Australian Parliament recognises World Mental Health Day, October 2012

The Hon. Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health will join fellow parliamentarians and mental health sector advocates and stakeholders at a breakfast to officially launch World Mental Health Day 2012 at the House of Representatives’ Alcove, Parliament House from 7.30am on 10 October 2012. Attendees will include representatives from across the Australian mental health sector.

One in five people will experience mental illness this year. It’s an astounding statistic but one that for too long has not made headlines. Mental illness is more common than you think and it touches people of all ages and from all walks of life. It’s a subject that is too often hidden or stigmatised due to shame or embarrassment. As a result, many people are left feeling isolated and alone.

This is what the Mental Health Council of Australia will address in its national campaign for World Mental Health Day 2012.