Western Australian Mental Health Commission in Perth, Western Australia | Government organisation

Western Australian Mental Health Commission

Locality: Perth, Western Australia

Phone: +61 8 6553 0600

Address: 1 Nash Street 6000 Perth, WA, Australia

Website: http://www.mhc.wa.gov.au

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22.01.2022 Congratulations Leavers 2020. It’s been a tough year. You got thru it, so, you deserve to enjoy yourself, but don’t get too salty. Follow these tips:... Have a buddy system - to keep you and your friends safe Stay hydrated by drinking water Have fun by hanging out with your friends, in a healthy way Seek medical help, if you feel unwell or are worried about you or a friend. Stay safe and look after one another. More info at: www.leaverswa.com.au

20.01.2022 Are you expecting a little bundle of joy or perhaps you’re a new mother or father? Or you might know someone who is? We know that being pregnant or becoming a new parent can be an exciting and challenging time. It’s a big adjustment, and like all life-changing events, these things take time. But when a low mood or anxiousness start to cause concern, for more than two weeks, then perhaps you, your partner or someone you know are experiencing perinatal anxiety or depression.... Up to one in five expecting or new mothers and one in ten expecting or new fathers will experience perinatal anxiety or depression. The illness affects around 100,000 families across Australia every year. Left untreated, it can have a devastating impact on parents, partners, the baby and the rest of the family. But the great news is that you’re not alone! This week is Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Action (PANDA) Week, from 8 14 November 2020 Visit the PANDA website to find out more about perinatal anxiety and depression www.panda.org.au or download the State Wide Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Program’s action plan and do something each day in honour of PANDA Week: bit.ly/3l4UOsW If you are a parent and need help or know someone who does then visit your GP, talk to your midwife or obstetrician or call the PANDA National Helpline (Monday to Friday, 9am - 7.30pm AEST/AEDT) on 1300 726 306.

20.01.2022 It’s Naidoc Week, with the theme Always Was, Always Will Be (8-15 November 2020) and today we welcomed Whadjuk artist Julianne Wade to the Commission. Naidoc Week is held around Australia to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and what better way to kick start the celebrations than with an art class. Julianne shared her talent and knowledge with staff to create a group painting inspired by traditional Aboriginal A...rt that also tells a story using symbols and intricate dots to represent the complexity of mental health. The final piece depicted a child with connections and influences that form their thinking, development and ultimate mental health. The valuable role art therapy can play in aiding mental health recovery has been recognised. It can help to boost confidence and make people more engaged and resilient. Besides these benefits, art engagement can alleviate anxiety, depression and stress. Find out more information about Naidoc Week and Art Therapy: https://www.naidoc.org.au https://healthywa.wa.gov.au//Art-therapy-for-mental-health Need to talk to someone now? Call 000 if you feel someone is at risk. Mental Health Emergency Response 1300 555 788 (Metro) or 1800 676 822 (Peel) or 1800 552 002 (Rurallink) Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 beyondblue 1300 224 636 Alcohol and Drug Support Line 08 9442 5000 or 1800 198 024 (Country) Parent and Family Drug Support Line 08 9442 5050 or 1800 653 203 (Country)

19.01.2022 What drug do most people in Australia seek treatment for? In 2018-19, 34% of people cared and supported within treatment services nationally were addressing problems with their alcohol use. Did you know?... There are 1,258 publicly funded alcohol and other drug treatment agencies across Australia An estimated 139,000 people were helped in one year, through 237,500 treatment episodes. Although alcohol remains the main drug used in Australia, cannabis was the principal drug of concern for clients aged 10 to 19 Amphetamines were most likely to cause concern for people aged 20 to 39 years. Alcohol was the most common drug of concern for clients aged 40 and over (56%). It’s important to address your alcohol or drug use early. Don’t wait for years to go by. There is help available. For free confidential advice and support, for yourself or your loved one, call the Alcohol and Drug Support Line on 94425000 or 1800 198 024 (Country) or visit www.myservices.org.au to find your local Community Alcohol and Drug Service. Thanks to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare - AIHW for these findings. For more details go here: AODKeyFindings

19.01.2022 Lights for Lifeline is back for 2020. We know how tough this year has been, Lifeline WA answered a record number of calls from people needing support. ... To show your support Shine a Light for suicide prevention and spread some cheer throughout the community. To get involved: Host a Christmas themed morning tea Challenge your team to ‘Shine a Light for Life in the most creative way and tag #shinealightforlife Host a Christmas Casual Friday or a Bad Santa Sweater Day. For more information, check out: www.lifelinewa.org.au/Lights-for-Lifeline

17.01.2022 Hey Blokes, It’s International Men’s Day 2020 and the theme is Better Health for Men & Boys. So that means we need to keep fit; mind, body and spirit. Well done if you’re hitting the gym, going for a swim or fitting a walk in there’s other ways of looking after your mental health too. ... In Australia, 3 out of 4 four suicides are men. 95% of people who die at work are men. So, make sure you talk to your family and friends talk to your doctor. Eat well, Live Well. Cut down on the booze and spend more time relaxing & feeding the soul. For more info: https://www.thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au/supporting-my-men//

