Celebrating World Mental Health Day
This Wednesday (October 10) was World Mental Health Day, an important opportunity to raise awareness of mental health illnesses, reduce associated stigma and support those affected.
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One in five Australians experience a mental illness each year, with many close to them also impacted.
At Mates4Mates we see first-hand the detrimental effect that mental health conditions can have on individuals and their families.
Sadly, many people still don’t speak up when faced with these challenges due to the stigma that can be associated with it.
In the Australian Defence Force alone, an estimated 46 per cent of members who transitioned from full-time service within the past five years experienced some form of mental illness.
This may include anxiety, depression, substance abuse problems, post-traumatic stress or other challenges as a result of their experiences.
Mental health issues can affect anyone - regardless of age, gender, career choice or life experiences.
The need to invest in early intervention strategies to improve health and wellbeing outcomes is greater than ever.
And we’re committed to working with organisations and community groups to provide adequate support services to those in need.
Current or ex-serving Defence members, and their families, can phone 1300 4 MATES for confidential support or information about our services.
Alternatively, all Australians can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 for crisis support and suicide prevention.
Troy Watson
CEO,
Mates4Mates
Support young Australians on National Headspace Day
Wednesday (October 10) was National Headspace Day.
This is the day when we come together as Queenslanders in support of the mental health and wellbeing of all young Australians.
Sadly, around one in four young Australians are currently experiencing mental health issues.
And Headspace Day is a time to spread awareness of mental health and to support young Australians.
Whether you yourself are a young person struggling with mental health issues, or whether you’re wondering how you can help a young person struggling with their mental health, there are seven tips you can follow to help:
1. Build close and connected relationships
2. Eat well
3. Get enough sleep
4. Cut back on alcohol and other drugs
5. Stay active
6. Do stuff that’s important to you
7. Learn new ways to handle the tough times
This headspace day, I am encouraging all Queenslanders to look after their mental health and help the one in four young Queenslanders struggling with mental health.
Stephen Bennett
LNP Shadow Minister for Child Safety, Youth, Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
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