Guidance Officer
ABOUTQMHW
Queensland Mental Health Week QMHW) is an annual awareness initiative that promotes individual and community mental health and well-being, boosts awareness of mental illness, and celebrates the contribution of the mental health and community sectors.
Each year, people across Queensland come together during QMHW through hundreds of local events, conversations and activities.
QMHW takes place in the week of World Mental Health Day in October.
This year we were honoured to be short-listed for theQMHW Achievement Awards – Schools award (Primary and Secondary).
httpss:/wwwwopenmindssorgg.au/achievement-awards
During QMHW we held a well-being expo and hosted a dozen external providers who work in the well-being and mental health sectors. USQ Phoenix Radio broadcast live and interviewed staff on the Excellence programs, GP in schools pilot program and e-sports. Link to the radio show is below. https:/cmss.megaphone.fm/channel/XARIA6198114748?selected=XARIA7542825300
As part of QMHW celebrations presenters from LIVIN and headspace were invited to speak to students about managing their mental health.
Tyrone from LIVIN reinforced the message to the Year 7s and 8s that “it ain't weak to speak”. LIVIN is an organisation that aims to reduce stigma around mental health. Speakers visit organisations to educate about identifying signs of deteriorating mental health and how to help find help.
Jodie from headspace spoke to the Year 10s on the topic of coping with stress. Jodie helped students to identify symptoms of anxiety and provided strategies to minimise stress. Jodie told students that anxiety is a normal part of life and motivates us to get things done. However, once the symptoms of anxiety get in the way of everyday life, it is time to reach out for help.
Also, during QMHW, the Ipswich Jets held a workshop with students which included a mental health focus. We were also visited by Brisbane Bullets who played against staff and students in a lunchtime match.
SUPPORT SERVICES
If you or someone you know needs support, there are a number of services available. If your situation is life-threatening, call Triple 000 immediately for help.
Lifeline - 13 11 14 | lifelineorg.au
Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467 |
suicidecallbackserviceeorg.au
SANE Australia - 1800 18 7263 | sane.org
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au
Kids Help Line - 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au
ADIS (alcohol and drug support) - 1800 177 833
Queensland Health - 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
Carers Queensland - 07 3900 8100 | carersqld.com.au
Janet Ingram
Guidance Officer