The 2 final ways you can ‘Tune In’ during mental health month are to ‘Tune In’ to your community and ‘Tune In’ to stigma.

TUNE IN TO COMMUNITIES

You can tune in to communities by considering groups and networks you are part of and the activities that take place within them. How can you make communities and activities more welcoming, open or easier to access for those experiencing difficulty with their mental health and wellbeing? 

This might mean something specific, like hiring a bus to pick people up to go to community events, or more general, like thinking about community feelings after a natural disaster. 

How can I tune in to communities?

• Joining a local hobby group 

• Taking part in community rituals, ceremonies, and events 

• Reviewing accessibility options for groups you are part of 

• Reaching out to community members who might be isolated 

• Starting wellbeing activities at work 

• Attending free community events – libraries or councils often run them 

• Creating a range of different options for people looking to connect 

• Making sure your community/workplace/group takes part in Mental Health Month 

TUNE IN TO STIGMA

You can tune in to stigma by considering the misconceptions, prejudice or barriers that you or others face regarding mental health and wellbeing. You can help increase understanding by making sure mental health and wellbeing are not taboo topics in your community, and letting others know if they are engaging in stigma-promoting behaviour. 

How can I tune in to stigma? 

• Challenging negative ideas around mental health 

• Normalise talking about mental health and wellbeing 

• Avoiding terms which can stigmatise mental health 

• Engaging people with lived experience of mental ill-health as consultants 

• Speak out about stigma when you notice it 

From: https://mentalhealthmonth.wayahead.org.au/tune-in/ (accessed 25/10/2021).

The native Australian Flannel Flower is the floral symbol of mental health awareness in Australia.

It is a flower that needs to adapt to circumstances to continue to survive. It needs to be RESILIENT - just like people - especially at this time.

During Mental Health Month while you ‘Tune In’ to yourself or to others you might like to take a look around the Lake Innes Nature Reserve between Port Macquarie and Lake Cathie.

The flannel flowers are blooming. After fires and floods they have shown they are resilient - just like all of us who have endured some of the most challenging of times we have ever seen.

If you need help to ‘adapt’ in the current climate please talk to someone - your friends, family, GP or a telephone support service (Lifeline: 131114; BeyondBlue: 1300 22 4636) .

Kelly Russell
School Counsellor