Let's talk
MEDIA RELEASE - Let's talk
April 2017
World Health Day falls on Friday, April 7 and this year's theme is 'Depression: Let's Talk'.Depression affects people of all ages, from all walks of life, in all countries. It impacts people's ability to carry out even the simplest everyday tasks, sometimes with devastating consequences.
An estimated one in five Australians experience some form of mental illness each year and half of Australian adults will experience a mental health problem during their lives.
New evidence from a study led by the World Health Organisation shows that depression and anxiety disorders alone cost more than a trillion dollars worth of economic loss every year. It is estimated that the annual cost of mental illness in Australia is approximately $20 billion.
The Shire of Manjimup are partnered with the Western Australian campaign Act-Belong-Commit in a bid create a more mentally healthy region.
Councillor Paul Omodei, Shire President, explains "we hear a lot about what we can do to prevent physical illnesses, but we need to hear more about what we can do to prevent mental illnesses and problems."
The good news is that everyone can build positive mental health by keeping physically, mentally, spiritually and socially active (act); keeping involved in family and community activities, and participating in community groups (belong); and taking on challenges or causes that provide meaning and purpose in their lives (commit).
The Shire of Manjimup encourages you to use the Act-Belong-Commit message and start a conversation about being mentally healthy with others in the community; let's talk. "The more physically healthy we are, the better we are able to resist physical illnesses and diseases. In the same way, the more mentally healthy we are, the better we are able to cope with life's problems and avoid problems like depression," Cr Omodei said.
For further ideas on how to keep mentally healthy browse the resources and activities listed at www.manjimup.wa.gov.au/actbelongcommit or call Sharon Wilkinson, Act-Belong-Commit Project Officer for the Shire of Manjimup, on 9771 7777.
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer
Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Coordinator Communication and Executive Support
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact for comment: Paul Omodei, Shire President.
Contact: 0448 810 773
