Mental Health Week resources & tips

Every October, National Mental Health Week provides a valuable pause in our national calendar. Aligned with World Mental Health Day on 10th of October, it draws attention to how mental health affects individuals, families and communities.

Many Australians continue to experience mental health issues in silence, unsure where to turn or how to ask for help. This week offers an invitation to explore those challenges openly and better understand the support systems available.

For workplaces and schools, it's a prompt to examine how mental wellbeing is supported in their organisations, how inclusion is practised, as well as how stigma is addressed.

This resource offers practical guidance for Australians during Mental Health Week 2025. From everyday wellbeing strategies to accessing professional help, you’ll find useful tools and clear information, backed by leading mental health organisations.

Why National Mental Health Week matters

Building awareness and shifting stigma

National Mental Health Week gives individuals and organisations a collective moment to talk more honestly about mental health. These conversations can be difficult, but they are necessary to reduce stigma and increase understanding.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (2020-2022), 42.9% of Australians aged 16 to 85 had experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lives. Yet many still hesitate to seek help, often due to fear of judgement or lack of knowledge about available support.

By continuing to raise mental health awareness, we can all help individuals recognise early signs of distress and contribute to a healthier, more open culture where people feel safe to discuss their mental health challenges and needs.

Creating momentum for support and systemic change

Mental Health Week also provides structure and visibility for organisations to begin or strengthen mental health initiatives.

Many workplaces and schools use the week to highlight available resources, review policies, or introduce new wellbeing programs.

State and territory programs often provide resources and support materials to help institutions engage with the week. For example, the Queensland Mental Health Week website offers downloadable posters, social media tiles and toolkits to make participation more accessible.

By linking individual awareness to collective action, the week can become more than just an observance or celebration. Rather, it can be the first spark of long-term change.

How workplaces and schools can get involved

1. Go beyond awareness

For organisations, the Mental Health Week is a starting point for cultural adjustments and reforms.

True change happens when mental health is integrated into the culture, rather than treated as an annual event. This might mean reviewing policies, embedding regular wellbeing check-ins, or offering leadership training on mental health conversations.

Schools can tailor the week to suit students’ needs through curriculum links, assemblies or wellbeing days. Guest speakers, peer‑led workshops, or inclusive classroom activities are also effective ways to engage students in age-appropriate ways.

2. Make EAPs visible and approachable

Many employees don’t realise their workplace offers an Employee Assistance Program, or they’re unsure how to access it. Employers should take time during Mental Health Week to explain or reiterate how the EAP works, who can use it, and how confidentiality is maintained.

EAPs typically offer short-term counselling and support for a range of personal and work-related issues. Encouraging early use can help prevent small concerns from becoming larger ones.

3. Create space for safe disclosure

People are more likely to disclose a mental health condition or neurodivergence when they believe they’ll be heard and supported. Organisations should ensure staff and students have safe, confidential ways to request adjustments or talk about their needs.

That includes having clear procedures, providing training for leaders, and committing to follow-up after the initial conversation. Flexibility and open communication are key.

4. Support neurodiversity

Neurodivergent individuals, or those whose brains function differently in areas such as attention, learning, mood or sensory processing, may require specific types of support. Mental Health Week is an ideal time to build awareness around neurodiversity and improve inclusive practices.

According to the Australian Public Service 2024 Employee Census, 8.8% of respondents identified as neurodivergent. Many more may choose not to share that information due to fear of discrimination.

Inclusive practices that organisations can explore are:

• Providing quiet workspaces

• Offering flexible schedules or assessments

• Using plain, clear language in communication

• Seeking feedback from neurodivergent staff or students on what helps them thrive

What individuals can do

1. Use trusted Australian mental health resources

Accessing accurate and relevant information is a crucial first step. Australia has a strong network of mental health organisations providing free and reliable resources, including:

• National Mental Health Commission: Offers policy updates, research and national strategies

• Healthdirect: Provides guidance on symptoms, treatments, and services for mental health issues

• Beyond Blue: Shares personal stories, tools and support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention

• headspace: Offers counselling and mental health support for young people aged 12 to 25, plus resources for educators, health professionals, and community organisations

2. Practise everyday wellbeing habits

Our mental health is supported by small, consistent actions over time, and the Mental Health Week is a useful time to check in on your habits and decide whether any small adjustments might help.

While self-care is not a substitute for clinical care, it plays a valuable role in everyday mental wellbeing. Some gentle habits that support mental health are:

• Taking regular breaks from screens

• Regular movement or exercise

• Spending time outdoors

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule

• Talking with someone you trust

• Practising mindfulness or grounding exercises

3. Seek professional help if needed

Professional mental health support can be a helpful tool for anyone, regardless of whether you have a mental health diagnosis or not. What’s more, Australia’s Better Access initiative allows you to access Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions with a mental health professional. You just need a referral plus a mental health treatment plan from a GP.

If cost or location is a concern, free or low-cost services are available through community health centres, schools, or online programs. Young people can also contact Kids Helpline or headspace for confidential support. Or, you can try online counselling through platforms like Talked.

Knowing how to access help and understanding what options are available can remove some of the uncertainty that stops people from reaching out.

Final thoughts

Mental Health Week offers more than just visibility. It’s a reminder that support, understanding, and inclusion must be part of everyday life - not just something we talk about in October.

Whether someone is seeking help, supporting others, or leading change in an organisation, this week offers a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect and, act. The impact grows when actions continue throughout the year.

If you or someone you know is finding things difficult or overwhelming, speaking with a psychologist, GP, or support service is a strong and responsible step.