A time to raise awareness and promote better mental health for all.
“Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain.” Matt Haig
National Mental Health Month is an initiative of the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) to advocate for and raise awareness of Australian mental health. It is an important time when the Australian community comes together to raise awareness and promote better mental health for all.
‘Building Resilience: Communities and Connections' is this years theme
Throughout this month, many events have been organised in each state of Australia aiming to attract and unite Australians of all ages and backgrounds to raise awareness and promote better mental health for all. Click here to get involved in various events happening from 1 - 31 October 2022 https://www.mhfa.org.au/cms/national-mental-health-month-2022
Some concerning statistics
Over the past five years, mental injury claims have increased by more than 20% in Victoria. This trend is expected to continue.
The average time off work for a mental injury is more than 15 weeks.
The average cost of a mental injury claim is approximately $220,000, more than doubling in the last decade.
The Covid pandemic has triggered a 25% increase in anxiety and depression (worldwide).
A recent study by Headspace found that 74% of young Australians reported that their mental health was worse since Covid-19.
Data sources: Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the World Health Organisation and Headspace
Many mental health conditions can be effectively treated at a relatively low cost. Simple things like regular exercise, a new hobby, meditation, spending time in nature, listening to music you enjoy or talking with someone, might provide some relief from stress and anxiety.
“Never give up on someone with mental illness. When the ‘i’ is replaced by ‘we’, illness becomes wellness.” - Shannon L Alder
We can all help - simply by listening or having a conversation
Our friends at Hope Assistance Local Tradies (HALT) in Central Victoria run training on how to talk about suicidal ideation. CVC have attended this course and highly recommends it. The session explains how frank and vulnerable conversations are often exactly what people need when they are struggling with their mental health. www.halt.org.au
WorkWell ‘Toolkit’ for Small Business
This great online resource has been developed to provide small business owners with practical tips and ideas to prevent mental injuries in their workplace. www.worksafe.vic.gov.au
Help is available
Talk to your GP or contact the following services.
Local Services
Hope Assistance Local Tradies (HALT) is a national, grass-roots suicide prevention service that supports tradies and apprentices. www.halt.org.au
The recently established Castlemaine Safe Space is a welcoming drop-in space for anyone experiencing emotional distress, loneliness or suicidal thoughts. The service is staffed by volunteers with lived experience. www.castlemainesafespace,org
National Services
Lifeline provides confidential one-to-one telephone counselling and support. Phone 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue provides information, advice and support to people affected by anxiety, depression or thoughts of suicide www.beyondblue.org.au
Headspace provides online and telephone counselling and support for young people facing challenges relating to mental health, drugs and alcohol. They also provide work and study support. www.headspace.org.au
Kids Helpline provides support to kids (5-12), teens (13-17) and young adults (18-25), as well as parents and carers. www.kidshelpline.com.au
