Please be advised that the following contains a conversation on mental health and may evoke emotional distress. October is National Mental Health Awareness Month here in Australia. National Mental Health Awareness Month is a campaign run by the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA). MHFA is Australia’s oldest not-for-profit, non-governmental health organisation. Each year MHFA dedicates a theme to represent Mental Health Awareness Month. This year's theme is ‘Building Resilience: Communities and Connections’. What is mental health, and why does it matter? The World Health Organisation has defined mental health as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, to realise their abilities, to learn well and work well, and to contribute to their communities.” Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many are still left feeling isolated. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there was a 25% increase in anxiety and depression within the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The following are some statistics from the WHO’s 2022 Report - World Mental Health Report: Transforming Mental Health for All: Suicide accounts for 1 in 100 deaths globally. 1 in 8 live with a mental health condition. In 2019, 970 million people globally were living with a mental disorder. This month MHFA has organised a range of events. To view these and more on Mental Health Month, click here . What can we do to help improve our mental health? It is recommended that the following activities may help with our mental health: Get Active! Start exercising regularly. Create a healthy routine - this includes a sleeping pattern. Eat healthy, regular meals & stay hydrated. Try a relaxing activity. Set goals. Practice gratitude. Stay connected - by creating a supportive network. You can speak to one of our friendly staff members about getting started on a new exercise routine! Support Networks: If you or you know anyone who needs to speak to someone for professional help speak to your GP or contact the following support networks: Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 Lifeline 13 11 14