Each year, one in five Victorians will experience a mental health condition. Certain population groups are at higher risk of poor mental health and mental illness because of greater vulnerability to unfavourable social, economic and environmental circumstances, including social isolation and loneliness.
Mental wellbeing is about your thoughts and feelings and how you cope with the ups and downs of everyday life. It's not the same thing as mental health, although the two can influence each other. Long periods of low mental wellbeing can lead to the development of diagnosable mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
We recognise that COVID-19 has also impacted residents' mental health and wellbeing, particularly those affected by unemployment or with limited access to income support. Prolonged periods of isolation, restricted activity and limited social connection have damaged mental health and wellbeing of many people.
‘Supporting improved mental wellbeing’ has been identified as a key health and wellbeing priority in the “Together We Are Brimbank” Council Plan 2021-25. For details on Council's response to improving mental health and wellbeing see: Mental Wellbeing Plan 2022-24 (PDF 3.4MB).
Download the Brimbank Service Providers Directory (PDF 635KB) for a range of services that can support your mental wellbeing. We also recommend contacting your local doctor/general practitioner to discuss your mental health and options for ongoing support, including developing a Mental Health Plan.
Mental Health Week is an annual awareness initiative that promotes individual and community mental health and wellbeing. During Mental Health Week in October various programs across Council run events and physical activities, mindfulness and meditation and social sessions that are all great for improving your mental wellbeing throughout the year.
Watch this space for special programs which will be created for the upcoming Mental Health Week this year.