Today, Friday 19th August 2022, marks the first time WJFC will hold a Mental Health Awareness Weekend. This an amazing step forward for our Club as we are working towards becoming an inclusive Club.
The weekend, running from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st, is to help promote the importance of conversations around mental illness and that it’s ok to not be ok and the importance of seeking help.
During the weekend our members are encouraged to use social media to spread awareness by sharing our mental health posts with the special hashtag #letstalkwjfc2022 and let the world know we are ready to have those conversations. We will also be sharing lots of information via our Instagram and Facebook pages so please keep an eye out and help spread the awareness.
The Aim of the Weekend?
To reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health and educate our members and followers on what we can do as a society to help others and help kick start the conversations around mental health.
What is Mental Health?
The World Organisation (WHO) defines mental health as the psychological and emotional wellbeing of an individual.
Mental Health can affect the way we interact with others, how we handle situations and how we make decisions. It can affect anyone, at any age, any gender and any race and from any socioeconomic groups.
The main factors that can contribute to your mental health are:
- Biological factors
- Family history
- Life experiences
What can help to improve your mental health?
There are many things that can help improve your mental health and by making a Mental Health Toolbox (a list of tasks you enjoy completing), it will assist with keeping on top of your emotions. Some of these task can be:
- Connections – join a Club or local group or meet with family and friends or volunteer
- Gut Health – be mindful of what you eat and drink, because you are what you eat, right?
- Nature – get out into the fresh air. Go for a walk! Join a hiking group. Get some sunlight (wear sunscreen!) or dance in the rain with your kids
What if I am really struggling?
If you find you have a low mood for a period of two weeks of more and can’t seem to pull yourself out of it, then it is best you seek help as soon as possible! Early intervention is key to recovering quicker or limiting the severity of the illness. There is absolutely no shame in making an appointment with your GP because you matter.
Below is a list of helplines who are available to talk as well:
Lifeline – 13 11 14
A 24/7 personal crisis support line that also provides suicide prevention services
Kids Help Line – 1800 55 1800
A 24/7 help line for children to young adults aged 5 to 25 years old
Beyond Blue Australia – 1300 224 636
A 24/7 support line for all Australians suffering with mental health
13Yarn – 13 92 76
24/7 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line, providing a culturally safe space to chat
Butterfly Foundations National Helpline – 1800 33 46 73
A free confidential service for people with eating disorders & body image related issues. 6am-10pm WAST/ 7 days a week
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 357
Provides 24/7 support for anyone thinking about suicide
www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78
24/7 service providing phone counselling support for men with mental health issues, anger management, family violence, addiction, relationship, stress & wellbeing
We hope that you all join us for a weekend of conversations and hopefully the conversations will continue beyond this weekend.