Self-harm was the leading cause of death for people aged 15-24 in NSW last year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and young people in regional areas are thought to be more at risk than their metropolitan counterparts.
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With that in mind, senior counsellor at TAFE NSW in Orange, Rachael Buckerfield works with students to tackle mental health concerns.
Sharna Dean from Orange Community Drug Action Team and Hayley Freeman from Interrelate will join Ms Buckerfield to help break the stigmas around mental health at TAFE’s March Street campus on Wednesday.
A lot of people still carry a lot of shame about mental health and suffer in silence
- Rachael Buckerfield
From 11.30am to 1.30pm the Mental Health Month celebration will include interactive stalls and displays from over 20 local services, including headspace, Mission Australia and Veritas House.
Ms Buckerfield said exposure to difficult economic and environmental conditions, plus reduced access to services, can lead to worse outcomes in regional communities.
She added that unlike more remote areas, Orange was lucky to have access to a range of great mental health resources.
“A lot of people still carry a lot of shame about mental health and suffer in silence,” Ms Buckerfield said.
“People shouldn’t be ashamed to ask for help, almost half of us will experience a mental health issue in our lifetimes.
“It’s far more common than people realise.”
There will be a free barbecue, music and other entertainment at Wednesday’s event, which is aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues and providing some information to all those who attend.
She said for five years the event had been well received by the community.
- Call Life Line Australia if you experience mental health concerns: 13 11 14
HEADSPACE HELP
Seven tips for a healthy head:
- Close and connected relationships: spend time with friends and family.
- Eat well: poor diet can increase symptoms of depression.
- Stay active: staying active can encourage better sleep and help to manage stress.
- Get enough sleep: setting enough sleep is good for both brain and body.
- Cut back on alcohol and other drugs: curbing consumption can help manage emotions.
- Learn new ways to handle tough times: try meditation, a digital detox, music or time outdoors.
- Do stuff that’s important to you: it can help keep the fun in life and provide a sense purpose.
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Alex Crowe
Alex covers science and environment issues, with a focus on local Canberra stories. alex.crowe@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Alex covers science and environment issues, with a focus on local Canberra stories. alex.crowe@austcommunitymedia.com.au
