mental health

I am incredibly passionate about mental health matters. I believe everyone has the right to feel loved, worthy and happy. I believe everyone should be able to access excellent support and services for themselves or loved ones who need help. I believe everyone has the responsibility to care for each other and to extend their hand and heart. I believe talking openly and honestly about how you are feeling is critical to the path of happiness and good mental health management.

I feel sad when people are afraid to admit their frailties or disclose their mental health condition. I feel even sadder when other people find it too uncomfortable to hear about other people's distress or mental or emotional state, so they don't listen at all.

Mental health matters to everyone. All it takes is the willingness to shift from your own worldview and learn about what it's like on the other side of the fence. If you do know what it is like on the other side of the fence, keep talking.

In 2011 Madam Bipolar and I represented Aussie bloggers in spearheading a bloggers collective for RUOK?DAY. We are both passionate about mental health and wanted to bring together people from all walks of life to share experiences. All the bloggers who participated in social media in the lead up to the day shared their stories in the hope of helping others. It was difficult but worth the effort in sharing the message of RUOK? founder Gavin Larkin. In 2012 we'd like to do it again and would love your support.

Below you will find some of my posts about why mental health matters to me. At the bottom there are a list of contacts for further information and places you can go to for help and support.

RUOK?

RUOK? Day 2011: The Bloggers Collective

What it means to be human. Vale Gavin Larkin

RUOK? Everyone needs to be seen, everyone needs to be noticed

The unforgiven fail. RUOK?


Mental health

Blogging, mental health month and bloody hell fix yourself up!

Does your mental health matter to you?

Mental health week. What about the husbands?


Where to seek help

* beyondblue info line (National) - 1300 22 4636
* Lifeline (National) - 13 11 14
* Just Ask Rural Mental Health Information & Referral Line (National) - 1300 13 11 14
* SANE Australia Helpline (National) - 1800 187 263
* Suicide Helpline - 1300 651 251
* Mensline (National) - 1300 789 978
* Australian Psychological Society Referral Line (National) 1800 333 497
* Mental Health Information Service (NSW) - 1300 794 991
* Kids Helpline (National) - 1800 551 800

A conversation could change a life

RUOK? How to get and give help.