Wellbeing

Mental Health Week

In 2019, Mental Health Week (6th – 12th October) will again focus on how we live, learn, work and play - realising it's a combination of factors which impact our mental wellbeing.

Mental health is a journey. No one gets left behind.

Mental Health Week is a national week celebrated each year in October around World Mental Health Day on October 10.

Mental Health Week / Day / Month is celebrated all around Australia, with each state and territory adopting its own theme and holding their own events each year.

Mental Health Week aims to increase mental wellbeing in communities by:

Encouraging each of us to support and look out for one another
Promoting mental health discussion – learning the ‘language’ of expressing feelings, good and bad
Continuing to raise awareness of mental health issues and reduce the stigma of seeking help.

Mental health starts where we live

Living in thriving community matters, it affects how long we live, and our quality of life both physically and emotionally.

Safe homes, stable relationships, and community supports, close to where we live all set a critical foundation for good mental health.
Living in vibrant, friendly neighbourhoods, where people feel safe and welcomed creates a sense of community is essential for our mental health and wellbeing – do you have much in common with your neighbours? Have you connected or reached out to new friends in your local community?
Don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family how they are going if you’ve noticed they aren’t going so well – it could make a difference to how they are feeling knowing that someone cares.
Most people are busier than ever before and increasingly focused on saving for the next big holiday or having a bigger, better house that they have lost focus on connecting with their neighbours, and what really makes them happy.
Social isolation has been linked with anxiety, depression, antisocial and even suicidal behaviours.
How we interact, how we trust and bind with each other in a caring, inclusive community is an important protective factor for our mental health.

Mental health starts where we learn

The more social connections one has, the greater the contribution to their mental health and the better their ability to cope with stress and trauma.

Belonging to a group or community brings meaning and purpose that makes us stronger and more capable of dealing with day-to-day challenges to our mental wellbeing - it also provides a strong social network in a time of need.
Connections are vital for wellbeing - social, family, relationships
Discover new interests, hobbies, passions, and friends in your community.
Take on a new physical challenge like rock climbing, running or yoga, or join a community sports club.
Purse a creative outlet, like learning to play an instrument or learning to paint or draw.
Research shows recreational sport enhances our health and wellbeing.
Get outdoors and ‘play’ in nature.
Things you can do to boost your mood: read a book, listen to music, attend a concert, catch a movie, dance or sing, creative writing, paint a picture, play a musical instrument.
Why not organise or host a coffee catch up, riverside walk, volleyball game, barbecue get together or a singing night.

Where to get help:

You can go to the school’s Student Wellbeing Centre, your General Practitioner (GP), make an appointment to chat with someone at headspace or eheadspace for online and phone support. Or if you need to speak to someone urgently, please call: Lifeline, Kids Helpline or Emergency 000.

Headspace

(03) 9027 0100

Lifeline

13 11 14

Kids Helpline

1800 55 1800

Emergency Services

000