NT Mental Health Coalition CEO Geoff Radford Sheds Light on Mental Wellbeing in Katie Woolf Interview
Geoff Radford, CEO of the NT Mental Health Coalition, sheds light on what Territorians can do to look after their mental wellbeing in an interview with Katie Woolf during NT Mental Health Week.
“By talking with our mates we can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health,” Geoff says.
The theme this year for Mental Health Week was Celebrating Our Strengths, calling for us to reflect on the things in our lives and communities that keep our mental health and wellbeing and spirit strong. To highlight this theme, Territorians were asked to participate in a video campaign in which they answered the question ‘What do you do that works for you? What keeps you strong?’
Geoff puts the question to Katie, who shares how running is one of the ways she looks after her mental wellbeing. Being outdoors in nature while exercising and listening to music helps her clear and reset her mind.
Geoff talks about some of the NT mental health resources where people can get help. Darwin’s Head to Health Centre in Casuarina which is open until 10pm on weekdays and from 12pm to 8pm on weekends, is a friendly and relaxed environment where people can drop in and get some support. Team Talk is another great free support service for Territorians and can be contacted at 1 800 832 600.
For those who know someone who may be struggling and aren’t sure how to help, Geoff provides some helpful tips. Some signs to look out for if someone doesn’t seem like their usual selves can include withdrawing or not doing their usual activities, they might not be going to work as much, or not eating well or doing their usual activities. It’s useful to have an accountability buddy, Geoff says, who can check in on the person to see if they are getting out and doing the things that keep them well.
Geoff points out that there are many useful resources online that can help guide friends and family to help people get the help they need. To learn more about what mental health services are available visit www.ntmhc.org.au/mental-health-topics/.
Northern Territory Mental Health Coalition
NTMHC is the peak body for community managed mental health services across the Northern Territory. We work in collaboration with a wide network of organisations, people with lived experience, their families and supporters across the NT to advocate to improve the mental health and wellbeing of Territorians.
If you or anyone you know needs help reach out:
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARN on 13 92 76
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
- Headspace on 1800 650 890
- ReachOut at au.reachout.com
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
For information on safely reporting on mental illness or suicide visit: https://mindframe.org.au/