Nearly half of all adults will, at some stage, be affected by a mental illness. But despite its prevalence, the seriousness of mental health is still undermined by community attitudes.
The message from Mental Health Awareness week is to encourage Australians to take ownership of their own mental health and wellbeing,.
Jeff Kennett, CEO of Beyond Blue, says that people need to look for signs in those around them.
“In many cases, it's a change of eating habits, it's a change in sleeping habits, you might be withdrawing from people around you, you might be seeking your own company, losing your own self-confidence,” he says.
Mental Health Week this year runs from Sunday 5th to Saturday 11th October. World Mental Health Day is marked every year on the same date: October 10th.
People seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
