There has been two big events in recent days in Mount Isa both of which have been the focus on improving mental health.
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On Monday we saw the launch of a new program called NewAccess, a collaboration between Centacare North Queensland, beyondblue and the Western Queensland Primary Health Network.
The federally-funded program – developed by beyondblue and run in North West Queensland out of Centacare’s office in Short St – offers free help to those who feel stressed, anxious or are struggling with personal or work challenges.
The mental health coaching program pairs clients with professionals over six free sessions to work through their issues without the need for referral from a GP.
The program is designed to remove roadblocks such as cost, remoteness and stigma which can prevent people from reaching out for mental health support.
At the launch on Monday we heard from the two coaches who spoke of their own experiences and read out testimonials from clients who they have helped.
As beyondblue deputy CEO Susan Anderson said at the launch people think nothing about hiring a coach to help them with their physical fitness, so why not apply the same principles for people who need help with their mental health.
It’s all about removing of talking about mental health issues and to that end, the program is appealing for more men to join.
Of course men are notorious for being laggards at looking after their health and mental health is particular is a worry especially with the high rate of suicide among young men.
That topic was covered in a forum on Tuesday run by RSL Queensland.
Called “Looking After Your Mates” it had a specific focus on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – as an illness found in large numbers among ex- and serving military personnel but it also covered wider mental health issues.
The effects of PTSD reach out in the wider community with estimates of almost one in 20 people affected -over one million Australians.
Well done to the RSL for shining a light on this important but little-discussed problem.
See Saturday’s paper for more on that forum – Derek Barry