Today is World Mental Health Day!
This year’s theme, “Our minds, our rights”, focuses on mental health as a universal human right. Recognising mental health as a universal human right empowers people to advocate for their rights and for the rights of those around them.
The word ‘consumer’ is commonly used to describe people who have used mental health services and is used by peak bodies that advocate for the human rights of mental health consumers. Advocacy organisations and consumer peak bodies have an important role to play in amplifying the voices of people with lived experience through all modes of advocacy, including systemic advocacy, individual advocacy and self-advocacy.
DANA member, VMIAC is currently running the Navigating My Way project, working directly with people with psychosocial disability to make resources and tools to help navigate the NDIS. You can find out more on the VMIAC website.
Mental Health Resources
You can call Head to Health on 1800 595 212 for advice and to get connected to local mental health services. Check the operating times. The Head to Health website provides information on how to navigate the mental health system, live well and find help.
Online mental health programs include:
- headspace (for people aged 12 to 25 and their families) — call 1800 650 890 or chat online
- Beyond Blue (anyone feeling depressed or anxious) — call 1300 22 4636 or chat online
- Black Dog Institute (anyone affected by mood disorders) — online help
- SANE Australia (people living with a mental illness) — call 1800 187 263 or chat online
- This Way Up (anyone with stress, anxiety and depression) — online courses
- MindSpot (people with anxiety and depression) — call 1800 61 44 34 or complete an online screening assessment.