Today is World Mental Health Day, within Mental Health Week, in Mental Health Month; It’s a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy.

One in five Australians are affected by mental illness – with small business owners and entrepreneurs at higher rates – but many don’t seek help because of the stigma.

The goal of Mental Health Australia is to challenge negative perceptions around mental illness and to shine a positive light on the topic to reduce this stigma.

“World Mental Health Day is an amazing global collaboration helping to actively break the stigmas associated with seeking mental health support and firmly reiterating the message that it is OK to not be ok,” said Joel Anderson, Founder of Social Interaction HQ

Interested in what Canberra startups are working in this field?

Social Interaction HQ (SIHQ)

SIHQ empowers organisations to provide access to mental health services through an online platform that seamlessly integrates with their existing website.

“It is incredible to see the number of organisations & individuals spreading this message and it is an incredible feeling to be a part of an organisation that is complimenting this positive social momentum by providing affordable digital methods for accessing mental health services,” continued Joel.

Moodgym

Moodgym is an interactive self-help program that provides cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) training where you learn and practise skills which can help to prevent and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Space to Be

Space to Be shows you how to create time, space and clarity through simplifying your thoughts and home. They teach everyday systems to keep you organised, free up time and stay in control.

“I know the difference clearing out the things you have been holding onto makes to your productivity at work and your happiness in your personal life,” said Marika Vrieling, Chief Organiser at Space to Be.

PsychMatch

Overcoming the ‘luck of the draw’ when it comes to finding the right psychologist. PsychMatch is a tool that systematically matches patients and psychologist by characteristics that impact on treatment outcomes.

Positive Youth

A community social enterprise and leadership program for young justice involved men aged 12-21.
(Watch this space – Currently in The Mill House Clinic)

The Prosocial Institute

Framed around the Nobel prize-winning work of political scientist Elinor Ostrom, the Prosocial Institute helps groups of all sorts be more purposeful, collaborative and effective.
(Watch this space – Currently in The Mill House Clinic)

Learn more about Mental Health Day and what you can do to help yourself or someone you know at 1010. There are a range of resources, contacts and websites to help.

Get involved in the huge calendar of events on offer as part of Mental Health Month. There are workshops, film festivals, concerts, talks and exhibitions all with a theme of ‘Conversations and Connection’.