AWARENESS:Consumer worker Jenny Coleman and Julie Proctor help promote mental health awareness. They’ll be part of the team providing free information in Post Office Lane today. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 1003obrien2
HAVING trouble with everyday life?
There are many mental health issues that can impact on a person’s life including anorexia, post-natal depression and dementia, according to O’Brien Centre consumer worker Jenny Coleman.
October is mental health month and Ms Coleman has encouraged the community to head down to the free information stand at Post Office Lane today.
Ms Coleman said mental health issues affected many families, often without people being aware of them.
“If you’ve got a child that won’t eat or a grandfather that won’t talk, they’ve all got something to gain from talking about it,” she said
The annual information stand is now in its fifth year with a range of general information available in sample bags.
“Every facet of the family can access it without having to scan a section of mental health brochures...it’s like preventative medicine,” she said.
Ms Coleman said the stand would be staffed by volunteers who have either had a mental health illness or cared for someone that does.
She said people with a mental health illness were often misunderstood by the community.
“Mental health people are gentle people, they are scared,” Ms Coleman said.
“People are often scared they’ll do awful things but they’re more on the passive side.
“It’s a holistic thing, the whole body can be affected.
“The sooner we all get that it will be a good day.”
The O’Brien Centre’s information van will be in Post Office Lane today from 9am to 1pm with free sample bags on offer.
Bozo the Clown will also be there along with face painting, helium balloons and a fundraising raffle.
If you need someone to talk to call the Mental health Line on 1800 011 511.
The hotline operates 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
nadine.morton@ruralpress.com