Recognising mental health

THIS year’s World Mental Health day, held on October 10, is themed ‘It’s Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace.’

The need for mental health services is well known, with over 10 per cent of Murrindindi Shire residents currently experiencing a mental health condition.

Alexandra District Health (ADH) has a small mental health team of qualified professionals who responded to approximately 150 people in need of referral, support or therapy in the 2023-24 year.

Risk of psychological injury is a consideration in all workplaces, so preventing burn-out among health professionals is an important mental health strategy for health organisations.

Successful and continued delivery of mental health services requires healthy mental health clinicians and this is best achieved through providing healthy work environments.

To strengthen the local mental health workforce ADH launched the Murrindindi Mental Health Professionals Network in November 2023.

This local network is run in partnership with the national Mental Health Professionals Network (MHPN) and currently has 23 members from both private and public services with diverse backgrounds including a doctor, psychologist, occupational therapist, social worker, nurse, art therapist, music therapist, grief counsellor, allied health assistant and family support worker.

Breakfast meetings are hosted at Alexandra District Health at least…