Expert urges people to get help for mental health

Today is World Mental Health Day and a psychologist from The University of Western Australia is urging people to access mental health support services.

Dr Lisa Saulsman, senior lecturer from UWA’s School of Psychological Science, said there were encouraging signs some of the stigma in mental health was reducing.

“Many workplaces are promoting support services these days and institutions are raising awareness of good mental health and I think it’s all moving in a great direction,” Dr Saulsman said.

“Sometimes psychological help can be expensive but I’d encourage people to look for affordable ways of accessing it including at university clinical psychology training clinics.”

She said there were a growing number of mobile phone apps online that encouraged mental wellbeing at a low cost. 

“Some are about regulating breathing, another is about reducing your worries; it really is a smorgasbord,” Dr Saulsman said.

With WA Mental Health Week this week, UWA has organised events to promote mental health awareness and support including a webinar about the latest research on October 27.

Speakers include Professor Andrew Page, UWA Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research and interim director of the Western Australian Centre for Mental Health Research at UWA, Adjunct Professor Karen Martin, who developed the Thoughtful Schools Program, Professor Sean Hood, a psychiatrist and Head of the Division of Psychiatry at UWA and Dr Christina Davies whose research has focused on health promotion and mental wellbeing.

UWA also has events for students including free yoga, guided meditation classes and help for better sleep.

UWA’s Living Room and Counselling and Psychological Services were recently accredited by assessors from QIP-Quality Innovation Performance against the National Standards for Mental Health Services. The assessors noted UWA’s services showed a clear commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of students.

UWA’s student support dogs Bill and Leo will also be brought in for extra days over WA Mental Health Week.