…with a theme of Learn and Grow 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mental health is the state of well-being in which every individual with their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to their community (WHO, 2014).

Many of us will experience some form of mental illness or know someone with it. In fact, one in five Australians will experience a mental illness in the next 12 months, almost 50 per cent of us in our lifetimes. In my own family I remember having anxiety after a near drowning some years ago (and yes I was swimming between the flags!) and my Dad was mildly depressed for a time after suffering a serious stroke. What helped me was acknowledging my feelings, support from my family and a lot of self talk. My Dad struggled, but then realised my Mum still needed him, friends were not giving up on him and he had to help himself to improve his situation. That realisation along with a great support group gave him the motivation to do his rehab.

The theme message ‘Learn and Grow’ is for everyone to learn more about our own mental well-being so we are encouraged to seek help when things are not going so well. It also encourages everyone to learn new things as the act of learning in itself has very positive affect on your well-being.

As I read the fact sheet I found myself agreeing with everything it said. I have been playing around with chalk paint at home, even painting the top of our dining table. The action of painting, sanding and waxing the timber is so therapeutic! Today after watching a recent gardening show on the ABC I have planted numerous seeds in makeshift greenhouses (upside down plastic tubs) and am looking forward to seeing if the seedlings will grow. There is something very healing in nature and getting outside helps reduce our stress levels.

Technology can cause stress, but can also help us manage stress. It helps us stay in touch with friends and can be a great resource. The important thing is to do everything in moderation, so having some tech free time is a good thing. What else helps our mental health?

Being open to different views, listening without judging and sharing a passion with others can go a long way when it comes to maintaining a healthy mental well-being for both ourselves and others. I am looking forward to having some student nurses visiting over the next month and sharing with them why I love school nursing. I know that I will learn something too.

People can make a simple promise to do something to help improve their mental health and well-being and then share it, hopefully making it more acceptable to talk about mental health and seek help when they need it.

If you would like to make a mental health promise go to  https://1010.org.au/promise/add                        
For more info https://mentalhealthmonth.wayahead.org.au/resources/downloadable-resources/#

Sister Margaret Bates
College Nurse