By Member for Forde Rowan Holzberger
When life gets busy, mental health is often the thing we put off thinking about until something goes wrong.
That’s why the Albanese Labor Government’s new Medicare Mental Health Check In is such a practical idea.
It’s free, backed by Medicare. You don’t need a diagnosis, and you don’t need a referral.
If you’re dealing with stress, anxiety or feeling low, you can speak with a trained mental health professional.
Medicare Mental Health Check In is about getting help earlier, before a difficult patch becomes a crisis.
But there’s something else about this initiative that matters.
It sends a very simple message – check in.
Check in with yourself. Check in with your neighbour. Check in with your friend at the footy club who’s gone a bit quiet. And know that if you do need some help, there’s somewhere to go.
We also know us blokes are often less likely to reach out when we’re struggling.
It’s the thinking behind the Men’s and Boys’ Mental Health Networking Event we’re hosting later this month.
We’re bringing together schools, sporting groups and community leaders who are already doing the hard work in our community to support men and boys.
Government has a role to play but, as usual, community is ahead of government.
And a strong community matters.
We want the people helping men and boys across our community to know each other and share ideas.
We want people to know what support is already out there and where the gaps remain.
Sometimes the simplest advice is the best – stay connected.
That’s good advice for individuals.
It’s good advice for communities too.
To get started, search “Medicare Mental Health Check In” or call 1800 595 212.
And if you want to come to the Men’s and Boys’ Mental Health Networking Event, give me a call on 3807 6340.
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