Mental Health Awareness week

With described video

Transcript

Transcript - Mental Health Awareness week

We do not all have mental illness, but should all take care of our mental health.

During Mental Illness Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day I invite you to take a moment to talk openly about your mental health.

This issue is near and dear to me - And I'm proud to say that my first speech as Health Minister was on this topic.

We should not hesitate to talk about our mental health, not anymore than we would hesitate to discuss having a cold.

Throughout my career, I have been a strong advocate for action to improve mental health, prevent suicide and end family violence.

I have provided counselling to victims and families for 24 years - and one lesson that stands out is the importance of ending the stigma associated with mental illness.

Maintaining and improving our mental health and wellbeing requires both individual and collective efforts. These must include being proactive in talking openly about mental health.

It will allow us to have meaningful discussions, and will help us build positive stigma-free communities.

This October, join me in raising awareness about the importance of mental health, and have a discussion with a loved one or a friend about your own mental health. Talking about it is the right way forward.