Mental Health Month in Narrabri
8 October 2010
A stress less day, a walk to wellness and a free community barbecue are just some of the events on in Narrabri this month to encourage mental health and wellbeing.
Mental Health Month is held in October and numerous events and activities are being held across the New England and North West Region.
The focus of Mental Health Month this year is on resilience and its importance to mental health, and in particular the importance of building and maintaining good friendships to help us bounce back.
Getting involved in activities and connecting with your community are other important ways to help people stay well.
Mental Health staff in Narrabri are hosting a number of community events during the month. These include:
• Stress Less Day on Thursday 14 October to mark Stress Less Day. The team is encouraging everyone to have fun and get into the spirit of the day by wearing their slippers or a funny hat to work. They will be giving an award for the funniest hat at a stress less stall, which will be held outside the Post Office in Maitland Street between 12pm and 2pm. Staff will also be doing a stress test survey with residents, checking blood pressure and you can even learn how to make your own stress balls.
• A Walk for Wellness on 22 October. The team invites residents to join them in one of two leisurely half-hour walks around town at either 9am or 12.30pm. The walks will leave from the Community Health Centre in Barwan Street. It’s a chance also to learn how exercise and fitness can make a positive difference to your mental health.
• A free community barbecue outside the Community Health Centre from 12pm.
Contact Kylie Redman on (02) 6799 2000 for more information about the activities.
It is estimated that Mental health problems will affect 1 in 5 Australians during their lives, Hunter New England Health Senior Mental Health Promotion Officer Dr Alan Avery said.
“Resilience doesn’t make problems go away, but it can provide the ability to see past the challenges, enjoy life more and handle future stressors better.”
It was also important to recognise that we can’t always tackle problems alone.
“Seeking help early can prevent an issue from getting worse and help you bounce back to your life more quickly,” Dr Avery said. “If you think you might be struggling with a mental health problem or concerned about someone close to you it is important to seek help.”
People are encouraged to talk to their GP, and if the situation is urgent to remember that services such as Lifeline (13 11 14) and Rural Mental Health Support Line (1800 201 123) offer 24-hour support services.
For information and referral to Hunter New England Mental Health Services in the Narrabri and across the New England and North West regions, contact 1300 669 757.
Ten tips to stress less:
• Have the courage to be imperfect
• Take time for yourself
• Sign up for that course; join that club
• Be active every day in as many ways as you can
• Spend time with people who make you feel good
• Laugh out loud each day
• Invite your neighbour over for a cup of tea
• Do one thing now you’ve been putting off
• Remember, this too shall pass
• Focus more on things you can control.
Contact: Frances Holz
Phone: 4939 2216