October marks a big month for Cancer Awareness with Breast and Children’s Cancers taking a front seat. There are various ways to get involved with fundraising, creating awareness and hosting events. For more information follow the links on the page.

The message is clear and widely advocated when it comes to these very serious health conditions – know the symptoms and your body – if you see/feel any changes or have any concerns speak with your GP to start the process, as early intervention is key.

Not to diminish these in any way, but I wanted to circle back to last month a little and more of a taboo subject, Mental Health.

In Victoria, one in five people experience a mental health condition each year, and forty-five per cent of Victorians will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime (Dept. of Health – Vic). With a population of near seven million, that is over one hundred and forty thousand people per year.

“I’ve always been attracted to things that are taboo.
I’ve never been afraid to go to that dark place.”

The above quote was made by former American Footballer Ricky Williams. While some of his views may be controversial, this comment was made regarding his struggles throughout his decorated career. In the face of the public so often, and an idol to many, he suffered with social anxiety disorder, borderline personality disorder and avoidant personality disorder. He did so silently, never giving a sense of or even alluding to his issues, he just got on with it.

How many of us, or how many people in your circle – family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues are doing the same? How many need to have a conversation, but feel like a burden or too vulnerable to do so?

Such is human nature that we try to look on the brighter, more optimistic side, which can sometimes lead to anecdotal down-plays – “it’s just a rough patch” or “there are people worse off”. We all have good intentions, but these types of takes might suppress a necessary conversation and/or exacerbate feelings of being in the “too hard” basket.

Just as Ricky Williams, many people suffering are doing so behind closed doors, a facade in public or in the presence of others, a cover or a mask.

When we ask someone how they are, are we meaning it? Really asking? Or just being polite?

Perhaps it is time to start, asking with meaning, caring with purpose. You just might make the difference in someone’s day, or even their life.

If you have any concerns for your mental health or that of others, seek advice from a Health Professional or outreach service, such as Lifeline as both you and/or they are worth it!

Stay well! – Corinne G

October is Breast Cancer Awareness  Month. 

Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with over 3,300 women and men dying from the disease each year.

Be sure to donate to NBCF and support critical research
for a world without Breast Cancer. Give once or give
monthly and your donation will save lives.

Call 1300 708 763 or nbcf.org.au to donate.

One Month. One Goal.
Fight Kid’s Cancer.

This October, let’s ride to end childhood cancer and save little lives.

Every hill we climb and every kilometre we pedal will be to honour those lives we’ve lost and stand with those brave kids still fighting to survive.

Our goal is to fund life-saving research to develop safer and more effective treatments, and find cures for all
childhood cancers.

For details head to greatcyclechallenge.com.au

Annually October is a month when our nation campaigns for mental health, culminating with World Mental Health Day on 10 October.
It is a time of promoting wellbeing, increasing understanding, and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness through community events and awareness campaigns.  Jump onboard and support the health of your community.

For more details check out mhvic.org.au