17.01.2022 Congratulations Professor Helen Milroy on winning the 2021 WA Australian of the Year. Professor Milroy has been recognised for her contribution to child and adolescent psychiatry and Aboriginal mental health. She is a consultant psychiatrist and is recognised as the first Indigenous Australian medical doctor.... Her recognition as WA’s 2021 Australian of the Year is welcome news for the field of mental health in Western Australia. Find out more: www.australianoftheyear.org.au

15.01.2022 Our My Services directory continues to grow! If you would like to find local mental health, alcohol and other drug services you can check them out at www.myservices.org.au Since it was launched in 2019, the directory has continued to grow in the number and type number of service listings. It now includes more than 750 services and 260 organisations available in WA to support you with mental health, alcohol and other drug issues.... Did you know that the My Services directory pulls information in real time directly from My Community Directory? Over the next four months the Mental Health Commission and WA Primary Health Alliance are working together to improve the information available in the directory and increase use of the My Community Directory database. Read more at: www.myservices.org.au

13.01.2022 Alcohol causes cancer. It’s as simple as that. Every three days someone in WA dies from an alcohol related cause. These include bowel, breast, stomach, liver and oesophagus cancer. ... Reduce your drinking to reduce your risk. Get out there and Act Belong Commit instead. You’ll see our Alcohol.Think Again campaign, which starts today, across TV, radio, social media and outdoor advertisements. Call the Alcohol and Drug Support Line for advice and support, if you are experiencing problems with alcohol use: 08 9442 5000, 1800 198 024 (country toll free) or www.alcoholdrugsupport.mhc.wa.gov.au

11.01.2022 Looking to learn from people who’ve ‘been there’? Join a course through the WA Recovery College. Their second term courses are now open.

09.01.2022 Mental health, alcohol and drug staff in the regions affected by Tropical Cyclone Seroja have been working hard ‘on the ground’ to support the local communities through this devastating time. A huge thank you to all of our mental health, alcohol and other drug support staff in the region. Service providers and teams have adapted to the challenges of loss of power and phone services, property damage and road closures, supporting clients over the phone or in person where possi...ble, cancelling non-urgent activities, expanding clinic hours, and providing food parcels and other assistance to vulnerable clients. In supporting your community in this time of need, you are truly amazing. Read more here: https://www.mhc.wa.gov.au//services-rally-to-help-people-/

06.01.2022 How many of the WA Mental Health Awards finalists do you know? The Awards showcase the achievements of the mental health sector in WA. They recognise and reward the achievements of those who demonstrate excellence, innovation and initiative in supporting carers and consumers of mental health or their local community (including workplaces). Congratulations to the all finalists. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 25 November at the Hyatt Regency, Perth. ... Chamber of Minerals and Energy Mentally Healthy Workplace Award Fortescue Metals Group St John of God Mt Lawley Sodexo Northern Star Resources Mental Health News Media Award ABC Radio Perth Out in Perth Even Keel Bipolar Support Association Diversity Award Spectrum Group Bella Broadway South West Aboriginal Service Clough Commissioner for Children and Young People Mentally Healthy Education Award SMYL Community College North Albany Senior High School Kinross Primary School Ocean Road Primary School Act-Belong-Commit Mental Health Employee Volunteer Excellence Award Ashly Grabski Juana Terpou Lorenzo Martinez Jenny Cramer Lifeline WA Promotion or Prevention Award Radiance Network The Wellbeing Zone Youth Focus ALIVE & Kicking Goals Innovation for Change Award Headspace Pilbara Hub Mercy Community Services Mental Health Homeless Pathway Unit Ruah Community Services Mental Illness Fellowship of WA Lived Experience Impact & Inspiration Award Katherine Houareau Julian Pace Ingrid Bentsen Virginia Catterall The Mental Health Commission provides funding to the Western Australian Association for Mental Health to deliver the Awards. For details visit the website: waamh.org.au/awards

06.01.2022 It’s Leavers Week 2020. Phew! If you’re a parent, congrats for getting them this far such an achievement! But remember there’s more you can do. Talk to your kids about alcohol.... Talk about safety Discuss the dangers and consequences of binge drinking Be open about your drinking habits Do not provide your children with alcohol. Even if your child is 18, the vast majority of Leavers are under 18 and all Leavers activities are alcohol-free. Remind them that if they experience any problems, they should contact you, or the WA Police or any of the support services. Illicit drugs aren’t often associated with Leavers. But it would be worthwhile knowing some of the risks associated with illicit drug use. For information about illegal drugs visit Drug Aware For tips and tools: www.leaverswa.com.au/Leavers/Preparing-for-Leavers

05.01.2022 Supporting those who care for others and building the capacity we need. The WA Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Workforce Strategic Framework 2020-2025 was released by the Minister for Mental Health today. An extra $1.2 million has been allocated as part of the first phase of the program to build workforce capacity in the mental health, alcohol and other drugs community sector. ... The workforce development program will include future phases and will support peer workers, clinicians, counsellors, social workers and more. Find out more on our website: https://bit.ly/37JEw57