Appreciating the little things in life

Mental Health Week 5 – 11 October 2008

Focusing on the good things in our life, however small they may seem, is one simple step we can all take towards better health.

This is the key message of NSW Mental Health Week 2008, being held from Sunday, 5 October to Saturday, 11 October.  It marks the first stage of a three-year campaign around building resilience that is being co-ordinated by the Mental Health Association NSW Inc.

Acting Manager of Nursing Services for Hunter New England Mental Health David McLeod said a number of factors can impact on an individual’s stress levels.

“Whether it’s our finances, workload, lack of time, loneliness or other personal issues, most of us are feeling an increasing amount of stress in our daily lives,” he said.

“We are, however, all born with the potential to develop resilience, and can learn skills to help ourselves stay positive in the face of these daily stressors.

“Resilience doesn’t make those problems go away, but can provide us with the ability to think positively, see past the challenges, enjoy life and handle stressors better,” Mr McLeod.

Maintaining a sense of optimism and appreciation of what we have is one way to build emotional resilience.

Appreciating the little things in life involves focusing on what is pleasurable, nurturing and sustaining in our lives rather than events that are annoying, frustrating or hurtful.

"We can develop this attitude through simple daily exercises, such as noting five positive things that we appreciate in our life every day. Studies have shown that keeping a ‘gratitude journal’ can help people maintain a positive mood in daily life and contribute to greater mental wellbeing,” Mr McLeod.

As part of Mental Health Week, Stress Less Day will be held on Wednesday, 8 October to promote stress management and remind Australians of the health risks of excessive stress.

World Mental Health Day, co-ordinated by the Mental Health Council of Australia, will be celebrated on Friday 10 October.

Mental health problems are common and will affect one in five Australians at some time in the next 12 months.

“Mental Health Week is an opportunity to enhance the community’s understanding of mental illness, but also to remind people that mental health is not only about illness. It’s something for everyone to think about in ensuring overall good health,” Mr McLeod said.

If you are concerned that yourself or someone close to you may be experiencing a mental health problem, please contact your local General Practitioner, Community Health Centre or Mental Health Service for professional assistance. 

A range of activities are being held across the Hunter New England Health Area to celebrate Mental Health Week 2008, and a calendar of events for your area is attached.

Visit www.mentalhealth.asn.au for further information about NSW Mental Health Week 2008.

Media: To arrange an interview or photo opportunity during the week, please contact the Hunter New England Health Communication Unit on 4985 5522.

Contact: Communication Unit

Phone: (02) 49855522