With Mental Health Month nearly over, the workers at Centacare want to remind people that maintaining mental health should be a full time effort.
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They have even set up a program that helps people who are severely affected by a mental illness, called the Personal Helpers and Mentors program.
“The program focuses on people's strengths, what people can do rather than on what they can't do,” Isabella Raso from Centacare said.
“It focuses on recovery, demonstrating that people with a mental illness can lead a fulfilled life in the community with the same opportunities as other people.
“Recovery is a deeply personal and unique process of changing one's attitudes, values, feelings, goals and skills and/or roles.
“People who join the program will work with their personal helper and mentor to develop goals and strategies and ways to achieve these goals.”
The theme for Mental Health Month this year was 'value your mind.'
Ms Raso said people needed to take just as much care of their minds, as they would the rest of their body.
“The main message of this theme is to prioritise our mental health and well being just as much as we would maintain our physical and social health,” she said.
“When we make our mental health a priority, we are actively practicing self care, which is an important part of our daily life.”
She said there was no quick fix or easy solution, rather, people should take the time to figure out what works best for them.
“Similar to being physically healthy, maintaining a healthy mind helps to prevent mental illness and other issues that can make daily living a struggle, and it also allows for a positive lifestyle,” she said.
“With each individual being unique, it is important to recognise that our mental health needs are diverse, as is the way each individual looks after their mental health and well-being.
“Reach out before things get tough.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing an emotional crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.