Breaking the Silence: A Paramedic's View on Depression and Anxiety

World Suicide Prevention Day – September 10, 2025

As a paramedic, I’ve spent many years responding to emergencies.

Some of the most challenging calls aren't for visible injuries; they're for the wounds we can't see.

Anecdotally, in my work in Sydney, about 30% of my calls have a mental health component.

Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day September 10^th, 2025, I want to focus on two of the most common, and most hidden, struggles people face: depression and anxiety disorders. These aren't just feelings of sadness or worry; they are very real and debilitating illnesses, just like any physical illness that can be managed or cured².

The Challenge of Speaking Up

There is a great emphasis on presenting a good image to the world, especially on social media. Emotional strength and not appearing weak could damage your “brand”.

This can make it difficult for people, especially young people, to talk openly about their mental health struggles. There’s a fear of the stigma.

Part of the problem is that mental illness is often hidden by the person suffering, and because it’s not a visible physical deformity, it can be easy for others to miss. But silence is dangerous.

It prevents people from seeking help and can lead to tragic consequences.

The first step to breaking this silence is understanding what we’re looking for.

Recognising the Signs

Often, the person suffering is unaware they have an illness because, to them, their state of mind has become "normal".

That’s why it’s so important for friends, family, and colleagues to recognise the signs.

If for more than two weeks someone has lost interest in their usual activities and is showing several of the following signs, they may be experiencing depression.

Signs of depression can Include: 

• Feelings: Overwhelming sadness, irritability, frustration, or guilt.

• Thoughts: Persistent thoughts like "I'm a failure," "It's my fault," or "Life's not worth living".

• Behaviour: Withdrawing from friends and family, stopping enjoyable activities, and an inability to get things done at work or school.

• Physical Symptoms: Feeling tired all the time, frequent headaches or muscle pains, and significant changes in sleep or appetite.

Signs of an anxiety disorder or Panic Attack can include:

• A racing heartbeat.

• Shortness of breath or a choking sensation.

• Sweating, trembling, or shaking.

• Chest pain or a churning stomach.

• A feeling of dread or a fear of dying.

Recognising these signs isn't about diagnosing someone, that is for medical professionals—it's about seeing that a person you care about needs support.

How You Can Be the First Link in the Chain of Survival

You don’t need to be a doctor to provide first aid for a physical injury, and you don’t need to be a psychologist to provide initial support for a mental health crisis.

First Aid for Mental Health gives people the confidence to help.

The goal is simple: to offer initial support and guide the person toward professional help^.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Approach with Care: Find a quiet moment and gently ask, "I've noticed you haven't seemed yourself lately. Are you okay?" Starting the conversation is the hardest part, but it's the most crucial.

2. Listen Without Judgment: Let them talk. You don't need to have the answers. Just listening and acknowledging their feelings ("That sounds incredibly difficult") shows that you care.

3. Give Reassurance and Information: Remind them that they are not alone and that what they're feeling is the result of an illness, not a weakness. Let them know that help is available, and recovery is possible.

4. Encourage Professional Help: Suggest they speak to a doctor or a mental health professional. You can even offer to help them find resources or make an appointment.

By equipping ourselves with these basic skills, we can create a more compassionate and supportive community for everyone. This is how we reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and ultimately, save lives.

Let’s make Suicide Prevention Day, the day we start talking.

Let's look out for our friends, our family, and our colleagues. A simple, caring conversation can be the first, most important step on the road to recovery.

It all starts with us.