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Fact Sheet No.8:

Mental Illnessand Driving

1. Mental illness - when somethingis not quite right

2. How does mental illness affect

driving?

3. What are the signs of anxiety ordepression?

Mental illness affects around 20% of Australiansat some time in their lives. Anxiety disordersand depression are the most common mentalillnesses. About 10% of Australians sufferanxiety at any one time. Other conditionsinclude:

schizophrenia;

bipolar disorders; and

eating disorders.

Unfortunately many people dont know thatmental illness can be effectively treated. Theimportant thing is to seek help early.

If untreated, mental illness can increase the riskof a crash by affecting concentration, decision-making and other important aspects of thedriving task.

Stress can also affect safe driving ability andcan aggravate existing illness, so try to be awareof the signs of stress and ask for help early. Ifmental illness is well managed you can continueto drive. In some cases a conditional licence

may be granted which may require regularreviews with a psychiatrist and/or that you takeprescribed medication.

Everyone feels sad or worried sometimes. But ifthese feeling go on for more than a few weeks,or they start to interfere with your life, talk to adoctor about it. Because it doesnt have to belike that.

If you feel sad or worried for more than a fewweeks, this might be because you havedepression or an anxiety disorder. A doctor canhelp treat this, so you feel better again.

Tell the doctor if anything on this checklistdescribes how you feel or act:

Feel unusually sad or worried for more thantwo weeks.

Lose interest in things you usually enjoy.

Feel guilty for no real reason.

Think you are worthless.

Are so worried sometimes you feel shaky orhave difficulty breathing.

Feel it wouldnt matter if you died.

Abuse drugs or alcohol.

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6. For more information

Contact:

Your local doctor - they can make an initialassessment and refer you to a specialist ifneed be.

SANE Helpline 1800 688 382.

Mensline: 24 hr counselling service onrelationship issues 1300 78 99 78www.menslineaus.org.au.

Beyond Blue: information on depression

www.beyondblue.org.au. Australian Drug Foundation www.adf.org.au.

4. Are you worried about someonewhose behaviour has changed?

Looking after your health is like looking after your vehicle - regular careand maintenance pays off in the long run

If someone you know has become confused,avoids people, or developed strange ideas notshared by others, then its important they talk toa doctor to get help.

Encourage someone to see a doctor if anythingon this checklist describes how they feel or act:

Stop talking to family and friends.

Become afraid or suspicious for no reason.

Sleep poorly or often be awake all night.

Develop strange ideas.

Hear voices no one else can hear.

Feel they have special powers.

Have difficulty concentrating.

Say or write things that dont make sense.

Also:

You can encourage them to contact one ofthe helplines i.e. SANE Helpline, Lifeline orMensline.

You can talk things over when you both feelcalm and when you feel the person is likelyto be cooperative - be careful not to judgethem.

If the person does not seek support, you cancall one of the helplines to find out what isthe next best action to take.

For immediate help in a crisis situation (such asthreatened suicide), ring the police orambulance service on 000.

5. What about drugs and mentalillness?

Some drugs can cause mental health problemsor can increase your risk of developing a mentalillness.

The effects may be due directly to the drugs(e.g. marijuana can cause psychotic symptomssuch as paranoia).

Drug use and mis-use can also interfere withwork performance and contribute to family andrelationship problems, which can in turn effectyour mental health.

The Driving and Your Health Campaign is supported by:

For more information see www.ntc.gov.au

This resource has beenproduced with input from

SANE Australia