Mental Health Month - Let's Talk About It

October is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year’s theme ‘Let’s Talk About It’ encourages self-reflection and open conversations about our mental health and overall wellbeing. It highlights the importance of talking about mental health to reduce and break down stigma, prioritising mental wellness in our everyday lives and taking a proactive approach to seeking help when needed.

According to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, between 2020 and 2022, just over 1 in 5 Australians aged 16 to 85 reported experiencing a mental health disorder in the past year. In the Nepean Blue Mountains region alone, over 57,000 people received a mental health diagnosis in the 2022/2023 financial year.

Wentworth Healthcare CEO, Lizz Reay, said that mental health issues, just like physical health issues, can affect anyone at any time and there’s no shame in talking about it or reaching out for some help if you need it.

“It’s common for people to talk about and look after their physical health, but they often don’t talk about or look after their mental health the same way. Just like it’s important to maintain our physical wellbeing, it’s also important to maintain our mental wellbeing. We all have ups and downs, and sometimes life’s challenges can become overwhelming,” she said.

“If you’re feeling sad, hopeless, stressed, anxious, or losing interest in activities you usually enjoy, seeking additional support could be helpful to get you back to feeling like yourself. It’s essential to recognise that you can experience negative mental health impacts even if you don’t have a diagnosed mental disorder,” she stated.

If you are unsure about what support you may need, Ms Reay suggests that talking to your GP could be good first step.

“GPs can refer patients to services in the area and can also look at other health factors that may be impacting your, or your family’s, overall wellbeing. They can also provide personalised support, referrals to specialists or mental health professionals, and ensure you receive the right care for your specific needs,” she said.

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