ZIP IT! This is the challenge for today – do not speak and help promote awareness about mental health.
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It’s a paradox, but the Zip It campaign as part of World Mental Health Day sends a powerful message.
For many mental illnesses are a silent issue. It is hard to speak about it because it is hard to understand why people become trapped in their own heads.
Even those living with mental illness don’t understand why. It is just something that happened along the way.
The stigma associated with mental health is still rife, so this is why this week and today we are talking about it, or not as the case may be.
Let silence speak louder than words but make sure you have a conversation with people about their wellbeing, because it is part of the key to recovery.
When you live with a mental condition it is hard to reach out and engage with others.
But there are people who understand because they have been there before.
An important thing to remember when learning to cope with a mental illness is not to force feeling better. It takes time, but start doing things that make you feel good.
It is hard but start small.
Be healthy by eating good, wholesome food; drink plenty of water and exercise. It can be as simple as going for a walk, but be active.
Join a group, organisation or volunteer around your town. Associate with people who make you feel good and do something worthwhile in the process.
Don’t be scared to take some time for yourself. It is not the end of the world if you miss a day at work or uni. Nothing is more important than your health so take the time to step back and breathe. If you are struggling at any stage and do not think you can cope, know you are not alone and can seek help.
For immediate assistance contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Send your correspondence to lydia.roberts@fairfaxmedia.com.au or The Armidale Express, PO Box 70, Armidale, NSW, 2350.