This month is Mental Health Month, with World Mental Health Day held on 10th October. Every year, Mental Health Month seeks to encourage us to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we have suffered from a mental illness or not. Mental Health Month acts as a reminder to understand the importance of looking after our mental health in our everyday lives and to remind us to seek help if we are struggling.
The mental health of Australians in 2020 has been significantly impacted by COVID-19. Therefore, this month we will look at common mental health issues in Australia, how to get involved in Mental Health Month, and how to help yourself and others’ mental health.
This year, Mental Health Month encourages us to:
Tuning in has been shown to help build self-awareness, insight and to help us make effective choices, reduce the impact of stress and worry, and build positive, fulfilling connections with others.
When we tune into others, not only can we feel more connected but we can also provide safe spaces for people to talk about their experiences and reduce the impact of mental health stigma.
1: Plan an event or project
Plan an event or project for Mental Health Month. Mental Health Month has plenty of resources and a starter kit with ideas on how to promote and build awareness around mental health this month including online events, wellbeing hours and creative spaces.
1. Tune in to your mental health: Ask yourself, how is my mental health at the moment?
2. Educate yourself about mental health: Mental health difficulties often go undiagnosed because people don’t know enough about mental health to spot the signs in ourselves or others.
3. Do something every day for your mental health: Just like we try to look after our physical health every day through our diet, exercise or going to the GP, we need to do acts of self-care every day to improve and protect our mental health.
4. Carry out a Weekly Mental Health Check-In: Every week, check in with your:
5. Seek help from a mental health professional: 45% of Australians with mental health illnesses do not seek help from professionals and suffer in silence for years. Speak to your GP or call Acacia Connection on 1300 364 273. Mental health support does work and helps people who are struggling live fulfilled and happy lives.
P: 1300 364 273 | Text or Live Chat: 0401 337 711 | W: acaciaconnection.com