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It's time to talk

It’s Time to Talk about Mental Health

Victorians have faced some tough times lately – from droughts to bushfires to a global pandemic. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve been through – everyone needs help from time to time.

Almost half of all Victorians will experience mental illness in their lifetime, but most people still feel too uncomfortable and uncertain to talk about it.

The Victorians featured in It’s Time to Talk about Mental Health have shared their stories to illustrate how we can all experience different mental health challenges.

If you or someone you know is struggling – don’t wait. It’s always the right time to talk about mental health.

You can call LifelineExternal Link on 13 11 14 or Beyond BlueExternal Link on 1300 224 636. In an emergency, call 000.

It’s Time to Talk about Mental Health

Victorians have faced some tough times lately – from droughts to bushfires to a global pandemic. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve been through – everyone needs help from time to time.

Almost half of all Victorians will experience mental illness in their lifetime, but most people still feel too uncomfortable and uncertain to talk about it.

The Victorians featured in It’s Time to Talk about Mental Health have shared their stories to illustrate how we can all experience different mental health challenges.

If you or someone you know is struggling – don’t wait. It’s always the right time to talk about mental health.

You can call LifelineExternal Link on 13 11 14 or Beyond BlueExternal Link on 1300 224 636. In an emergency, call 000.

Thelma Gouveia, social worker, Melbourne

Thelma Gouveia, social worker, Melbourne

“My whole life I felt stigmatised, I felt afraid of talking about it, I felt like it was only me.”

Amy Corcoran

Amy Corcoran, lived experience worker, Melbourne

"Know that you are not alone, push through the anxiety of sharing to get help. Know it will shift and change, and that these feelings are not forever."

Picture of David Ring who is a social worker at Melbourne

David Ring, social worker, Melbourne

"It’s important to note that having an illness like schizophrenia isn’t a terminal diagnosis and there is actually a lot of great support.”

Peter Green - CFA firefighter

Peter Green, CFA Firefighter, Hamilton

"Don't suffer in silence. It doesn't matter who you are or what you've seen, everyone needs some help from time to time."

Stefan, Eating Disorder Victoria Peer Mentor, Melbourne

Stefan, Eating Disorder Victoria Peer Mentor, Melbourne

“You can recover, but understand its a difficult journey and there are going to be bumps in the road.”

Peter Bellion

Peter, retired detective sergeant, Melbourne

“It can be a real struggle on some days but if you get through that day the next day is normally ok. You’ve got to ride the humps and the bumps.”

Darce Manihera standing on a suburban street corner

Darce, café worker, Glenroy

"For me it was about seeking the right help for the right diagnosis that I had and just finding a connection with someone who would be able to help me get through."

Donna Matthews standing in front of colourful mural of a river and bird

Donna, Lived Experience Manager, Geelong

“The worst thing you can do when you are feeling unwell and distressed is to be carrying this burden of shame with you as well.”

Elise, VFLW player and founder of Active Support, Melbourne

Elise, VFLW player and founder of Active Support, Melbourne

"Disability and mental health are quite linked. It's a really lonely space to be in .... At the end of the day, we're born with the same amount of worth."

Duncan and Breanna

Duncan and Breanna, father and daughter, Melbourne

"My moods were up, they were down. It was hard to live with myself. Actually saying I'm not doing too well...that was a big part of getting better."

Aimee Green, Hamilton - It's time to talk

Aimee Green, Carer, Hamilton

"If you think you need help and you need to see someone, don’t be afraid to make the appointment with your GP or even talk to a close friend or family member."

Lisa Boyce resting her head on her hand

Lisa, Mum, West Footscray

“When you are on the floor and your children are crying at you, you’re not going to ask for help, you are just going to sit there until you can’t cry anymore.”

Fast facts about mental health

  • 1.3 million Victorians will this year experience mental illness.
  • Over a lifetime, one in two Victorians will experience mental illness.
  • Half of those who experience mental health issues won’t get help.
  • At least $11 billion is lost in productivity every year due to mental illness.
  • More than 76,000 Victorians are registered clients at mental health services.
  • Mental health services gave support more than 2.4 million times last year.
  • In 2018, only 1.1 per cent of the Victorian population accessed specialist mental health treatment, despite around 3 per cent needing it.
  • It is estimated that 65,000 people attempt suicide in Australia each year*
  • Suicide is now the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 44 in Australia.
  • You can call LifelineExternal Link on 13 11 14 or Beyond BlueExternal Link on 1300 224 636. In an emergency, call 000.

*Beyond Blue

Fast facts about mental health

  • 1.3 million Victorians will this year experience mental illness.
  • Over a lifetime, one in two Victorians will experience mental illness.
  • Half of those who experience mental health issues won’t get help.
  • At least $11 billion is lost in productivity every year due to mental illness.
  • More than 76,000 Victorians are registered clients at mental health services.
  • Mental health services gave support more than 2.4 million times last year.
  • In 2018, only 1.1 per cent of the Victorian population accessed specialist mental health treatment, despite around 3 per cent needing it.
  • It is estimated that 65,000 people attempt suicide in Australia each year*
  • Suicide is now the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 44 in Australia.
  • You can call LifelineExternal Link on 13 11 14 or Beyond BlueExternal Link on 1300 224 636. In an emergency, call 000.

*Beyond Blue

Where to get help

Telephone and online support for mental health issues

In urgent mental health and crisis situations, dial ‘000’

Mental health helplines are a great resource if you are struggling with mental health issues. Speak to someone who will listen and can give you appropriate advice and tell you the steps to take to get help.

Find someone to talk to by calling one of the following helplines:

Where to get help

Telephone and online support for mental health issues

In urgent mental health and crisis situations, dial ‘000’

Mental health helplines are a great resource if you are struggling with mental health issues. Speak to someone who will listen and can give you appropriate advice and tell you the steps to take to get help.

Find someone to talk to by calling one of the following helplines:

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Reviewed on: 09-12-2024