'Tune In' this Mental Health Month

October is Mental Health Month. Every year throughout October, we are encouraged to think about our mental health and wellbeing, whether we have had a lived experience of mental illness or not. During Mental Health Month we are reminded to understand the importance of good mental health in everyday life and encourages us to seek help, not only for ourselves but for others, when needed.

The theme for Mental Health Month this year is ‘Tune In’ we aim to encourage people to tune into their own mental, social and emotional wellbeing, decrease the stigma, and empower people to seek help for themselves and others.

So what does it mean to ‘Tune In’?

‘Tuning In’ can mean a lot of different things to a lot of people and can include:

Being present in the moment and aware in a non-judgmental way of what is happening with yourself and the world around you which is particularly important in today’s environment
Tuning into our thoughts - creating space between ourselves and our negative and judgmental thoughts so they do not have a hold on us
Tuning in to your senses - developing awareness and acceptance of our feelings and sensations in our body
Tuning into perceptions of control - working on what we can influence, and work towards an acceptance in the areas we have no control
Tuning in to your community - how can I help others and engage in meaningful ways of change in my community
Tuning into the impact of stigma - understanding the impact of stigma on people with a lived experience of mental health
Tuning in to our mental health and wellbeing can allow people to focus, become present and understand their own mental health and the mental health of those around you. It can also help to create self-awareness so that we can monitor mood and anxiety akin to the way that we monitor blood pressure and develop strategies to manage day-to-day mental health.

Tuning in to our mental health and wellbeing can allow people to focus, become present and understand their own mental health and the mental health of those around you. It can also help to create self-awareness so that we can monitor mood and anxiety akin to the way that we monitor blood pressure and develop strategies to manage day-to-day mental health.

How do you Tune In to mental health?

Try listening to your favourite music, read a book in the sunshine, go for a walk, talk to your friends or try some simple mindfulness meditation.

This Mental Health Month, Hunter Primary Care, with support from Southern Cross Austereo and the Triple M Newcastle Breakfast team, will be sharing tips and strategies for tuning out the noise and tuning in to mental health and wellbeing.

Need support?

Hunter Primary Care does not provide an emergency mental health response. If you or someone you know needs urgent assistance, please call 000 or contact the support services listed on our Support Services page.

For referral and advice regarding Hunter New England Mental Health Services (including Acute Mental Health) call the Mental Health Line 1800 611 511 (24hrs).