WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
WEDNESDAY, October 10, was World Mental Health Day, an important opportunity to raise awareness of mental health illnesses, reduce associated stigma and support those affected.
One in five Australians experience a mental illness each year, with many close to them also impacted. At Mates4Mates we see first-hand the detrimental effect that mental health conditions can have on individuals and their families. Sadly, many people still do not speak up when faced with these challenges due to the stigma that can be associated with it.
In the Australian Defence Force alone, an estimated 46 per cent of members who transitioned from full-time service within the past five years experienced some form of mental illness. This may include anxiety, depression, substance abuse problems, post-traumatic stress or other challenges.
Mental health issues can affect anyone – regardless of age, gender, career choice or life experiences. The need to invest in early intervention strategies to improve health and wellbeing outcomes is greater than ever and we are committed to working with organisations and community groups to provide adequate support services to those in need.
Current or ex-serving Defence members and their families can phone 1300 4 MATES for confidential support or information about our services. Alternatively, all Australians can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 for crisis support and suicide prevention.
- T. Watson, CEO, Mates4Mates
MOUNT LINDESAY HIGHWAY
BANDAID solutions are not the answer. What is the point of multiple one lane into two lanes back into one lane along the length of the highway. Start at Park Ridge where the current four lanes end and start construction of four lanes through to Beaudesert.
- S. Corbett, via Facebook
YET another plan which is unfunded. Still trying to pass it off to the Feds as their problem. How about the Queensland government spend some of Queensland taxpayers money on Queensland and realise federal funding formula will not change because you … call out “unfair”. Get on with it.
- A. Blunden, via Facebook
THE plan and timeframe is now posted on the TMR website. Funded projects are moving forward – nothing happens quickly and putting planning in place is part of the process. They have to justify the spending just like anyone else.
- C. Pridham, via Facebook
