Mental Health Minister Roger Cook and Western Australian LGBTQI+ activist Jordan Bruno are encouraging everyone to put their mental health first this week as WA celebrates Mental Health Week.
Jordan, who shot to fame as a semi-finalist on My Kitchen Rules, has come on board as an ambassador for Mental Health Week, which runs through to October 12, 2019 with the theme: Mental health starts where we live, learn, work and play.
Western Australians are being encouraged to think about the everyday settings where we can improve our own mental health and support the wellbeing of others.
As part of Mental Health Week, the State Government is providing the Western Australian Association for Mental Health with a $263,000 Lotterywest grant to help charitable organisations host their own Mental Health Week events.
The grant will also help people with lived experience and regional delegates attend the 2019 Mental Health Conference and Awards in November this year.
Major events during the week include the Arts and Mental Health Network Exhibition 'Hello to Here' which opens this evening, a Jungle Body class at the WACA Ground and the Stand Up! for Comedy Closing Gala in partnership with Perth Theatre Trust.
On Thursday (October 10), World Mental Health Day will be celebrated with Optus Stadium, Matagarup Bridge and Trafalgar Bridge in East Perth all being lit up in green; the official mental health awareness colour.
Community members and organisations are encouraged to host their own events to help increase awareness of mental health and the support that is available.
For more information, or to find a local event, visit http://www.mhw.waamh.org.au
As stated by Mental Health Minister Roger Cook:
"Just like physical health, keeping our mind healthy is something we should do on a daily basis because preventing health issues and enhancing our wellbeing is one of the best ways we can work towards a great life.
"Each year one-in-five Australians experience a mental health issue, which demonstrates that it is something we must all be aware of not just for ourselves, but also for our friends, family and workmates.
"The McGowan Government is very pleased to be able to financially support those running mental health awareness events this week, and I encourage everyone to have a look online to find something near you.
"Whether you enjoy exercising, spending time with loved ones, art, music, cooking a healthy meal or taking time out, please take action and stay mentally healthy."
Ways to look after your mental health and wellbeing
Where you live:
1. Invest time in relationships. Get in touch with people who you trust or feel good around. Give them a call, send them a message or organise to catch-up with them.
2. Eat well. Nutrition and eating well can make a difference to the way you feel and in turn may improve your mental health.
3. Sleep well. Sleep helps us to repair and restore our bodies and minds.
Where you learn and work:
4. Focus on strengths. Having positive thoughts can help you feel better.
5. Take time out. Relaxing gives your mind and body time to recover from the stresses of everyday life.
6. Mindfulness. Mindfulness can help you feel better and reduce stress. It is easy to fit into your day.
Where you play:
7. Do things with others. Spending time with family or friends, meeting new people and getting involved in activities can make a difference to how you feel.
8. Do something creative. Activities or hobbies can keep you distracted, have a positive impact on your sense of mental health and wellbeing and can help increase your confidence and self-esteem.
9. Keep active. Being physically active can improve your mood and reduces stress.
For more information, 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.
