Social media campaign kicks off countdown to Mental Health Week

Queensland’s Mental Health Commission has launched a new social media campaign with a 100-day countdown that delivers 100 ways to better mental health and wellbeing.

The #100waysin100days social media campaign kicked-off on Friday on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and provides daily tips for Queenslanders to value their mental health and improve wellbeing.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Cameron Dick, said the social media campaign would help increase awareness of mental health and wellbeing in the 100 days leading up to Queensland Mental Health Week (8-14 October).

"Maintaining positive mental health and wellbeing is important to all Queenslanders, wherever they are," Mr Dick said.

"Strong mental health and wellbeing enables us to cope with the everyday stresses of life, make a productive contribution to our community and achieve our full potential.

"While we must continue our efforts to deliver quality frontline services to those experiencing a mental illness, it is equally important that we work together to promote positive mental health, prevent the onset of mental health problems where possible, and intervene early to reduce the impact and severity of mental illness.”

Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic said the campaign would help increase awareness of mental health and wellbeing.

“Over the 100 days leading up to Queensland Mental Health Week (8-14 October), the Commission and the community will be sharing tips through social media to get us all thinking about looking after our own mental health and supporting those around us,” Mr Frkovic said.

“Around half of all Australians experience mental illness in their lifetime, and about one in five experience a mental health issue in any one year.

“These figures tell us that for some people, being mentally unwell may be fleeting while for others it’s a life-long journey.

“Either way, we can and should do something to actively value our mental health,” he said.

The Queensland Mental Health Week website (www.qldmentalhealthweek.org.au) includes resources, events and opportunities for organisations and individuals to get involved.

“Our goal in 2017 is to encourage more Queenslanders to value their mental health and wellbeing, better understand mental illness and celebrate the lives of those living with mental illness,” Mr Frkovic said.

Queensland Mental Health Week is supported by the Queensland Mental Health Commission.

 Follow and join #100waysin100days

 On Facebook – Queensland Mental Health Week

On Twitter - @MHWeek

On Instagram – Qldmentalhealthweek

#QMHW #valuementalhealth

ENDS

Ministerial media inquiries: Cath Palmer, 0424 823 424

Queensland Mental Health Commission media inquiries: Kate Southwell, 07 3033 0340 or 0409 275 385