Mental health is a topic that affects us all, and it is important to raise awareness and provide support to those who may be struggling. Recently, two local community groups came together to host a free community barbecue in the Kingaroy Town Hall Forecourt to mark Mental Health Week.
The event was organized by the South Burnett Suicide Prevention Working Group and the new Head To Health service, which is set to open in Kingaroy soon. Local support services and Queensland Health offered a range of information at stalls during the event, with Kingaroy Rotary members serving up free sausages.
One of the service providers present was Lives Lived Well, offering support for alcohol, drug, and mental health issues. Gemma Danahay, a Beyond Blue NewAccess mental health coach, was at the stall to support individuals navigating the stresses of everyday life.
Gemma shared that many people are seeking practical solutions to their mental health challenges, and the NewAccess program provides low-intensity Cognitive Behaviour Therapy coaching to address these issues. Some common reasons for seeking support include financial stress, relationship problems, work stresses, grief and loss, and sudden life changes.
As part of the coaching process, individuals learn proactive skills and tools to manage their mental health challenges and prevent relapses. Beyond Blue offers five practical coaching tips to help relieve stress, including dealing with problems one at a time, identifying common thinking traps, setting realistic goals, finding balance between work and pleasure, and maintaining healthy habits.
Events like the community barbecue in Kingaroy provide valuable resources and support for those in need, helping to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. It is important to continue these efforts and promote positive mental wellbeing in our communities.