Deniliquin MHAG members Dan Salmon, Alison Thorne, Judith McGill, Lourene Liebenberg and Elizabeth Martin.
The Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group is heading into the festive season celebrating the year’s achievements, but also recognising the next few weeks might not be a time of celebration for all.
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As the year rounds out, group members have expressed thanks to the community, partners, businesses, community groups and volunteers for their support on the many projects, events and campaigns delivered this year to continue to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing and signposting the way to help.
Deni MHAG chair Lourene Liebenberg said a highlight of the year was the two community events featuring tennis superstar and mental health advocate Jelena Dokic in October.
The group has also delivered several other projects throughout the year, including events to support Brenda Norma’s North Channel swim and Channel4Change fundraising efforts, an Are You Bogged Mate? themed Blokes Night, advocating for local HeadSpace facilities, the launch of a new suicide prevent campaign on World Suicide Prevention Day, the annual Mental Health - It’s not as scary and you think Halloween street party, and the launch of its ‘Share the load’ campaign aimed at farmers, transport workers and rural communities.
“We are thankful for the contributions made by everyone and wish our community a safe and festive season,” Mrs Liebenberg said.
“Whilst the festive season brings families and friends together, and for many this is joyous time, it is also a time that can be challenging, bringing feelings of heightened stress and feeling overwhelmed.
“For many it can also be a time of grief and loneliness.
“And sadly, for some, it can be a time of conflict.”
To support locals through this time, Deni MHAG has a range of resources and information available - including on the poster opposite this article.
“Talking about your feelings can improve your mood and make it easier to cope when things feel too much,” Mrs Liebenberg said.
“Whilst many services might not be available face-to-face during this time, there are services that are available to have a chat and provide support.
“Many people are aware of 24/7 crisis lines, however, we do want our community to know that you do not necessarily have to be in crisis to reach out for support.
“Sometimes people just need to have a chat with someone and share their feelings or talk through something that might be happening for them at that time or that might be triggering for them.
“These helplines can be found on www.denimentalhealth.org.au/helplines.”
Some of the main support services are outlined below:
Griefline: Offers free, compassionate and confidential support every day of the year. They can be reached 8am-8pm on 1300 854 745.
Friendline: Another free and confidential service which can be reached on 1800 424 287. Aimed at providing support to people who are lonely or who just want to connect with someone to talk to. This service operates between 10am and 8pm daily. Go to https://www.friendline.org.au/ for more.
Listening Ear: Loneliness is experienced by many people every day, but during holiday periods and Christmas, this feeling can become stronger when we do not have the support of family around us. Listening Ear is a free non-crisis line, offering a similar service. Support is provided to combat loneliness and providing a safe place to share feelings and concerns. This service can be reached on (02) 9477 6777 from 9am to 9pm daily. Go to https://listeningear.org.au/ for more.
“We also acknowledge that some people might not be feeling safe for several reasons or needing immediate support during this time,” Mrs Liebenberg said,.
“We remind people there is a number of 24/7 helplines people can reach out to including 1800 Respect, Lifeline, Kids Helpline, 13YARN and more.
“You can find more details for these services, and more, at denimentalhealth.org.au/holidays.”
• Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or high distress can call Accessline on 1800 800 944 or present to the Deniliquin Health Service Emergency Department 24/7. If a life is in danger, call 000.
