Many in our community are personally affected by mental health challenges, and while the pandemic may have exacerbated this, a silver lining is that we are having increasingly open conversations on mental health and well-being.
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Whether we ourselves are struggling, or we know someone who is; by speaking openly we let others know they are not alone and encourage people to seek help when needed.
The statistics are sobering. We know from our partner Beyond Blue that it is estimated 45 per cent of Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime and in any one year, about 1 million Australian adults have depression, and over 2 million have anxiety.
That's why Australia Post is working with Beyond Blue to help make mental health and well-being a part of everyday conversations, and to connect people with support and information. Our goal is to help to build stronger and more connected communities.
Feeling connected can make a difference. Whether it's a phone call from a friend or a letter in the mail, human interaction plays a crucial role in our lives. Regular connections with friends, loved ones and your community are good for you and for others.
That's why, together with Beyond Blue, we are delivering more than 4million pre-paid postcards to help people across Australia connect with each other.
The postcards have two parts: one part with tips for mental health and wellbeing, which can be kept on your fridge - reminders to manage stress, incorporate exercise in your daily lives, connect with friends and get a good night's sleep, as these can all make a significant difference to wellbeing; and the other part is a card that you can send to a family member or friend for free within Australia.
Australia Post is committed to strengthening connections and building community resilience. The Post Office is the central hub in more than 4000 locations Australia-wide.
Our delivery people often go above and beyond to watch out for the people they deliver to, and as a postal service, we facilitate millions of connections between Australians each year.
Look out for the postcard in your letterbox or visit your local participating Post Office to learn more. We have also included the cards as inserts in a number of ACM newspapers.
We encourage you to use the cards to connect with someone, and to look after your own wellbeing. Because when we connect, we feel better.
There has never been a more important time to talk openly about mental health and ensure all Australians have access to information on managing their mental health and well-being.
- Nicky Tracey is Australia Head of Community for Australia Post. Visit the Beyond Blue at beyondblue.org.au