SOMETIMES it’s the smallest act of kindness that makes the biggest impact.
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This is the message behind next Thursday’s Goulburn and District Mental Health Expo at the Soldiers Club which aims to not only reduce stigma but also minimise risk factors by empowering both sufferers and the wider community.
The event coincides with both Mental Health Month and International Mental Health Day and will feature a full program of activities including health, beauty and drumming workshops; musical performances; interactive displays; free health checks; guided meditation; dancing and much more.
Guest speaker Heath Black - the former Fremantle Dockers midfielder - will be joined by Joanne Cunningham (whose son Hugo tragically took his own life at the age of just 18) as well as a number of mental health sufferers, each of whom will share their stories.
The expo is aimed at people of all ages and walks of life, organising committee member Deb Muddiman explained.
“We would like the main focus to be on people that are not linked with services yet,” she told the Post.
“If you have a family member or a friend with a mental health issue or if you just want to learn more about mental health, come along because there will be plenty of people there to talk to.
“Even if someone out there is struggling at the moment and just want to come along, we encourage them to do so as well.”
Statistically, one in five people will suffer from a mental health related issue at some point in their life.
Statistics also show the demand for services in Goulburn is going up.
However, this could also be related to a reduction in stigma, with more people simply seeking help.
Ms Muddiman said mental health issues were wide ranging and quite common. She believed lifestyle factors had impact wellness of mind, including diets, exercise and spirituality.
She also believed that work related stress and social media were contributing to the problem.
The organiser encouraged people to take on board the central message and apply it in their day to day lives.
“Doing a little act of kindness can have a big impact on a person,” she said.
“Even smiling at somebody when they’re having a bad day, asking them if they’re okay or even bringing in your neighbour’s bin; little things like that can really make a difference for somebody who just needs a friendly face at that time.”
Goulburn MP Pru Goward supports both the expo and mental health month, saying it provided the perfect opportunity for people to reach out to one another and discuss the issue, which would begin to erode the stigma and discrimination that people with mental illness face every day.
“The Month is also an important opportunity to create awareness about the importance of good mental health and to promote the positive actions we can all take to strengthen our own mental health,” she said.