October is Mental Health Month and it is a time when everyone is encouraged to put their mental health first. It is a national mental health campaign co-ordinated every October by Mental Health Association NSW to promote good mental health and wellbeing in our local communities.
According to Mental Health Association NSW, each year mental health issues affect one in five Australians with anxiety disorders and depression the most common mental health challenges. Mental Health Month creates an opportunity for people to look at their own mental health and focus on ways to enhance social and emotional wellbeing while building personal resilience and support networks.
Senior Team Leader of Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol (MHDA) Service Terry Buckerfield said Western NSW Local Health District is working in partnership with various nongovernment organisations to host activities
during Mental Health Month with the theme ‘Value Your Mind’. “This year’s theme aims to encourage everyone to think about their own mental health while promoting the need for everyone to make mental health a priority in their daily life,” Terry said.
A number of activities will be held throughout October to highlight the importance of good mental health and wellbeing. “We will be holding training days in Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid, a Mental Health Forum, walks to raise postnatal depression awareness and suicide awareness, and also a number of fun events including a scavenger hunt, drumming workshops and lip sync battles,” Health Promotion and Prevention Officer Yvonne Muyambi said. “These events are a useful reminder for us all to think about our own mental health and the mental health of those around us – it is also a good excuse to get out there and have fun!”
Anyone with concerns about their mental health or that of a loved one should call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.