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World Mental Health Day: when it's time to talk

neilmcaliece
23 hours ago
2 min read

Saturday 10 October is World Mental Health Day. October is also Mental Health Month in Australia. This year's Australian theme from Mental Health Australia is Together We Thrive. It is a reminder that connection is one of the strongest supports we have for our mental health.

Illustration of two people chatting on a park bench under a tree. Together we thrive.

It is also a good moment to check in with yourself. Life can feel heavy at times. Often the hardest part is knowing when it is time to talk to someone about it.

Signs it may be time to talk

Everyone has hard days. It may be worth talking to a GP if you notice changes like these lasting for more than a couple of weeks:

  • feeling down, flat or worried most of the time

  • losing interest in things you usually enjoy

  • trouble sleeping, or sleeping much more than usual

  • changes in appetite or energy

  • finding it hard to concentrate or get through the day

  • pulling away from family and friends

  • relying more on alcohol or other drugs to cope

You do not need to wait until things are at crisis point. Talking early can make it easier to find the right support.

Why a GP is a good first step

A GP can talk through what is going on and check for any physical causes. Together you can work out what kind of support suits you. That might include practical strategies, follow-up appointments or a referral to a psychologist or other mental health professional.

If a GP prepares a mental health treatment plan with you, Medicare's Better Access initiative can provide rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group therapy sessions each calendar year with eligible mental health professionals.

A change to know about

Since 1 November 2025, Better Access rebates apply only when the mental health treatment plan, its reviews and referrals are done at the practice where you are registered for MyMedicare, or by your usual medical practitioner. Your usual medical practitioner is a GP at the practice that has provided most of your care over the past 12 months, or will provide most of your care over the next 12 months. If you are not sure how this applies to you, ask our team when you book.

Small things that help

Connection is at the heart of this year's theme. A few ideas for this week:

  • reach out to someone you have not spoken to in a while

  • say yes to a walk, a coffee or a catch-up

  • tell someone you trust how you are really going

  • look after the basics: sleep, regular meals and time outdoors

If you need help now

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.

Lifeline is available 24 hours a day on 13 11 14. Medicare Mental Health can help you find the right service on 1800 595 212, weekdays 8:30am to 5pm.

To make an appointment with one of our GPs, call 02 9526 1233.

Source

Mental Health Australia, World Mental Health Day 2026: mentalhealthaustralia.org.au

Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Better Access initiative and Better Access redesign from 1 November 2025: health.gov.au

Medicare Mental Health: medicarementalhealth.gov.au

Lifeline Australia: lifeline.org.au

This article is general health information. It is not advice about your own circumstances.

 
 
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