Hi friend,

It's day three of Queensland Mental Health Week and World Mental Health Day! 🧠  A day to reflect on our mental health and wellbeing, to reach out to our loved ones who may need support 🤝 and to raise awareness of this important issue.

Good mental health is when we can cope with the stressors of our daily lives, participate in loving relationships, contribute to our community, and work towards our goals. Everyone has mental health. And we can all benefit from looking after our own mental health and the mental health of our communities.

You can listen to Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic speak about the importance of good mental health and this year's theme, 'Awareness, Belonging, Connection' in the below video. We have also shared some ideas for bolstering belonging and upcoming events in this email.

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 here.

The Belonging component of this year's QMHW theme is about looking out for each other, ensuring we feel safe and supported, and understanding that however we feel, we’re not alone, and that there are others going through the same thing.

A sense of belonging is one of the fundamental needs we have as humans. When we feel we have support and that we are not alone, we are more resilient, often coping more effectively with difficult times in our lives.

Here are a few steps you may like to take to increase a sense of belonging.

🟣 Make an effort. To create a sense of belonging you can seek out activities and groups of people with whom you have common interests. Perhaps you could join a sporting club or volunteer for a cause you feel passionate about .

Wondering what kind of group you could join? If you get stuck, think back to what you loved to do as a child – drawing, writing, dancing, social sport or surfing. There are many ways to get involved with a sport or recreation club. You can:

• ask your local YMCA about social activities you can be part of.
• contact the state sport or recreation organisation or outdoor recreation organisation that looks after your activity — they may be able to help you find a club in your area
• check with your local council as they may have a list of clubs you can join.
• browse the list of national sporting organisations on the Sport Australia website to find state and national clubs for your sport
• find out how people with disability can join in sport and recreation
• check with your local university - they will often advertise social sports groups and competitions.

🟢 Practice acceptance and be patient. Focus on the similarities, not the differences, that connect you to others, and remain open to new ways of thinking. It might take time to gain acceptance, attention, and support from members of the group.

🟣 Help others feel like they belong. The importance of kindness and compassion cannot be overstated. By switching your kindness mode on, it heightens a sense of fulfilment and works as an instant mood-booster. You could introduce yourself to a new parent at your child's school, new colleague at your workplace or a new neighbour in your community. Ask them if there's anything you can do to help them settle in.

If you struggle with feelings of loneliness talk to your general practicioner or mental health professional. They can help you to identify the root of your feelings and provide strategies for achieving belongingness.

If you are interested in attending one of the hundreds of events happening across the state to mark Queensland Mental Health Week, check out our Events Calendar. Below are just a few 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.*

While everyone can take simple steps to care for their mental health at home, sometimes it's best to reach out to a mental health professional for help. Emma, a counsellor at Anglicare Southern Queensland, discusses this in a video here.

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.

• Lifeline - 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au
• Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au
• Kids Help Line - 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au
• ADIS (alcohol and drug support) - 1800 177 833
• Beyond Blue Support Service and Forums - 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au | forums.beyondblue.org.au
• SANE Forums - qldmentalhealthweek.saneforums.org

In an emergency, call 000.

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.

Contact CheckUP

Email: info@qldmentalhealthweek.org.au
PO Box 3205, South Brisbane Queensland 4101