Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
Mental Health Week (10-16 October 2022)
Every year in October, around the time of World Mental Health Day on the 10th, people all over the world celebrate National Mental Health Week.
Mental Health Week aims to raise awareness about mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding it.
Statistics suggest that two in five Australians, aged between 16 and 85, have experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life (ABS 2020-21).
A mental illness can be defined as ‘a clinically diagnosable disorder that significantly interferes with a person’s cognitive, emotional or social abilities’ (COAG Health Council 2017). It should be recognised that there are many factors that contribute to mental and emotional stress and a person does not need to meet the criteria for a mental illness or mental disorder to be negatively affected by their mental health. Mental health and wellbeing, just like our physical health, is something that should be recognised and cared for.
We have all experienced bouts of anxiousness or uncertainty at some point in our lives. Humans are biologically driven to survive and when faced with a threat or challenge, our nervous system reacts, causing us to respond to a situation mentally and physiologically.
Russ Harris, in his book The Happiness Trap explains that, “The normal thinking processes of a healthy mind naturally create psychological suffering.” We are hard wired to worry, it is how we process and deal with challenges, often unexpected, that are placed in our path.
Sometimes this innate need to worry can become overwhelming, leading to bouts of anxiety, panic and depression. Multiple sources suggest the prevalence of disorders such as anxiety and depression have increased by as much as 25% since the beginning of Covid in 2020.
“Severe and persistent” mental illnesses are those that are prolonged and recurrent, impair activities of daily living, and require long-term treatment. Statistics suggest that around 3% of the population is affected by a severe and persistent mental illness.
During Mental Health Week 2022, we encourage everyone to take the time to check in on their mental health and wellbeing. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. There are many organisations and services available to support you.
If you need immediate assistance, please call emergency services on 000.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Alcohol & Drug Support Line: 1800 198 024
Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
For further information, check out the links below, or contact wellbeing@sje.vic.edu.au
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Francis Lias
Student Wellbeing Officer