- Mental Health Week message delivered to commuters across Perth
- State Government campaign shown to improve the mental health and wellbeing of Western Australians
- New prevention plan released to help shape mental health promotion, and mental illness, alcohol and other drug prevention initiatives
As part of Mental Health Week, commuters across Perth have been offered information and advice on how to improve mental health and wellbeing.
Mental Health Minister Roger Cook joined volunteers to distribute information packs at Elizabeth Quay Station this morning. The resource packs contain advice on how to recognise mental health issues and offer strategies to deal with emerging problems.
Teams of volunteers and staff from the WA Association for Mental Health also handed out information packs at train stations in Cockburn, Joondalup and Perth. The public awareness campaign, during Mental Health Week, encourages people to check on their mental health and wellbeing, and those of others.
A recent evaluation of the McGowan Government's 'Think Mental Health' campaign has shown the program has delivered impressive results, with 28 per cent of males who saw the campaign taking action to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
The campaign was launched six months ago and calls on everyone to check in on their friends, and talk about mental health with those around them.
Men currently account for three out of four deaths by suicide. The campaign results show at-risk males are now significantly more likely to talk with a professional or family and friends about mental health.
To coincide with the campaign results, the McGowan Government has also released its new plan to guide the development and implementation of initiatives to promote mental health and prevent mental health, alcohol and other drug-related issues in Western Australia.
The Western Australian Mental Health Promotion, Mental Illness, Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Plan 2018-2025 provides an overview of recommended programs, strategies and initiatives that promote optimal mental health, reduce suicide and suicide attempts, and prevent and reduce harmful alcohol and other drug use.
For tips on how to look after your own mental health and wellbeing, visit http://www.thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au. For support, call beyondblue on 1300 224 636 for 24/7 free counselling or Lifeline in a crisis situation on 13 11 14.
As noted by Mental Health Minister Roger Cook:
"Mental Health Week encourages everyone to check in on their own, and others, mental health and wellbeing, so it was great to get out and meet Perth commuters this morning and spread the important message that mental health is everyone's business.
"The Think Mental Health campaign has been very successful as a call to action for men's mental health. It's fantastic that as a result of the campaign more people are checking in on someone who they think may not be going so well. The more we talk about mental health, the more we can identify and support those in need.
"I'd like to see more people leading well-rounded lives, both mentally and physically, to give and get the best out of life. Mental Health Week is a great opportunity for us all to stop and reflect on what we want to achieve in terms of leading happy, healthy and productive lives.
"We are releasing The Western Australian Mental Health Promotion, Mental Illness, Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Plan 2018-2025 to help guide the development and implementation of initiatives to promote mental health and prevent mental health, alcohol and other drug-related issues in Western Australia into the future."
