To mark World Mental Health Day today, Lifeline Adelaide, a service of Uniting Communities, has partnered with Mental Health Australia in asking Australians to make a mental health promise to themselves.

Uniting Communities’ Chief Executive, Simon Schrapel, has highlighted the importance of the ‘Mental Health Begins with Me’ campaign and encouraged others to share their own promise on social media.

“This is a fantastic initiative,” Mr Schrapel said. “Not only does it encourage people to think about their own mental health, but it also breaks down the stigma of mental illness by tackling the issue head on.
“My mental health promise is to actively challenge people who use language which denigrates or stigmatises mental illness, each and every time I encounter it.”

“Almost 70 per cent of people with a mental illness don’t seek help, but community support for mental health can help change this. If you find you are struggling with things in your life, or are concerned about a friend of family member, remember you are not alone and help is available – Lifeline Adelaide’s 24/7 crisis support services are there for you and the people you know.”

This year, the campaign has three themes:
1. Encouraging people to seek help when they need it
2. Helping to break down stigma in relation to mental illness
3. Bringing communities together

Danielle Hanisch, Manager, Lifeline Adelaide, said that World Mental Health Day is an important reminder for the community to focus on looking after our mental wellbeing.

“With an estimated one in five Australians to experience a mental issue in the next 12 months – and nearly half of us to experience mental health difficulties during our lifetime – this is an issue that will affect us all in some way,” Ms Hanisch said.

“However, it’s important to remember that there are very good services and programs available that can help, and that most people recover from difficult periods in their life. For those going through tough times, Lifeline Adelaide can provide information, guide people through situations and promote coping strategies.”

Make your own promise and find out more details about the campaign at www.1010.org.au
For crisis or suicide prevention support, please call Lifeline Adelaide on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifelineadelaide.org