Finding a WayAhead through mental health

flames if you can,” he said.

“Don’t try to put out a kitchen fire if it becomes overwhelming, escape the home and ring Triple Zero (000) - don’t go back inside a burning home.”

A record number of 16 people died as a result of fires in NSW last winter.

Mr Curtin advised residents to test smoke alarms regularly and to book a home safety visit with FRNSW through its website.

Firefighters are able to install free smoke alarms if necessary. For further information visit: www.fire.nsw.gov. au

BY SAMANTHA ELLEY

It was a full house at a forum entitled ‘Let’s Talk About Anxiety

Northern Rivers’ last week, which was held at the Ballina Byron Islander Resort in West Ballina.

Facilitator Caryn Shipp said the forum was free and being run by WayAhead, a registered Australian charity that works to educate people on mental health.

“We want to help normalise the conversation around mental health,” she said.

The forum was launched by Ballina mayor Sharon Cadwallader who acknowledged the very strong demand on the Northern Rivers for mental health support, especially after Covid and natural disasters such as bushfires and flood that have occurred.

“Events like this (forum) will help start to break down the stigma of mental health issues,” she said.

Ms Shipp introduced her niece Monique Shipp, a clinical psychologist registrar who specialises in anxiety disorders, especially select mutism, and the key speaker at the forum.

“Connecting is an important part of good mental health,” said Ms Shipp (jr).

With figures of 1.2 million males and 2.096m females in Australia who suffer from anxiety disorders, knowing the difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder is important, said Ms Shipp.

“Normal anxiety can be helpful and motivational, such as before going on stage,” she said.

“It disappears when the situation is over, however, an anxiety disorder is where the feelings come out of nowhere.

“They are intense and disproportionate and can interfere with life.”

After Ms Shipp’s talk there was a break and attendees heard from speakers with real life anxiety issues and also had the chance to speak to representatives from mental health services such as Carers NSW, Headspace Lismore, Head to Health – Open Minds, Interrelate, Lives Lived Well and New Horizons.

Visit wayaheaddirectory. org.au and type in your postcode to find mental health services in your area.

THE

August 11th 8pm