Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month is an annual event celebrated nationally, to improve community awareness and understanding of mental health and wellbeing.
Mental health Awareness Month events are coordinated by the Mental Health Coalition of South Australia (MHCSA).
Mental Health Awareness Month 2023
The theme for this year is ‘Have the conversation’ to encourage all South Australians to talk about their own mental health and that of their community.
Events will be held throughout October across metropolitan and regional areas, to help communities connect and raise awareness of the importance of mental health.
For a list of events and to register your own, visit the MHCSA website.
Get involved
Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to encourage everyone in our community to talk about their mental health, check in on those we care for and help people find the resources they need.
To help promote Mental Health Awareness Month in your community, a variety of posters and resources are available to download and print on the MHCSA website.
My community
Here are some ways you can support your community’s wellbeing:
- cook meals for your friends when they’re experiencing a difficult time
- check in on a neighbour or family member who isn’t doing so well
- invite a friend for a walk, cup of coffee or something they enjoy doing
- learn more about mental illness through articles, books, films, podcasts, or by visiting the mindshare website
- listen to and support those around you who may be struggling
- volunteer for a local service or activity that improves your community’s wellbeing
- practice kindness and empathy.
It’s important to remember that not everyone is ready to talk about their mental health. The RU OK website has great information on how to start a conversation with someone who may be struggling.
My wellbeing
Everyone’s mental health and wellbeing is important. You can help look after yours by:
- getting enough sleep
- eating regularly and healthily
- exercising
- reducing alcohol consumption
- spending quality time with loved ones or people whose company you enjoy
- learning ways to manage stress
- actively managing your use of electronic devices and consumption of social media
- finding time for things you enjoy, such as outdoor and creative activities or learning a new skill
To learn more about how to look after your mental wellbeing, visit the Wellbeing
SA website.
My support
Here are some ways you can seek support when you need it:
- talking to someone you trust
- joining a support group, such as Grow SA or your local Men’s Shed
- visiting a headspace centre in your area, if you are a young person
- speaking to someone who has personal lived experience of recovery and managing challenges to their mental health via the Lived Experience Telephone Support Service 1800 013 755, or Skylight (08) 8378 4100
- calling the Regional Access helpline on 1300 032 186 if you are feeling the pressures of everyday life and are living or working in regional South Australia
- connecting with First Nations controlled services via Nunkuwarrin Yunti of South Australia
- calling ASKPEACE on (08) 8245 8110 if English is not your first language
- visiting any of the following websites for great resources on mental health and wellbeing:
- calling the Head to Health phone line on 1800 595 212 for support, information and connection to the local mental health service or to find support that is right for you
- calling Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.