During Mental Health Month, check in on yourself… and on others
Mental Health Month is an annual awareness campaign held each October in Australia, promoting community understanding of mental health and encouraging people to seek support early. It includes World Mental Health Day on 10 October, an internationally recognised day for mental health awareness.
The aim is simple: reduce stigma, share practical information, and make it a little easier for people to reach out — to a friend, a family member, or a health professional — before things become a crisis.
Every October, Australia marks Mental Health Month. It's a reminder that mental health deserves the same attention as physical health — and that asking for support is a sign of strength, not a last resort.
For us at GP Network Aspley, it's a chance to remind our patients that we're here for this too — not just for check-ups and prescriptions, but for the harder conversations as well.
What is Mental Health Month, and why does it matter?
One in five Australian adults experiences a mental health condition in any given year, and most of us will be affected either directly or through someone we care about at some point in our lives. Despite this, many people still wait months or years before speaking to anyone about how they're feeling. Mental Health Month exists to shorten that gap.
How do I check in with myself and my mental health?
Some of the signs worth paying attention to, in yourself or someone close to you, include:
Ongoing low mood, irritability or anxiety that doesn't seem to lift
Withdrawing from friends, family or activities that used to feel enjoyable
Changes in sleep, appetite or energy that last more than a couple of weeks
Feeling overwhelmed by things that previously felt manageable
None of these on their own means something is seriously wrong, but if they're persistent or getting in the way of daily life, it's worth a conversation with someone you trust, including your GP.
A Mental Health Care Plan is a good place to start
If you're not sure where to begin, booking a longer appointment with your GP to discuss a Mental Health Care Plan is one of the simplest first steps.
Your GP will talk through what you've been experiencing, and if appropriate, can prepare a plan that gives you access to Medicare-rebated sessions with a psychologist or other mental health professional.
There's no need to have a diagnosis, or even a clear sense of what's wrong, before making that appointment. Part of the GP's role is to help you work out what kind of support might actually help.
World Mental Health Day
Held every year on 10 October, this global day sits within Mental Health Month and is backed by the World Health Organization. It's a focal point for raising awareness and encouraging people to look after their mental wellbeing, wherever they are in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A Mental Health Care Plan is prepared by your GP after a longer consultation to discuss how you've been feeling. If it's appropriate for your situation, your GP will develop a plan and can refer you to a psychologist, social worker or other allied mental health professional, with a Medicare rebate available for a set number of sessions each calendar year. Simply book a standard or longer appointment and let the practice know it's for a mental health consultation, so enough time can be set aside.
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No. You don't need to know what's going on, or have a name for it, before you bring it up. Many people come in simply saying they haven't been feeling like themselves, or that things feel harder than usual. Your GP's job is to listen, ask some questions, and help you figure out what kind of support fits your situation.
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Not at all. Mental Health Month is for everyone — it's as much about prevention and everyday wellbeing as it is about existing conditions. Checking in with friends and family, managing stress, and knowing where to turn if things get harder are useful for anyone, regardless of whether they've ever seen a mental health professional.
This article is general information and doesn't replace individual medical advice.
If you'd like to talk to a GP about your mental health, or discuss a Mental Health Care Plan, please book an appointment.
Call our Aspley rooms to book on (07) 3544 4779
or book online via the link below:
If you or someone you know needs immediate support,
Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14.
