The WA Government has today launched the Think Mental Health campaign, to encourage men to seek help early and urge their family and friends to check in with them if they notice they are not going so well.
In a first for Western Australia, the public education campaign is dedicated to improving the community’s mental health and wellbeing, and reducing the risk of suicide.
The campaign seeks to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health issues. The first phase targets men aged 25 to 54, in recognition of the higher incidence of death by suicide among this group.
The campaign emphasises the power of talking, listening and the importance of being there for your mates and your family. Through these actions, we can strengthen the protective factors in people’s lives.
Think Mental Health provides easy access to a wealth of information and resources to assist Western Australians in improving their mental health and wellbeing.
The website, http://www.thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au, has a mental health self-assessment checklist and check-up tool to help people find the right help for them, and the digital campaign will be supported by a community resource kit and materials for GPs.
The digital campaign has been developed by the Mental Health Commission and will be delivered online, via radio, social media and video.