When you think of mental health what comes to mind? More often than not the term ‘mental health’ is misinterpreted as the description for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and others.
Mental health by definition is “a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community” according to the World Health Organisation.
beyondblue is an independent, bipartisan organisation that works to raise awareness of depression, anxiety and suicide prevention, break down the stigma associated with mental illness and empower Australians to seek support when they are doing it tough, including by contacting the beyondblue Support Service, which is available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or via www.beyondblue.org.au/get- support.
beyondblue’s tools, resources and services help create mentally healthy environments. Through dedicated programs, they support schools, universities, workplaces and community organisations to protect and promote good mental health.
beyondblue’s Policy, Research and Evaluation Leader Dr Stephen Carbone told the Bowral Classic that NewAccess is an example of a beyondblue service helping to improve the mental health of Australians.
“Through NewAccess beyondblue are skilling up everyday Australians to do some basic psychological therapies and are supervised by trained mental health professionals to provide treatment to people who have mild to moderate depression and anxiety.” This will help more people recognise these conditions and provide techniques to help those experiencing mild forms of mental health illnesses manage their conditions.
beyondblue also recognises the leverage that sporting events play in putting these issues in the public arena, that is why Beyondblue have a number of sports partners as well as their ‘Run for Beyondblue’ fun run programs that provide vital funding for the continuing research, assistance and educational programs they offer. Their aim is to be as accessible as they can and reach everyone where ever they are and recognises that sporting events are a perfect way to promote a healthy and happy environment.
Dr Carbone also mentioned that exercise is good for both physical and mental health and is a helpful approach to managing mental health conditions, “In fact on the mild end of the spectrum of depression and anxiety, (exercise) can be one of the effective changes that people can make to get themselves feeling better.”
Riders of the Bowral Classic are encouraged to choose their own charity to raise funds for in the ‘You Choose, You Decide’ scheme.
“Sports people are a charitable bunch and we absolutely appreciate anyone doing the event who nominates beyondblue as their charity.” said Dr Carbone.
For more information on beyondblue visit their website, www.beyondblue.org.au
