Join Big Blue Table and raise funds and awareness for mental health. This October, Mental Health Month, we’re inviting you to fight the stigma of mental health — one meal at a time. Whether it’s by hosting an extra long lunch in the office, decking your whole kitchen out in blue, or having a picnic in the park, each meal you have can lead to life-changing conversations.
Talking about your mental health can feel challenging at times, especially among family, at work, or with friends. But these conversations have the potential to be truly life-changing.
It’s estimated that 45% of people in Australia will face a mental health condition in their lifetime — so let’s ensure that no one struggles alone.
By hosting a meal with your guests, you can create a safe space where we all feel comfortable talking about our mental health anywhere, anytime.
Your impact assists
- Break the stigma: Let’s break the stigma around mental health, making hard conversations a piece of cake.
- Support a vital cause: Every dollar you raise will help start a conversation between a trained professional and someone in need.
- Build a healthier Australia: You are building an Australia that’s more supportive of mental health.
Each conversation and meal can make all the difference. Join us today and help us put mental health at the centrepiece of every table across Australia. And remember, Beyond Blue is always available if you’re seeking support for your own mental health, or you’re supporting someone going through a tough time.
Australia’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Check Research
The results of Australia’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Check, a survey of more than 5,000 people commissioned by Beyond Blue and carried out by the Social Research Centre, reveals the main reasons why people don’t reach out.
The research found:
- 30% of people living with a mental health condition that was impacting their lives were unlikely to seek support from anyone.
- 39% of people delay seeking support due to costs.
- 30% delay seeking support due to waitlists.
- 27% think they’ll get better without support.
- 24% think their problem isn’t serious enough.
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman says the data is concerning given the deep impact of poor mental health and suicide on people, families and communities.
“People need to know accessing support early, before they reach crisis point, can help alleviate stress, worry and isolation, and prevent depression and anxiety from getting worse. My message is don’t wait, don’t hesitate,” Ms Harman said.
“We know people can think their problems are too small or trivial, or they believe they are taking up valuable mental health resources. But the impacts of depression, anxiety and emotional stress can be cumulative, and small problems can snowball and become harder to manage.
“Accessing support early for yourself or someone you care about, can prevent problems escalating.”
Nearly 80% of people who contacted Beyond Blue’s Support Service reported an immediate reduction in distress, and ongoing feelings of reduced distress two weeks later.
“If you are delaying getting mental health support due to costs, or waitlists, you can reach out to the Beyond Blue Support Service or join our Online Community Forums. We are here for you regardless of how big or small the problem feels. It’s never too soon to seek support,” Ms Harman said.
About Beyond Blue
Established in October 2000, Beyond Blue initially focused on raising awareness of depression and reducing the associated stigma. As our knowledge and impact on people’s lives broadened, through research and community engagement, we added the key issue of anxiety conditions in 2011 and, more recently, suicide prevention to our core purpose. Do you need support? If you need immediate support call us on phone: 1300 22 4636
For online support please visit: https://www.beyondblue.org.au
