Look after your mental health, Australia
October is one of the biggest months on the Mental Health Australia calendar, as it marks our World Mental Health Day campaign.
Each year for World Mental Health Day on October 10 we put mental health in the spotlight to raise awareness, break down stigma, and say, ‘Look after your mental health, Australia’.
Mental health is an issue that touches every one of us in different ways. It’s an integral part of our lives, and World Mental Health Day reminds us that we can all do something about our own mental health.
One of the persistent challenges we face as a community is the pervasive stigma associated with mental health. Despite significant progress over recent years, we have seen in the Mental Health Australia 2023 Report to the Nation that 13 per cent of people still hesitate to seek support due to a fear of judgment or discrimination.
Our Report also shows First Nations Australians recording a significantly lower overall mental health rating on average, compared to non-First Nations Australians. With the upcoming Voice referendum leading to a reported rise in racism and psychological distress, it continues to be incredibly important for us all to have respectful conversations and have open dialogues around mental health.
At the core of our campaign are the themes of awareness, belonging, and connection, and throughout the month we will be sharing daily mental health tips on our social media platforms to help empower individuals to look after their mental health.
We have partnered with many organisations across the country to share the campaign far and wide, including Gayaa Dhuwi, whom we have collaborated with on a First Nations Mental Health Month calendar.
For more information and to sign up for the campaign visit https://lookafteryourmentalhealthaustralia.org.au/ now and throughout October.
I believe that change is a collective effort and invite everyone to join us in this important mission.
Have a good weekend,
Carolyn Nikoloski CEO, Mental Health Australia
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