

I share this story to highlight how having a bit more knowledge about a support service can make a significant difference and help break down barriers to seeking help. Even a little extra information, such as cost, what to expect when you call, the types of professionals available, and whether they offer face-to-face, telehealth, or phone sessions, can be immensely helpful.

Of course, you don't need to know everything about every service (that's impossible). However, having a couple of key, reputable support services in your back pocket, like a trusted local GP or your workplace's EAP provider, can be invaluable when you're checking in on someone.

If you're not aware of any supports, your local GP is always a great place to start, or you can visit the mental health support page on our website. I’ve also added a few trusted and reputable services below;

Beyond Blue

For more than 20 years, people in Australia have placed their trust in Beyond Blue as a reliable source of mental health information, support, and hope. They are one of Australia’s most well-known, trusted, and visited mental health organisations.

Open Arms

Veterans & Family Counselling was founded by Australia's Vietnam veterans. It is Australia’s leading provider of mental health assessment and counselling for Australian veterans and their families. Open Arms also support current serving defence members and their families.

Lifeline

A 24-hour nationwide service that provides access to crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services.

TIACS

TIACS provides high quality free mental health support to Australia’s blue collar community. TIACS also provides counselling services to anyone who may be a carer, friend or loved one of a blue collar worker who is doing it tough.