Sunday 10 October 2022 is World Mental Health Day and the message this year is that mental health is relevant to everyone – now more than ever.
Despite the increase in awareness and general reduction of stigma in some instances, there is still an enormous gap in access to mental health care and availability of services.
Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality.
World Mental Health Day is about more than advocacy. It provides an opportunity to empower people to look after their own mental health and provide support to others.
Did you know:
- Almost one billion people have a mental illness
- Globally, it is estimated 5 per cent of adults have depression
- One in every 100 deaths is by suicide – it is the fourth leading cause of death for young people aged 15-29 years
- The lost productivity resulting from depression and anxiety costs the global economy AU$1.3 trillion each year
That’s why Breakthrough is committed to tackling mental health HEAD ON. Through speaking opportunities, partnerships, activations and events – Breakthrough’s passion for mental health continues every day of the year.
Breakthrough Executive Director John Mannion said the conversation around mental health has never been strong, “but we need to make sure people are listening”.
“The covid pandemic continues to provide a strain on our mental health and on our health system. So we need to work together to look after one another and provide opportunities to empower our community,” Mr Mannion said.
“That’s why we’re committed to working with communities that have experienced devastation, such as the Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Hills bushfires, as well as sporting clubs, and youth programs to provide training for mental health first aid.
A child’s friend is their first responder – let’s empower communities to have the confidence to look after one another and have those difficult conversations – and invest in research for prevention.”
October is Mental Health Awareness Month – let’s keep the conversation going.
