October is mental health month and is a reminder to think about our mental health and the mental health of those around us.
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It’s a great opportunity to engage in activities that can enhance mental health and well being and encourage those around us to participate too.
In the Bega Valley there is a wealth of activities to encourage us all to give something new a try. Every day throughout October, there are activities or talks covering a wide range of interests from park runs, open days at Men’s Sheds, talks at libraries, teen drop in sessions, drug and alcohol first aid to a Halloween Disco for kids. Check out Bega Valley Mental Health Month on council’s website.
Like our physical health, whether we are young or older, our mental health needs looking after too. It’s also a good excuse to get out there and have some fun!
The aim of mental health month is to promote the importance of early intervention practices for positive mental health and wellbeing and reduce the stigma associated with mental health. The World Health Organisations recognises World Mental Health Day on October 10.
That is also the day on which a free 10-week wellness self-management course starts in Merimbula designed to assist adults effectively manage mental health problems and support recovery. The program run by Grand Pacific Health will run for 10 weeks, Monday mornings 10.30am to 12.30pm at the Learning Centre Merimbula (old Auswide building). Go to Eventbrite.com.au and search Southern NSW PIR to register or phone the Grand Pacific Health office, Bega 6494 8800.
Today members of SPAN, our local Suicide Prevention Action Network, will launch mental health month at the Bega Valley Regional Art Gallery, at 11.30am, with the help of patron, Eden-Monaro MP, Dr Mike Kelly. SPAN aims to help prevent suicide in our community and better support those bereaved by suicide.
Chair woman of SPAN, Liz Seckold said being connected to your community was important and urged people to “grab a friend and take them to one of the activities around the shire.”
If this has raised issues for you help and advice can be found at Lifeline: 13 11 14, www.lifeline.org.au, Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467, www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au, beyondblue: 1300 22 4636, www.beyondblue.org.au