Connect for Mental Health – Queensland Mental Health Week

September 24, 2025

News

Connect for Mental Health

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. Due to this, it’s vital that anything related to mental hardships is taken seriously – no matter how ‘strong’ someone may be. Talking about its impacts 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.

Everyone goes through times of difficulty mentally, often in the same way we experience physical issues. Opening up and focusing on the connections around us is a good start to feel better and supported.

If a loved one 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.

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

Queensland Mental Health Week

This month, World Mental Health Day lands on Friday 10 October. In support of this, Queensland has developed 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 will run from 4 October to 12 October, with many events to raise awareness and funding sponsored during that time. This year’s theme, ‘Connect for Mental Health’, highlights how important it is to take proactive steps to support positive mental wellbeing for ourselves and those around us.

For more info, go to www.qldmentalhealthweek.org.au

What Does the Data Tell Us?

Based on research in the past few years, it’s clearly evident why discussing mental wellbeing rather than ignoring it is so important.

In Queensland, approximately 23.7% of adults experienced a mental disorder in the past 12 months as of 2022.

Around 4 in 10 Australians (43.7%) experienced a mental disorder in 2020–21.

Tips and Local Services

Professional mental health and medical services play a crucial role in assisting anyone needing support. Other ways you can support yourself or a loved one can include physical exercise, 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.

Lions Club of Ashgrove The Gap are holding a special mental health awareness day in The Gap Village on Friday 10 October from 10am-3pm. Pop on by to find out what’s available in our local community to support mental health and wellbeing – with representatives from local organisations that support mental health, including Trek2Health, Communify, and the Mental Awareness Foundation.

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
Take a mental health day off – remember to relax and care for yourself
Write a list of things that you feel better while doing – easy to refer to when you’re not doing well mentally and are unsure of what to do
Talk to/call a friend, family member, or someone you trust

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

Further information and resources:

Black Dog Institute: www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Beyond Blue: www.beyondblue.org.au/

Queensland Health: www.health.qld.gov.au/

Queensland Mental Health Week: www.qldmentalhealthweek.org.au

Headspace: www.headspace.org.au/

Trek2Health: www.trek2health.org.au

Communify: www.communify.org.au

Mental Awareness Foundation: www.mentalawarenessfoundation.org/

YoungMinds Network: www.youngmindsnetwork.com.au

Find a Helpline: www.findahelpline.com