About Mental Health Week
NT Mental Health Week is part of a national mental health promotion campaign held in October each year, and incorporates World Mental Health Day, held globally on 10 October. The purpose of this awareness week is to engage communities in activities that promote mental health and wellbeing and to also increase understanding and reduce stigma about mental illness, and how it impacts on the lives of people in our community.
NTMHW encourages all of us to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we may have a lived experience of mental illness or not, and encourages help seeking behaviours, when needed. It provides a chance to promote activities and ideas that can have a positive impact on our daily lives and the lives of others.
The theme for this year is: ‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’
Mental Health Week in the Northern Territory this year will be from 8 – 16 October. The theme is ‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’.
Awareness is about understanding what we need to do to boost and maintain our mental wellbeing. It’s also about knowing when we need to reach out for help and where to get it.
Belonging is about looking out for each other, ensuring we feel safe and supported, and understanding that we’re not alone no matter how difficult our feelings or experiences are.
Connection is about our relationships with our friends, families and those that we care about, as well as the groups, clubs, and networks around us that we rely on to help keep us happy and healthy, wherever we live, work, or play.
Events
There are various events happening in the Northern Territory. Click here to see which events are happening near you.
Participate In Activities That Boost Your Mental Wellbeing
Taking some time out to look after our mental wellbeing lifts our mood, improves our relationships and helps us deal with life's challenges. When we look after our mental wellbeing, we are better able to cope with the everyday stresses of life, reach our goals, participate in the community and work productively. Some key areas to focus on when maintaining mental wellbeing include:
- Have a Wellness Plan
- Exercise
- Spend time in Nature
- Practice mindfulness
- Good sleep hygiene
- Make good choices re: drugs and alcohol
- Positive social relationships
For more mental health and wellbeing tips and strategies visit Beyond Blue.
Resources
For more information or resources, head to NT Mental Health Awareness Week.