Theme
The theme for Queensland Mental Health Week 2024 is “Connect for mental health”, emphasising the proactive measures we can adopt to nurture and support positive mental health and wellbeing for ourselves and our communities. Queensland Mental Health Week provides an opportunity for all Queenslanders to consider and connect with the people and communities that they rely on to help them be mentally healthy, through a range of events and activities.
Connect for mental health focuses on four areas:
- Connect with self: Take care of yourself, do something you enjoy, make healthy choices, and seek help when needed.
- Connect with community: Create supportive and inclusive environments, look after one another, and connect with culture. Show kindness and initiate connection with those who are struggling.
- Connect with others: Foster relationships with loved ones, friends, family, and mob. Spend time with others and make meaningful connections.
- Connect with nature: Take a break from technology, spend time outdoors, embrace mindfulness, and take care of the world around you.
Read more about each element of the theme below, including suggestions for activities that can increase connection and boost your mental wellbeing. The Queensland Mental Health Week theme aligns with the Dear Mind campaign’s building blocks of wellbeing. If you’re looking for even more activities that can boost mental wellbeing, check out the six building blocks of wellbeing on the Dear Mind website.
Connect with self
There are simple steps we can all take to maintain and boost our mental wellbeing. Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally plays an important role in keeping your mind healthy. Here are some ways you can connect with yourself:
- Do something for you! It could be as simple as reading, engaging in a hobby, or enjoying a cuppa in a special sunny spot.
- Try mindfulness and meditation. By focusing on our breath, sensations, and thoughts without judgment, we can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
- Take time to pay attention to the present moment and note the things you’re grateful for.
- Move your body in any way you can. Stay active by doing something you enjoy, like going for a walk, dancing to your favourite song, or joining an exercise class.
- Eating healthy food can lift your mood and improve focus. Try cooking a new healthy recipe!
- Get enough rest. Getting adequate sleep gives our brain time to restore and repair.
- Notice when you need help. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed or struggling with mental ill-health, know you are not alone. Reach out to a friend or speak to a health professional for help.
Connect with community
Community involvement creates a sense of belonging and social connectedness, adding purpose to everyday life. By connecting with people, groups, places and culture we can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. It’s important to create welcoming spaces where everyone feels supported and included. We encourage everybody to reach out to those in our communities who are facing barriers or may find it hard to initiate connection. Here are some ideas:
- Strengthen community connection by hosting a QMHW event at your school, workplace, or community group.
- Get involved in local groups and events through sporting clubs, local libraries, or community organisations.
- Volunteer your time to support vulnerable people within our communities, offering assistance and connection.
- Consider joining or starting a book club or hobby group, providing opportunities to connect with others who have shared interests.
- Take time to connect and learn about your cultural history.
- Explore online communities and forums related to your interests or hobbies. Online spaces can help you connect with communities no matter where you are.
Connect with others
Take time to connect with people you care about and those who care about you! Fostering relationships with loved ones, friends, family, and mob is an important part of maintaining mental wellbeing. The connections we form through relationships can build a safety net for our mental health. There are many ways we can connect with one another. You can take inspiration from the suggestions below:
- Make time to spend quality time with people in your life, whether it’s going for a walk, having a chat, or just enjoying each other’s company. Schedule a coffee or lunch date to catch up in person.
- Send a thoughtful text message or email to check in and see how they’re doing. Make a phone call to hear their voice and have a deeper conversation.
- Organise a virtual hangout or games night online.
- Create shared memories. Attend cultural events, concerts, or community gatherings together.
- Carve out time for family play. Plan a fun activity such as creating a group art project, playing board games, or working on puzzles as a family.
Connect with nature
Spending time in nature has been shown to lift mood and reduce stress levels. It’s important to take breaks and appreciate nature, not only for our own wellbeing, but also to care for our planet. Engaging in eco-friendly practices can deepen our sense of connection with the environment. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, connection to Country holds special significance, emphasising the importance of honouring the land. Consider some of these ideas to connect with nature:
- Engage in eco-friendly practices such as recycling and composting. These can deepen your sense of connection with the natural world.
- Get your hands dirty by gardening – planting flowers, vegetables, or herbs can provide a sense of accomplishment and connection to the Earth.
- If you can’t get outside, bring nature to you! Indoor plants improve air quality and promote wellbeing.
- Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise. If mornings aren’t your thing, unwind in the evening by stargazing.
- Explore nature in your local area by taking leisurely walks in nearby bushland or strolling around your neighbourhood.
- Take a peaceful walk on the beach, feel the sand between your toes, and listen to the soothing sounds of the ocean.