WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY REMINDS ALL OF US TO GET INVOLVED IF WE ARE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Today is World Mental Health Day.

 

The theme for this year’s global day is ‘Mental health in the workplace’.   

 

World Mental Health Day was first established on 10 October back in 1992 and since then it’s been an important event that highlights mental health education, awareness and advocacy.

 

Over the past 25 years there has been a genuine shift in community attitude when it comes to awareness around mental ill health and stigma reduction.

 

But the stark reality is, for all of the excellent work undertaken over many years in regards to raising awareness, sadly the rates of mental illness and suicide across Australia still remain confronting and heartbreaking.

 

It is estimated around four million Australians aged 16 to 85 experience mental health problems. This represents about 20 per cent of adults.

 

In addition, around 600,000 children and youth between the ages of 4 and 17 are affected by a clinically significant mental health problem.

 

Last month the ABS revealed 2866 Australians died by suicide last year.

 

These statistics are deeply concerning.

 

Labor knows mental health and suicide affects far too many Australians.

 

On this global day, it reminds all of us that although a lot of great work has been done we can and must do better.

 

All levels of Government should focus on a holistic approach to mental health and suicide prevention. It is only through working together that we will be able to finally reduce the impact of mental ill health and suicide in our society.

 

**For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Other services include Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467, Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636, Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800, MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978 **