Encouraging mental health in our community

[Akanksha]

Today is World Mental Health Day. This year's campaign is encouraging everyone to make a promise to look after their mental health, with a focus on building “awareness, belonging and connection”.

“It is a simple call to action for the one in five Australians affected by mental illness annually, for the many more impacted by the current COVID-19 pandemic and the increased uncertainty and anxiety that has ensued over the last two years,” states the campaign’s website.

At Bunnings Workshop, we believe in the power of community and how community can enable a sense of belonging, purpose and connection. Let’s continue encouraging and reminding each other to take care of our mental health.

For anyone looking for ways to improve their mental health, the Bunnings team has shared helpful tips on looking after your mental health and wellbeing.

Bunnings Workshop member and garden expert @Noelle also reveals her top 10 medicinal herbs for good health in this guide: How to grow herbs for health and wellbeing.

There are also several professional helplines and resources to help you improve mental health.

Australian resources include:

Lifeline - 24 hour telephone counselling - 131 114

Butterfly Foundation National Helpline - 1800 334 673

Suicide Call Back Service - 24 hour telephone counselling – 1300 659 467

SANE Helpline - mental illness information, support and referral - 1800 187 263

beyondblue – Immediate support and information about depression, anxiety and related substance abuse disorders, treatments and help - 1300 224 636

Salvation Army - 24 hour telephone counselling - 1300 363 622

Men’s Line Australia - 24 hour telephone counselling - 1300 789 978

Kids Helpline - under 18 years of age - 1800 551 800

ReachOut - Support for young people.

New Zealand resources include:

Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 

Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland

Depression Helpline (8 am to 12 midnight) – 0800 111 757

Healthline – 0800 611 116

Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz

Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 – for young people up to 18 years of age. 

[Remarka6le]

Just to add to this, an often overlooked part of helping your mental health is to reach out to friends and family, something I've done in the past when struggling. While (most) friends and family aren't a doctor or counsellor, they at least know you on a more personal level and can help connect and offer assistance when needed. It could simply be a phone call, or asking to go out for lunch or a hike and talk. 

We're moving into a generation who are more accepting of mental health matters and people will be surprised by how seriously and welcoming a close friend will take your situation if presented to them.