THE MOST rewarding aspect of working as a registered nurse at Bowral Community Health Centre is seeing consumers’ illnesses resolving.
So says Kelly Mills, who takes pride knowing that she was part of her client’s journey with mental health.
“Work is different all the time, because everyone has their own story,” she said.
Ms Mills, along with senior clinical nurse Shane Schutz and service manager for mental health William Midson, spoke to the Southern Highland News specifically for Mental Health Month.
Run in conjunction with Beyond Blue’s Anxiety and Depression Awareness Month in October, it aims to raise awareness of mental health in communities.
Ms Mills’ career in mental health began while she was at university and gained experience working in the department.
“At first I was apprehensive, then I just loved it,” she said.
“I found that helping someone by working them through problems and especially liked early intervention with youth.”
She said it wasn’t until she began working at the Bowral Community Health Centre that she realised the extent of services available.
Mr Midson said that when people engaged in the health centre’s services they provided further information and advocacy for patients.
“It is difficult, but we help people to find a way through,” he said.
Mr Schutz – who has been working in the industry for 15 years – was able to see first-hand the stigma surrounding mental health gradually change.
“There is certainly still stigma and issues around mental illnesses and disabilities,” he said.
“But people accept them more now, particularly men.
“In the last 10 years, those stigmas have certainly reduced.”
Events such as Mental Health Month and Anxiety and Depression Awareness Month allow organisations, service providers and the community to create stronger partnerships.
Our masthead is blue this week to recognise mental health issues and mental health wellness."
Socrates says: Well done the Southern Highland News! You, at least know the value of quality local services for local people.