The effects of mental health problems are huge, and given the challenging times we are living in with coronavirus, it’s more important than ever that we take steps to support good mental health.
October is National Mental Health Month, an initiative of the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) , to advocate for and raise awareness of mental health. It is an important time where the Australian community comes together to raise awareness and promote better mental health for all. 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.
The National Mental Health Month 2021 Awareness Campaign theme is:’
Mental Health: Post Pandemic Recovery Challenges and Resilience’
At all levels, the Church can be ‘a voice for the voiceless’, helping to reduce the stigma often associated with peoples’ mental health. Please make use of these resources and share them widely amongst your family, friends, colleagues and community.
Resources & Events
Mental Health Month Events
Events happening throughout Australia in October 2021 will be published on the MHFA website and social media platforms:
Webinar • Post pandemic recovery, challenges and resilience (Fri 22 Oct, 2pm)
Join Professor Emeritus Bruce Tonge, patron of Mental Health Foundation Australia, for a special Mental Health Month Webinar on Friday 22 October at 2.00pm via Zoom. This webinar will be held as part of the October Cathedral Seniors Group Meeting.
“Mental Health Month – Post pandemic recovery, challenges and resilience”
Speaker: Prof. Emeritus Bruce Tonge
Fri 22 Oct 2012, beginning 2pm.
Join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86928814369?pwd=emw1ZFZXd002L0Yvb0dvYTY4QmtFUT09
There is no cost for this webinar, however, you may also like to consider financially supporting some of the organisations below that are facing unprecedented demand and rely heavily on donations
13 Daily Reflections
Written by Revd Professor Chris Cook, Project Director for Spirituality, Theology and Mental Health at Durham University, and accompanied by “have a go” habits.
These themed reflections can be used at any point through the year and are available as a printed booklet, podcast and online.
Anxiety Depression and PTSD through the lens of COVID (re-watch)
The COVID‐19 pandemic has affected communities and individuals differently to previous epidemics and emergencies. Rising rates of mental health issues have been reported across the world. This Webinar was run by Mental Health Foundation Australian along with the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
Five Tips to Deal with Loneliness and Isolation
We all have mental health, and looking after this at times of loneliness and isolation is important. These are some simple ways you can deal with feeling lonely or isolated during lockdown.
- Pray. Light a candle, if safe, and pray for hope, faith and strength to keep loving and caring for each other during this time of struggle.
- Talk about how you feel. This may be difficult if you are self-isolating, but do use the telephone, internet, and social media.
- Focus on the things that you can change, not on the things you can’t.
- Look after yourself – physically, emotionally, spiritually. Plan in things that you enjoy at regular intervals during the day – a TV programme, a phone call, a book, a favourite dish, a game.
- Look after others. Even if only in small ways, but do what you can: a smile, a kind word, writing a letter or an email.
If you need to talk to someone, please do
These are tough times, so it’s understandable to feel down about it, but there is no need to suffer alone.
If you need someone to talk to, call:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
- Headspace on 1800 650 890