TOMORROW

is 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 affected. At Mates4Mates we see firsthand the detrimental effect that mental health conditions can have on individuals and their families.

Sadly, many people still don’t 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, and post-traumatic stress as a result of their experiences.

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’re committed to working 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.

All Australians can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 for crisis support and suicide prevention. TROY WATSON, CEO, MATES4MATES