Each October, we celebrate Mental Health Month as a time to highlight conversations about mental health and breakdown the stigma that is common around this topic. It is important to remember that mental health is as important as your physical health and, in many cases, physical and mental health are linked. This month’s theme is ‘a little connection goes a long way’, where we look at how engaging with those around us through conversation, community, or by strengthening current relationships can help our mental wellbeing.
As many within Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities can attest, and which research now supports, feeling connected can help reduce stress, improve emotional balance, and make it easier for us to cope with life’s challenges. Being connected to those around us that share our interests or relate to our experiences builds a sense of belonging and creates a sense of safety when tackling life’s more difficult situations.
Similarly, finding connection to those who might not share our same culture or history, but have had similar lived experiences through life can help us learn new ways of coping with modern stressors.
While spending time alone can also support our wellbeing, such as choosing quiet time for ourselves, it can impact our mental health when time alone becomes unwanted or prolonged. It is important that as we explore our connection with others that we also explore healthy boundaries to know when it’s healthier to have alone time, share our feelings with others, and manage our ability to support others.
One important connection to consider this month is your connection to support networks, whether they be GPs, mental health professionals, or psychologists. These networks are available for a range of mental health issues, whether it be day-to-day stress, issues with family dynamics, cost-of-living pressures, or issues with drugs and alcohol. Finding time to foster these connections can be the first step to supporting yourself and supporting others in your community.
Some small steps you can take to make connections:
- Taking time for small interactions, such as a friendly greeting or smile at the shops, reaching out to a familiar face, or taking a moment to find something that makes you laugh.
- Reaching out to a service or trusted person for information or support, such as a GP, carer, or support worker.
- Connecting with culture through language, food, music, stories, art, or social activities.
- Spending time in a public or familiar place, such as a library, park, or local café – with family, a friend, a pet, or on your own.
Co.As.It. has a deep connection to its community, particularly as it changes and expands. Our community services, mental health, and counselling teams are just some of the connections you can make to support your mental health and physical health.
Find out more about our services to make a meaningful connection this Mental Health Month.
