Thursday 14 September was R U OK? Day when yellow balloons and streamers signal for us to check in with each other.

In Castlereagh Street Coonamble the yellow balloons could be seen tied to posts and pushing past on prams.

A few doors down from the Coonamble Times, the team at Interrelate team stood in the street to chat to passersby about what R U OK? Day really means and had brochures to collect that could help you start that conversation.

Local psychologist Stephanie Ryan has her office almost next door.

She explained why it is important for us to ask those questions that R U OK? Day reminds us about.

“It can be hard because there are many signs that people aren’t coping and depression has some symptoms that are hard to recognise,” she said.

“Not everyone becomes quiet and withdrawn. Sometimes it’s more ‘I can see you’re angry or irritated...’

“Depression can be all those things. Don’t leave those people alone, lean into them.

“There are people who learn to mask depression and anxiety, sometimes they’ve been masking it their whole lives -- like the Robin Williams (American comedian) type of depression.

“They’re really hard people to deal with because they don’t want to admit they’re depressed. There’s still a stigma. 

“It’s the people who know you really well who have to say ‘you’re not right at the moment’.”

PHOTO: Local psychologist Stephanie Ryan.

Mrs Ryan says that anger can be a symptom of depression along with things like gaining or losing weight, apathy, losing enjoyment of life, becoming forgetful, not sleeping or sleeping too much.

“There are many symptoms,” she says. “Even suicidal ideation is a symptom of depression, it’s like a cough signals a cold.

“When you’re well those thoughts don’t enter your mind because you’re thinking about other people. When you’re depressed you become really insulated and you can develop tunnel vision.”

“Depression is not a weakness, it’s actually real and it can happen to you.

“It’s a biological change in your body, you just can’t see it.”

Like any illlness, Mrs Ryan says depression is treatable and this can sometimes include medication.

“Some people are so against medication for these things. But if you have the flu do you get sicker or take antibiotics? Anti-depressants are so safe now - aren’t they worth having to get you moving, or re-set your clock?”

Often, if people we know are starting to show signs of being unwell in this way, we all have a role to play.

“If you know a few key things about depression you can recognise and lean into people instead of walking away - and you can get some really good outcomes,” Mrs Ryan said.

“It can be tricky because adults can act out - it could be drinking too much or becoming aggressive, it’s not always sadness.

“Because mental illness is so insidious you can get used to the change and often they don’t recognise it in themselves.

“Most people in their lifetime will be depressed at some point.

“It’s a real disease, it needs to be treated. How it is treated is people’s personal choice but we can all help.”

Pick up a brochure at Interrelate or search R U OK? Day online.

If you or someone you know needs help please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 13YARN (13 92 76) or the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.