At least 6 ways to be unique in this October's Mental Health Awareness month

October is Mental Health Awareness month. You may have joined many interested viewers, listeners, bloggers and tweeters in the media this week. This year National Mental Health Week, runs from 5 to 11 October with 10 October being World Mental Health Day, WMHD. This is a global program which aims to promote education, awareness and advocacy.

The ABC is going “Mental as” by supporting Mental Health Awareness Week. Mental health experts are hoping that this year’s Mental Health Week will work to further diminish the stigma associated with mental illness. Mental Health Australia outlines three objectives for WMHD this year, “to encourage help seeking behaviour, reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and foster connectivity throughout communities”. Focus for this year’s campaign is on Mental Health begins with me and good mental health is important to everyone. You can participate by linking to post a mental health promise.

Visit Mental Health Month NSW, to find out about the theme for Mental Health Awareness Month this year, ‘beYOUnique!’.  Access a downloadable Mental Health Month Starter Kit 2014 and view events that promote good mental health in the community. Their other intiatives designed to promote mental health and benefit all include, Mental Health Month Art page or Stress Less Tip Art page.

Link to organisations such as Headspace Mental Awareness Week Campaign and ZIP IT, donate your voice campaign or SANE to find out more ways to show your support and access information. Other Australian resources aimed at young people and children are Kidshelpline, Blackdog Institute school teaching resource and teacher webinars (there’s one next week), Reachout,  Youthbeyondblue and Children of Parents with a Mental Illness.

In support of Mental Health Week at AWCH, we have posted a book review for The young mind: an essential guide to mental health for young adults, parents and teachers. Co-edited by Professor Sue Bailey and Dr Mike Schooter and in collaboration with the Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK. This really helpful book from people in the know, fits well with the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness which encourages increased community understanding. So whether you are viewing, reading, affirming, posting, educating or hosting, I hope you find at least 6 ways to think about good mental health.

Jillian Rattray
AWCH librarian 
http://library.awch.com.au

October 2014