Let’s Talk About It
Community in Western Sydney have been through a lot in the last few years: COVID-19 lockdowns, floods, increased financial pressures and more. Mental health has been one of the biggest challenges our region has faced, and it’s important to keep checking in on each other.
The theme of this year’s Mental Health Month is, ‘Let’s Talk About It’ . This prompts us all to reflect on our mental health and overall wellbeing. Maintaining good mental health is important in our daily lives and encourages a proactive approach to seeking help when necessary.
Five Tips to Boost your Mental Wellbeing
1. Prioritise self-care: Make time for activities that recharge you and reduce stress. Whether it’s a hobby, relaxation techniques or taking a break; find something that fills your bucket.
2. Stay active: Exercise helps release endorphins which improve your mood. Aim for regular exercise such as walking, yoga or playing a team sport.
Where to Get Help
3. Build and maintain relationships: Spending time with family, friends or support groups can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.
4. Practice mindfulness: Techniques like meditation and deep breathing exercises can help you stay present and manage stress.
5. Seek professional health: If you are struggling with your mental health, please speak with your GP or visit a mental health service available in your area.
There are services available to community in Western Sydney which offer support. Please visit our Mental Health webpage for more information.
Support for Young People: headspace
headspace is an early intervention program for young people aged 12-25 years, providing access to support and information for a broad range of concerns including mental health, physical or sexual health, drugs and alcohol and work and study support.
There are headspace centres in Castle Hill, Mount Druitt and Parramatta. Appointments and referrals are required. Visit the headspace website for more information.
Support for Adults: Head to Health
If you’re not feeling like yourself, Head to Health can connect you to free mental health support. Visit the Head To Health website for more information. You can call their support line or visit their safe space in person. No appointment or referral is required.
Call 1800 595 212 (9:00 am –9:00pm weekdays, 3:00 pm – 7:00pm weekends and public holidays)
Visit in person Ground Floor, Suite 1, 150 George Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150
Support for First Nations Community: Marrin Weejali
Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation provides culturally safe counselling and referral services for Western Sydney’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members affected by drug and alcohol dependency, and non-acute mental health issues.
Services include counselling, group therapy, transition assistance, health support, case management and community work.
Call: 02 9628 3031
Health professional or self-referral: Complete form
Crisis Support
If you, or the person you are supporting, needs immediate crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 . If it is an emergency, please call triple zero ( 000 ).