Mental Health Association Central Australia

8 hours ago

MHACA will be having a strong focus on physical health this year as part of our Healthy Bodies Support Healthy Minds health promotion campaign.

People living with mental illness experience much poorer physical health than others for a range of reasons including side effects of medications, silos between physical and mental health services, stigma and discrimination, and ‘diagnostic overshadowing’.

However we all can do things to support our mental health every day - Keeping Active, Eating Well, Sleeping More and Reducing Alcohol, Smoking and Other Drugs.

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Mental Health Association Central Australia

1 day ago

Exciting news. Rosemary Wanganeen from the Australian Institute Of Loss and Grief will be a feature speaker at MHACA's International Women's Day Event 12-1pm Tuesday 10th March. A free event but spaces are limited so make sure you book your place at events.humanitix.com.au/overcoming-adversity

MHACA is working to reduce the stigma of mental ill health this International Women's Day.

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Mental Health Association Central Australia

2 days ago

A resource tackling the issue of people using suicide as a threat has been redeveloped to assist Northern Territory community members and service providers to respond to this difficult issue. ‘’The Little Red Threat Book’’, originally published in 2007, has been revised and further developed by the Central Australian Life Promotion Network (LPN) with input from people who have lived experience of this issue.

The book will be launched on Friday February 21st from 10:00am-11:00am in the Andy McNeill Room, Alice Springs Town Council. All are welcome and people working in the community services sector are highly encouraged to join the LPN and special guests to launch this important community resource. Light refreshments will be provided and all attendees will receive a free copy of The Little Red Threat Book. The launch will be followed by the Central Australia Life Promotion Network Meeting at 11am; all those with an interest in suicide prevention are welcome to stay for the meeting.

“The Little Red Threat Book responds to community concerns about the increase in people threatening suicide and provides useful support suggestions for those involved, “said Peter Devine, Manager Community Safety, MacDonnell Regional Council and LPN Chair/Board Member.

The first edition of the Little Red Threat Book was produced in 2007 after a community workshop was held to explore this emerging issue. The Life Promotion Program, as part of the Mental Health Association of Central Australia (MHACA), coordinated the workshop. The book has been reprinted multiple times and has been a valuable resource for community members and service providers over the last decade.

In 2019, the Central Australian Life Promotion Network received funding from the Northern Territory Government, Department of Health & Minister Natasha Fyles, to organise, host and facilitate a Suicide Prevention Forum in Central Australia that would inform a revised version of the Little Red Threat Book. The LPN was established in 2017 as part of the Wesley Lifeforce networks, and is facilitated by MHACA, MacDonnell Regional Council, Lifeline Central Australia, Australian Red Cross and the National Indigenous Australians Agency.

In August 2019, people from Aboriginal communities, people with lived experience of suicide and representatives from local service organisations came together at the Suicide Prevention Forum to share experiences and explore responses to suicide being used as a threat. The forum heard directly from people who have been impacted by this issue, as well as from successful suicide prevention programs.

“The book tackles a problem that has felt difficult, confusing and dangerous for many people. In the workshops, participants expressed an understanding that people making suicidal threats are often affected by trauma and the frustrations of unmet needs. Responses explored in the book revolve around expressing care, supporting collective safety and finding ways to meet unmet needs without reinforcing unsafe behaviour,” said Peter Devine.

“Suicide as a threat is a complex issue and this book does not have all the answers, but the LPN has developed this resource in the hope that it will help people be more confident to provide the appropriate support in these difficult situations,” said Peter Devine.

The book can be downloaded at mhaca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/Little-Red-Threat-Book.pdf

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis, please contact Lifeline 13 11 14.

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Mental Health Association Central Australia

2 days ago

SANE Australia's Topic Tuesday Lived Experience Forum is about The Pet Effect: Animals are good for our wellbeing! Tune in this Tuesday 18th February 5.30-7.30pm NT Time at mhaca.saneforums.org/t5/Special-Events/Topic-Tuesday-The-pet-effect-animals-are-good-for-our-well...

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Mental Health Association Central Australia

5 days ago

Eating healthy food has been a focus this week at MHACA as part of Smart Eating Week. We've had fresh fruit and veges available every day for participants, a special healthy cooking class followed by a shared participant and staff lunch, and we have shared information by emails and social media.

When it comes to supporting good mental health, our diet plays a critical role. Beyond the physical health impacts, diets high in saturated fats and refined sugars impact how we feel. We need to avoid processed food and incorporate a diet which includes drinking plenty of water and enjoying a wide variety of foods from the five food groups (vegetables, fruit, grains, meat/alternatives and dairy/alternatives) every day.

Find more information at daa.asn.au/smart-eating-for-you/smart-eating-fast-facts/

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Mental Health Association Central Australia

5 days ago

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Mental Health Association Central Australia

1 week ago

It's Smart Eating Week at MHACA because we know a healthy diet supports a healthy mind.

Studies are showing that the Mediterranean Diet is having good results with improving depression symptoms and mood. But what is it?

The Mediterranean Diet is a mostly plant-based diet which also encourages regular exercise, eating 3 main meals a day and enjoying meals with friends and family. Food encouraged in the diet includes:

A daily intake of…
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Legumes/beans
- Nuts and seeds
- Whole grains
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Free range eggs

A moderate amount of…
- Fish/seafood (at least two servings each week)
- Lean white meat (at least two servings each week)
- Low fat milk, cheese, yoghurt and alternatives

And not so much…
- - Red meat (less than 2 servings per week)
- - Processed meat (limit intake)
- - Discretionary foods such as processed sweets, lollies, pastries, juice, soft drinks (limit to special occasions)

You can find some more information in this article: www.healthline.com/nutrition/mediterranean-diet-meal-plan#foods-to-avoid

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Mental Health Association Central Australia

1 week ago

A healthy diet supports good mental health. The Australian Dietary Guidelines offer an approach to eating to promote health and wellbeing and reduce the risk of diet-related conditions and chronic diseases.

The Guidelines include:
1.To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, be physically active and choose amounts of nutritious food and drinks to meet your energy needs.
2. Drink plenty of water and enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods from the five food groups (vegetables, fruit, grains/cereals, meats/alternative and dairy/alternatives) every day.
3. Limit intake of foods containing saturated fat, added salt, added sugars and alcohol.
4. Encourage, support and promote breastfeeding.
5. Care for your food; prepare and store it safely.

The Guidelines are intended as a framework for healthy eating among the general population. They may not be exactly right for every individual as we’re all unique with differing health challenges, goals, and lifestyles. If you have specific needs talk to your doctor or get tailored nutrition advice from an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

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