“Look after your mental health, Australia” – World Mental Health Day

08-Oct-2021

World Mental Health Day is on 10 October. It is an opportunity for all of us to pause and take time to prioritise our mental health. When we prioritise our mental health and wellbeing, we can better cope with the changes, stressors and uncertainty in our lives.

Over the last year and a half, many of us had to cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our day-to-day lives. There has been uncertainty, lockdowns, financial stress, loneliness and social isolation, adjusting to home schooling and remote working, and fear of the unknown – all of which can negatively impact our mental health.

Furthermore, according to the World Health Organization, certain groups, including students, people living alone, health workers, frontline workers, and people with pre-existing mental health conditions, have been particularly affected by the pandemic.

The campaign this year has a simple message: Look after your mental health, Australia. To encourage everyone to make a promise to look after their mental health, Australian charity Mental Health Australia has provided some ideas to get you started:

• Promise to explore new hobbies
• Promise to call a friend or family member today
• Promise to make time for exercise
• Promise to take time out to play
• Promise to find joy in the little things.

Visit the Mental Health Australia website and use #MentalHealthPromise and #WorldMentalHealthDay on social media to get involved in the campaign.

Additional mental health resources:

Mental Health Australia has ten tips to look after your mental health.

Head to Health has resources on maintaining good mental health during COVID-19.

Black Dog Institute has resources for anxiety and stress related to COVID-19.

MensLine Australia has free resources, phone counselling and webchat counselling.

Call 1300 78 99 78 to speak to a counsellor.

Suicide Call Back Service has free phone and webchat counselling for Australians.

Call 1300 659 467 to speak to a counsellor.

SuicideLine Victoria has free phone and web chat counselling for Victorians and mental health resources on the website.

Call 1300 651 251 to speak to a counsellor.

If it is an emergency, please call 000.