Mental Health Week 5th - 13th October
Talking about our mental health can feel uncomfortable yet just like we all have physical health we all have mental health too.
The way we talk about mental health, including in our workplaces matters. Often when we are experiencing struggles with our mental health our family, friends and work colleagues are the first to notice and/or who we reach out to.
Safe, respectful and healthy conversations about mental health increase the likelihood that we will seek support when we need to. It aides in decreasing stigma and encourages and empowers us to talk about our own mental health, it reminds us that we are not alone and most importantly that healing is possible.
Mental Health Week is a National mental health promotion which is held in October each year to coincide with World Mental Health Day on the 10th of October.
The Mental Health Council of Tasmania is the peak body representing the mental health and wellbeing needs of all Tasmanians and the community organisations that work and support them.
The Mental Health Council states the purpose of Mental Health Week is to engage communities to promote mental health and wellbeing, increase understanding of and reduce stigma about mental illness and its impact on people in our communities.
There is always a theme attached to the week and this year the theme is – ‘Appreciate the little things’.
These are the things that are not likely to be earth shattering, make the news headlines or change our world greatly. These are the things that are likely to occur as part of our everyday life that we may have even forgotten to notice. For example, sharing a smile and a “good morning” with a stranger, having a belly laugh with a good friend, that slice of cake your work colleague shared with you, when your child gives you an extra tight hug at school drop off.
The aim is to be intentional and to notice and appreciate the little things that bring us joy.
We are excited to be participating this year and were successful with an application to the Mental Health Council for a grant to run activities throughout our Education and Care Services/Sites.
We will also be participating within our corporate spaces both at the IC and Glenora. There will be a series of activities and opportunities for people to engage in.
You can expect further information about what our Mental Health Week activities and ways of participating are right up to, and throughout the week. Please follow the link www.mhct.org to explore both the Mental Health Council website and Mental Health Week.
Further information about mental health can be found at:
Beyond blue www.beyondblue.org.au
The Employee Assistance Program is available by contacting Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277
Should you or someone you know wish to seek mental health support a great place to start is by talking with your GP.
Phone lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24 hour for crisis and suicide prevention support.