The Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group campaign sets out steps you can take to support someone’s mental health.
The five steps - which are detailed on a campaign specific website - www.denimentalhealth.org.au/steps - are aimed at preventing suicide.
The steps are:
• Small changes can be a sign someone is struggling - Notice when something feels off and check in.
• Simply ask and listen - Don’t try to give advice or fix it. Just start the conversation so they can talk and feel heard.
• Share with someone you can trust - If someone talks about suicide, you should tell an adult you can trust. By telling someone, you are helping them get the support they need.
• Support is available - Help them reach out to one of the many support services available.
• Show kindness to yourself as well - Helping someone can feel heavy. Talk it through, take breaks, and remember - support is there for you too.
“Talking about suicide does not make things worse - but silence and stigma do,” Deni MHAG said.
“This campaign is about showing that suicide affects families and communities everywhere, including ours, and that no-one has to face it alone.
Every action we take - whether walking beside someone, checking in, or pointing them to support - is a step toward breaking down stigma and saving lives.“
Deni MHAG’s awareness campaign for World Suicide Prevention Day continues with the community walk tomorrow.
Delayed a week due to the weather forecast on World Suicide Prevention Day, this event is open to the entire community.
It aims to spread the message that suicide is preventable, but stigma and silence must be broken.
Starting in the Deniliquin Waring Gardens at 11am, there will be short walks at both 11.30am and 12.30m, with lunch provided in between.
Everyone is welcome to join at any time between 11am and 1pm to show support, connect, and stand with the community.
To support ongoing delivery of free mental health first aid training to the community, donate to justgiving.com/campaign/northchannel4change.
Businesses or organisations wanting to support the training can reach out to denimhag@gmail.com to arrange a tax-deductible donation and invoice.
• If you or someone you know is feeling mentally distressed or suicidal, call Accessline 1800 800 944 or present to the nearest emergency department, and they will help you access Mental Health Emergency Services. Other support services are included in the graphic.
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