Written by: Vaughn Sealy – The Pro Forum Community of Practice

We all talk about mental health and what to look out for in the people around us, but what about us? Not the people around you, and not the person you know who is currently struggling, but yourself, what are you doing when it comes to your own mental health?

As you talk to people about their struggles and things that are happening in their world, how much of that are you taking on board? You may be listening to other people woes that may impact your own mental health, as we often take in small parts of other people’s problems when we speak to them.  It’s important to realise that even councillors and other professional need to debrief, you cannot listen and help and expect it not to have an impact on your own mental wellbeing.

October is the Mental Health Month to provide public awareness of mental health issues and bring them to the forefront in discussion with your peers, your family, and yourself.  This is the time to think about how you can adopt a pro-mental health lifestyle and take time out for yourself.  During this time, we think about mindfulness to other, so we need to do the same for ourselves.  Look after yourself to look after others.

Need support?

If you, or someone you care for, needs immediate support, you can contact the below National Crisis Counselling Services.

  • Lifeline 13 11 14 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Lifeline Text 0477 13 11 14 – 6pm to midnight (AEDT), 7 nights a wee
  • Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636, www.beyondblue.org.au
  • Butterfly Foundation National Helpline 1800 334 673
  • Carer Support 1800 242 636 or 1300 554 660
  • SANE Australia Helpline 1800 187 263
  • Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
  • Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 www.kidshelpline.com.au
  • MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
  • QLife 1800 184 527
  • Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling 1800 011 046

 

NOTE: The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter, and specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances. The content must not be relied upon as legal, technical, financial or other professional advice.