It is also a reminder that, as a community, we all have a role to play in looking out for each other, reaching out when we are concerned about someone and helping them connect with support when needed.
This year’s global theme is ‘Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change’.
Lived experience simply means a person’s own experience; what they have been through, how it has affected them and what they have learnt along the way.
When it comes to mental health, listening to people’s lived experiences can help all of us better understand each other. It reminds us that behind every conversation is someone with their own story and their own experience.
It also gives us an opportunity to think about stigma.
Stigma can be the judgement, assumptions, labels or negative language that surround mental health.
This can make it harder for people to talk openly about how they are feeling or to reach out for help.
We can all play a part in changing that.
We don’t need to be experts, and we don’t always need to have the right words.
We can be open to having conversations and listen without judgement.
If we are worried about someone, we shouldn’t let the fear of saying the wrong thing stop us from reaching out.
We don’t need the perfect words, sometimes the most important thing is simply starting the conversation.
Throughout this year, the Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group’s message has been “In Deni, we look out for each other”.
Beginning with our Sticky Topics footpath campaign and continuing through our community events, resources and Mental Health Month activities, that message is about encouraging all of us to look out for our own mental health and the mental health of those around us.
Sometimes that means having a conversation. Sometimes it means listening.
Sometimes it means recognising that we need some extra support ourselves.
And sometimes it means helping someone else find the right pathway to help.
This World Mental Health Day, ‘Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change’ is a reminder that people’s experiences matter, listening matters and conversations matter.
In Deni, we look out for each other.
To learn more about Mental Health Month, starting a conversation, seeking support or finding pathways to help for yourself or someone you are concerned about, visit www.denimentalhealth.org.au.
~ Lourene Libeneberg is chair of the Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group.
• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. You can also contact the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. Resources and pathways to help are available at www.denimentalhealth.org.au.
