Mental Health Week (8-14 October, 2017) is an opportunity for our community to reflect on the importance of mental health awareness and support services. The feature of Mental Health Week is World Mental Health Day, celebrated on 10 October (10/10) each year. Throughout this time, governments, peak health bodies, and community organisations across Australia host outreach events focused on raising awareness about mental health issues.
The aim of Mental Health Week in Victoria is to “activate, educate and engage” the community on mental health and wellbeing, and to eliminate the stigma of mental illness by giving those with a lived experience a platform to share their 
stories. According to the Mental Health Foundation of Australia, it’s estimated that about 1 in 5 Australians will experience mental illness in any given year. However, people often suffer through depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders alone because social stigma means it can be considered shameful or weak to ask for help. The truth could not be more different.
Good mental health is as important as good physical health. If we haven’t experienced it ourselves, we all know and love somebody who has faced a challenge to their mental health and wellbeing, whether through grief and loss, social isolation, illness, or an inherent predisposition. It’s never the sufferer’s fault, so there should be no shame in discussing these experiences openly and seeking professional support. Mental Health Week is a reminder that we all benefit from reducing the stigma around mental illness.
About 1 in 5 Australians will experience mental illness in any given year.
Of course, Mental Health Week also hits close to home for Pets of the Homeless (POTH) because the issues of mental illness and homelessness are often linked, and the stigma faced by those experiencing a mental health crisis is not so different to the negative perceptions about people facing homelessness. Through our work with vulnerable people – including those with mental health issues – we understand that negative stereotypes can perpetuate the cycle of inequality, making it harder for our friends to reach out and ask for help.
Similarly, mental illness can affect employment opportunities, personal relationships and housing stability, which exacerbates stress, depression and anxiety. It’s difficult to imagine a greater challenge to mental health and wellbeing than losing one’s home. That’s why it’s so vital that our community supports those who are vulnerable to have access to the benefits of companion animals, especially when they’re facing instability in other areas of their lives.
As we’ve discussed before, our pets have a great positive impact on mental health. They increase sociability with others, help us maintain a sense of normality and responsibility, and provide love, support and affection. Plain and simple, they’re someone we can talk to on our bad days!
With homeless populations at significantly greater risk of anxiety, depression, and social isolation, a recent Canadian study found companion animals ease loneliness, promote better overall health, reduce rates of depression, and act as positive motivators to avoid substance abuse.
In less tangible terms, the researchers also found that pets provide a feeling of “unconditional love without judgement,” leading to greater social inclusion among their sample of nearly two hundred homeless youths. Studies have even found that Australian cat owners did better on psychological health ratings than non-owners. The benefits of having a pet extend beyond their love and affection to improving our overall mental health and wellbeing.
Some studies have even found that Australian cat owners did better on psychological health ratings than non-owners.
Public health campaigns like World Mental Health Day and Mental Health Week are great for breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness and for reminding us to looking after ourselves and our pets. What the public discourse around mental health proves so clearly is that, just as social problems are often linked, so are the solutions. The work of Pets of the Homeless – keeping friends together – is a small but integral part of helping our community to be a healthier, happier place.
Written by Nick Corbett and Kara Smith
If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support or resources, contact:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline (ages 5-25): 1800 55 1800
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