26 Oct 2018
October is Mental Health Month in NSW. According to their website, the aim of the campaign is to promote the importance of early intervention practices for positive mental health and wellbeing and reduce the stigma associated with mental health.
The World Health Organisation says that mental health is:
“a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.” (www.who.int/features/factfiles/mental_health/en/)
In Australia, it's estimated that 45 per cent of people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. In any one year, around 1 million Australian adults have depression, and over 2 million have anxiety. (www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts)
If you need help with your own mental health, please make sure you speak with someone – a trusted friend or family member; a teacher/staff member/school counsellor or your doctor. There are also many online resources that you can access:
www.reachout.com is aimed at people under 25 and includes online forums, tips, information and helpful apps for coping with tough times and improving wellbeing.
www.youthbeyondblue.com (Beyondblue is the adult equivalent) is another great site that explains different mental health issues, includes a 24 hour help line and online chat available after school hours.
www.headspace.org.au provides free youth health services for young people with access to a variety of experienced and friendly staff. These include psychologists, counsellors, youth workers and doctors at the Wollongong centre, ph: 4220 7660.
www.lifeline.org.au is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour (Phone: 13 11 14) crisis support and suicide prevention services.
If you’re feeling stressed, sad, anxious or down and these feelings are starting to interfere with your everyday life – please take the courageous step and ask someone for help. And as Chaplain I am also available as a listening ear who can refer you to the best help when necessary.
Mrs Leanne Begg