Mental Health and Social Connectedness
The World Health Organisation (2000) defines mental health as ‘a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stressors of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community’ 1.
To enable women to improve their mental health, a sense of connection is vital. Women can stay connected by:
- Making and keeping in touch with friends
- Talking with neighbours
- Joining a sport or social group
Mental health and social connectedness is a priority for WHISE because:
- 16% of new mothers in Australia will experience post natal depression 2
- One in five women will experience depression 3
- One in three women will experience and anxiety disorder 3
Act Belong Commit
The Act Belong Commit campaign encourages people to be mentally healthy by following 3 simple steps:
- Act – Go for a walk, dance, run, do a crossword puzzle
- Belong – Join a group, start a class/course, attend community events
- Commit – Make a commitment such as becoming a volunteer, a sports coach or mentor, learn something new
http://www.actbelongcommit.org.au (external link)
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue works to address issues associated with depression and anxiety through raising community awareness of depression and anxiety, providing information for people affected by depression and anxiety, developing prevention programs, supporting health professionals and research initiatives.
http://www.beyondblue.org.au (external link)
1300 224 636
Department of Health and Ageing
Provides information on mental illness and where to go for support
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/mental-pubs-w-whatmen (external link)
ERMHA
ERMHA supports the recovery of people who are affected by mental illness.
http://www.ermha.org (external link)
1300 376 421
Headspace
Headspace works with young people who require support when they are going through a tough time. Headspace can help young people with advice, support and information on general health, mental health, education, employment and alcohol and drug services.
http://www.headspace.org.au (external link)
Kids Helpline
A 24 hour phone counselling service for children and young people aged 5 – 25 years who need to talk to someone about something that is concerning them.
1800 55 1800
Lifeline
A 24 hour crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support service.
13 11 14
Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria
Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria works with people who are affected by mental illness, their families and friends to improve their overall wellbeing.
http://www.mifellowship.org (external link)
(03) 8873 2500
ReachOut
ReachOut provides young people with the support they need to manage difficulties that affect their mental health.
http://au.reachout.com (external link)
SANE Australia
SANE Australia is an Australian charity that works to improve the lives of people affected by mental illness.
http://www.sane.org (external link)
1800 187 263
SuicideLine
A telephone counselling and support service for anyone who is thinking of committing suicide, worried about someone committing suicide or who have lost someone to suicide.
http://www.suicideline.org.au (external link)
1300 651 251
References
1 World Health Organisation 2000, Women’s mental health: an evidenced based review (PDF: 552KB) (external link). World Health Organisation, Geneva
2 Beyond Blue 2011, ‘What is postnatal depression? (external link)’
3 Beyond Blue 2011, ‘Depression and anxiety disorders in women- fact sheet 13 (external link)’
