October is Mental Health Awareness month and this year, Rotary World Wide is focusing on the broad issue of mental health in our communities.
Never has an organisation with such scope and influence come together with its local community clubs to give profile to this broad and insidious ailment of our lives.
Rotary decided years ago to rid the world of polio.
The movement started right here in Nambour and grew worldwide when Clem Renouf saw the need.
This year, Rotary, with the help of many others, will have rid the world of this disease.
Mental health is interconnected. Whether you have PTSD, anxiety or even imagined ghosts, you will be connected with thoughts of escape (suicide) violence (domestic or family) or absconding (going missing). Our experiences shape our actions.
Rotary brings awareness. Awareness brings actions. Actions bring results. Everyone benefits.
Rotary is supported in its efforts by local police who deal with antisocial issues daily; as well as research institutes, who are frantically trying to understand the genesis of the problems; plus hospitals and service renderers, who are refining diagnosis and treatments daily.
The Thompson Institute is currently conducting a five-year lLongitudinal Adolescent Brain Study with the help of dedicated young people in the age bracket of 12 to 17 years.
Together we are pursuing ways to prevent 75 per cent of mental health issues before the age of 24 years.
The Thompson Institute spokesperson says it’s an ambitious project, but the mental health of our people is worth it.
Using the strength of the Rotary name, the committee has more events planned.
Aurora Hammond will bring her wealth of experience from the Quest for Life Foundation and speak on Tuesday 17 October at the Tewantin RSL Club.
You can book by contacting tessalexandroff@gmail.com for more details.
