Mental Health Month

Mental Health Month banner image

Mental Health Month is observed in NSW annually throughout October. This year’s theme, “Let’s Talk About It,” prompts us all to reflect on our mental health and overall wellbeing, irrespective of whether we’ve personally encountered mental illness.

Engaging in conversations about mental health and sharing lived experience stories with supportive individuals can improve psychological well-being and overall wellness. You can also hear directly about the latest research at a range of talks hosted by universities over the month. Here are some highlights.

The Brain and Mind Centre

The Brain and Mind Centre is marking Mental Health Month this October. They will showcase news, stories and events that have been part of the mental health space and how they work with dedicated researchers and health practitioners to improve wellbeing for all Australians.

Online resources from the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney


Events

Wired Minds: Exploring Mental Health in the Digital Age

In today’s fast-paced world, social media, smartphones, and AI are shaping how we connect and perceive the world. But with these opportunities come challenges to our mental health and wellbeing.

As part of Mental Health Month, join the University of Sydney expert panel of psychologists and academics to explore how to balance digital engagement while fostering genuine connections and supporting mental health.

Hosted by Julian Morrow.

Charles Perkins Auditorium, University of Sydney, Wednesday 9 October, 6pm-7.15pm


Minds and machines: Youth mental health in a digital world

Join the City of Sydney for an afternoon with researchers from the Brain and Mind Centre to learn about how mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, develop and influence the lives of young people into adulthood. They will be joined by the artist behind Neural Knitworks providing an opportunity knit, crochet or craft some neurons.


Darling Square Library or online, Thursday 10 October, 4pm to 5pm

Macquarie University’s Mental Health Month Public Lecture

Two Macquarie University psychologists discuss their latest research for Mental Health Month. Associate Professor Milena Gandy will talk on ‘Advancing Mental Health Care in People living with Neurological Disorders, and Professor Kerry Sherman will talk on ‘The Psychological Toll of Living with Endometriosis’.

Australian Hearing Hub, Macquarie Park, Wednesday 23 October, 5,30 to 7pm


Social connections in older adulthood: Barriers and Facilitators

The Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre at Macquaire University presents two talks on aging and mental health. Dr Suraj Samtani will
talk about  ‘Social connections for healthy brain ageing: Evidence from longitudinal studies.’ Dr Diana Matovic will present on ‘Barriers and enablers of social participation in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) / mild dementia and their older adult carers/supporters, and design and early implementation of a social participation intervention in these populations

Macquarie Law School, Wednesday 30 October, 11am to 12pm


Find an event near you this Mental Health Month


Our mental health and wellbeing at work isn’t just our own personal responsibility. It takes a community. Check out these tips from WayAhead to stress less.