A Conversation can Change a Life

R U OK? Day 2026 and Queensland Mental Health Week

R U OK? Day is taking place on 10 September, emphasising the chance we have to check in with ourselves and those around us to show support.

Through the organisation’s latest research, it has shown 25% of people may hesitate to ask if someone’s okay. Yet 88% of people who’ve been asked say they feel grateful, cared for and supported. This shows how even a little can go a long way.

Talking about any issues surrounding mental health is a step towards normalising these conversations even more, and the more comfortable people are on the subject, the more likely they are to seek help when needed.

And coming up in October, we have Queensland Mental Health Week to celebrate and support our community’s mental health, which is a perfect opportunity to acknowledge the important role it plays in everyone’s lives. Queensland Mental Health Week is on from 3 to 11 October, with many events to raise awareness and funding sponsored during that time.

This year’s theme, ‘Building Community Through Connection’ focuses on how connection, relationships, and those around us can support positive wellbeing, while reducing isolation and strengthening belonging.

Why it Matters

Mental health is a state of wellbeing that is foundational to our overall health and ability to think, interact, feel, and enjoy life. It impacts everyone throughout their life whether it’s one especially rough day or ongoing difficulties, which is why it’s so important to attend to.

If a loved one in your life is struggling but not open to seeking further help, be there for them in whatever ways possible and reassure them they’re cared for. Doing anything is always better than doing nothing.

Childhood Mental Health

There are many demographics that need more support and recognition – including children under the age of 12. Their wellbeing can often be overlooked, as changes in emotions and behaviour can be mistaken for normal childhood development, making it harder to recognise when they need support.

In Australia, the most recent national survey found that around 11% of children aged 4–11 experienced a mental illness in the past year, yet only 5.4% of mental health service users were aged 0–11 in 2023–24. This highlights the need to recognise and support children’s mental health earlier, rather than waiting until problems become more severe.

As young children often find it difficult to express how they feel or explain their behaviour, regular check-ins and open communication are essential.

This can be approached through kid-friendly activities, with some examples as follows:

Drawing or colouring – ask them to draw how they are feeling or what makes them happy or worried
Role-play – use toys, puppets, or characters to explore emotions and situations
Reading – discuss how characters in a story might feel and relate it to their own experiences
Feelings activities – use emotion cards, faces, or a feelings chart to help them identify and express emotions
Cooking together – use relaxed activities like cooking or baking as an opportunity to talk and connect
Bedtime check-ins – ask simple questions such as ‘what was the best part of your day?’ and ‘was anything difficult today?’
Decorate a ‘worry box’ together – then encourage children to write or draw their worries and place them in the box to discuss together

What Does Data Tell Us?

Based on recent research, including the Release of National Report Card 2025, it’s clear why discussing mental wellbeing and raising awareness is continuously vital.

42.9% of Australians aged 16–85 have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lifetime.

Mental health conditions and substance use disorders accounted for 15% of Australia’s total disease burden in 2024, with anxiety and depression among the largest contributors.

New shifts in potential psychosocial hazards are occurring as our technological world expands, including growing concerns around social media and AI especially.

Young people are disproportionately affected by many technological pressures, alongside experiences of loneliness and workplace burnout, driving reduced optimism about the future.

Sources: www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health & www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/publications/national-report-card-2025-environmental-scan

Tips and Local Services

Professional mental health and medical services play a crucial role in assisting people needing support, with varying resources suited to different age groups and preferences.

Other ways of support can include physical exercise, making art, yoga, meditation, a walk in nature, or simply catching up with a friend – just to mention a few.

Locally, there are numerous psychologists and medical services available to assist.

Local mental health advocate and psychologist, Dianne O’Malley shares that “mental health is so important to prioritise in our everyday lives and is a key part of our overall wellbeing. Poor mental health can become a problem for anyone, no matter their age or lifestyle, and there isn’t always a clear ‘solution’ or reason why. It’s normal to need help from others, whether it’s for yourself or encouraging a loved one, and there are many aspects of life that can subsequently improve. It can be daunting to reach out for help, but even if it’s just taking steps like talking to trusted family or friends it’s worth it to feel better” – Di O’Malley, Director, YoungMinds Network, The Gap

Trek2Health is a local not-for-profit that offers treks and other supporting mental health services, in particular for frontline workers. They have a focus on building mental resilience and promoting the benefits of nature and physical activity.

Other Ways to Help:

If you or someone you know is struggling, there are many ways to seek help or support mental health.

Helplines are available, findahelpline.com has many options to choose from suited to you
Engage in counselling or therapy – can be online or in person depending on what’s most comfortable
Spend time with supportive family, friends, or community groups
Look after your body; get enough sleep, eat well, move around or stretch (‘just’ 10 minutes is always better than nothing), and spend time outdoors
Set aside time for relaxing activities and hobbies that you enjoy
Limit screen time by taking regular breaks from social media and devices

Remember that feeling better can take time and come with fluctuations, but don’t let that be discouraging.