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8 - 16 October 2022 |
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Hi friend,
We're mid-way through Queensland Mental Health Week - and there's still plenty of opportunities to get involved! We hope you've found time to connect with those that you care about, as well as the groups, clubs, and networks that you rely on to help keep you happy and healthy, wherever you live, work, or play.
Read on for ideas on how to increase connection. For further stories, daily activity ideas and more, head to our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Also, don't forget we also have an array of resources available for download. It has been amazing to see the photos of these being used! Cowboys Leagues Club shared a video featuring the affirmation cards while St John Vianney's and Bribie Island State High School shared photos showing the use of school resources. |
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| Let's talk about connection! |
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Being connected to others is important for our mental and physical wellbeing and can be a protective factor against anxiety and depression.
Our individual personalities and unique environments influence the amount of social contact we each want and need. If you want to increase your connections a good place to start is to think about all the ways you are currently connected to other people.
You can reach out to the people you already know, such as co-workers, family, school friends or neighbour and arrange to have a coffee or a meal, have a round of golf, or have a video chat. Think about the interests you share for other activity ideas.
There are also lots of ways to meet new people. You could start a conversation with some of the people you see every day, such as the those on your bus or at the gym.
Where to get help
Beyond Blue’s Connections matter booklet provides practical and evidence-based suggestions for older people and their families and friends to help them strengthen and maintain their social networks. |
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| Julie's story |
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For many people, the first thing that comes to mind when asked about meaningful connections are heart-to-heart conversations.
Julie Gillespie, an accredited Principal Master Instructor for Mental Health First Aid, is so passionate about the power of converations that she has created a podcast for "people to come to, to understand how conversations are what connects us… they enable us to be functional, compassionate humans".
Julie describes herself as a woman who has learned to thrive despite her mental illness.
"Today, mental health is my focus. It is a deeply fascinating topic that no longer defines me and gives me motivation to support others who may be struggling," Julie says.
"Having conversations about mental health should be like having conversations about what we did over the weekend. Normal. Simple. Direct and clear. I think we need to practice these conversations more so it can be simpler and easier – and this (Queensland Mental Health Week) is a forum that can promote that and support it."
Click here to read Julie's story and thoughts about Queensland Mental Health Week and this year's theme. To watch/listen to the ‘Conversations with Julie’ podcast click here. |
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| Events set to occur over the next couple of days |
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The Mental Awareness Foundation's Walk for Awareness kicked off QMHW on Sunday and if you missed it you may like to watch the coverage on 7 News here. If you'd like to make a donation, it's not too late! Funds go directly to mental health charities providing frontline services to people in need. Visit walkforawareness.org.au to make a contribution
With over 400 events happening to mark QMHW, there are plenty of opportunities for people to connect! Check out our Events Calendar to see what events are on. You can search by 'Town/City' to find activities near you.
Below is just a snapshot of some of the events happening over the next few days.
*Each event will have its own registration process, opening times, etc, so please get in touch with the respective event organiser directly if you have any questions.* |
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| Brock's story |
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Army veteran Brock proudly served his country in tours of Afghanistan, Iraq and Timor, all within the space of five years. Upon his return to civilian life, Brock noticed his mental health was on a downhill slide.
“The decline happened slowly, until one day I suddenly fell off the cliff completely. I went to the emergency department and was admitted to the mental health unit at the PA. I started working with Paul from RFQ and he was amazing, he really helped me a lot.”
Brock then transferred to a private hospital, where he discovered a coping tool that would become a big part of his life – art.
“I remember in 8th grade, the teacher basically telling me I was completely failing at art – I thought ‘I just don’t understand this art stuff’. But when I reconnected with it as an adult, and I wasn’t being judged or marked on it, I found it was really therapeutic.”
Brock finds that keeping busy and focused on tasks he finds valuable is beneficial to his recovery. He has recently started volunteering in the Wounded Heroes’ op shop and veterans’ lounge, connecting with other people who have been impacted by war.
“Volunteering keeps me going and gives me a focus. I’m looking into the possibility of helping facilitate a weekly art group too, which I would love to do. Personally, art has been a major contributing factor behind my improvement and I would love the opportunity to help others heal through art.”
Brock says displaying and selling art in the 2021 Recovered Futures Art Exhibition, his first ever exhibition, gave him confidence in his abilities as an artist.
Read Brock's full story here on the Recovered Futures Art Exhibition website where you can see all the artwork in this year's Exhibition. |
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| Support services |
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If you or someone you know needs support, contact can be made with one of the below services. The 'Find help' page on our website also links to helpful websites, covering 24/7 help lines, gambling assistance, relationships, eating disorders, parenting and more.
In an emergency, call 000. |
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24/7 Crisis Helplines If you need immediate support, Lifeline (13 11 14) and the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) are available 24/7. In an emergency, call 000. |
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Funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission, Queensland Mental Health Week is coordinated by CheckUP with the support of a strong cross-sector collaboration.
Contact CheckUP
Email: info@qldmentalhealthweek.org.au |
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