May is Mental Health Month
May is mental Health Month and this month, members of our team are taking on the Coastrek Challenge to walk 30km in a day to raise funds for BeyondBlue.
Mental health in Australia
Here's what the statistics tell us.
Three million people in Australian are currently experiencing anxiety or depression.
On average, every day in Australia, nine people sadly take their own lives and seven of those are men.
Anxiety and depression are common and treatable. It’s important to seek professional support early. The sooner people take action, the sooner they can be on the road to recovery.
Anxiety and depression are conditions, not weaknesses, and people shouldn’t feel ashamed to seek support. By talking openly, we can help raise awareness and reduce the associated stigma.
More women than men report experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress.
At least one in seven women report experiencing an anxiety-related condition.
Women report higher rates of depression or feelings of depression than men.
While women are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, men are less likely to talk about it. This increases the risk of going undiagnosed and untreated which is a major risk factor for suicide.
But there is hope, thank to organisations like Beyond Blue. And we can all do something to change these statistics.
Beyond Blue equips people with knowledge and skills to protect their own mental health, give people the confidence to support others, and include anxiety, depression and suicide in everyday conversations.
As well as tackling stigma, prejudice and discrimination, Beyond Blue works to break down the barriers that prevent people from speaking up and reaching out.
About Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue’s vision is an Australia where everyone can achieve their best possible mental health. Beyond Blue works with the community to improve mental health and prevent suicide.
Mental health conditions don’t discriminate, and neither does the work of Beyond Blue. The Support Service and Beyond Blue’s range of programs and initiatives support people at all stages of live, wherever they live, work, study and play.
Beyond Blue has three key areas that guides everything they do. Defining key areas helps Beyond Blue measure the impact of our work, ensuring all programs and initiatives remain focused on achieving our vision and mission.
Promoting mental health and wellbeing.
Being a trusted source of information, advice and support.
Working together to prevent suicide.
If you don't feel like walking 30, 45 or 60km you can support the team here.
