“Don’t wait for things to happen – do something about your mental health now.”
This was the message at the launch of The Land Glove Box Guide to Mental Health in Orange yesterday, which aims to lend a hand to people in rural and regional areas suffering from depression or just doing it a bit tough.
The guide, which includes advice, contacts and personal and inspiring stories, was launched virtually with a video including Minister for Mental Health Pru Goward, The Land editor Andrew Norris and Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health director David Perkins.
The theme of this year’s guide is Service Your Mind, urging people to find ways to ‘tune up’ their mental health.
Mental health professionals, community members and even some of the people who told their personal stories in the guide joined Member for Calare Andrew Gee to celebrate the guide, which is included in this week’s edition of The Land newspaper.
Mr Gee said that over the past five years, there had been a general realisation of how important mental health is.
He said his own diagnosis with cancer about six years ago made him aware how important physical health was linked to mental health.
“If you want to live a long and happy life, look after your mental health,” he said.
Scott Petersen, who runs I’ve Got Wood in Orange and told his story in the guide, spoke to the crowd about his previous struggles with alcohol and drugs.
“If I hadn’t got help, I would possibly not be standing here today,” he said.
“I hope if 500 people read my story and it helps one, that is great.
“Tough times don’t last, tough people do.”
Mr Perkins told the crowd people have a one in two chance of having a diagnosable mental health problem.
“The assumption we can sweep the mental health issue under the carpet is dreaming,” he said.
“This guide is intended to be there when people need it. And [the centre] wants to be a part of the solution. We are really ready to partner with and help people.”
