It’s Mental Health Week and the ABC have got on board and multiplied, with their massive Mental As campaign running throughout the week.

A week of specific, compelling and distinctive programming has rolled out across the ABC, encouraging our community to start talking about mental health, seek support, support each other and to take action to raise awareness and funds for mental health research.

A mammoth week of mental health, #MentalAs is a groundbreaking initiative which takes a deeply embedded, often taboo issue and brings it to our televisions, airwaves, computer screens and everyday conversations.

There’ll be comedy, documentary, debate and entertainment all in the name of mental health and even the weekly staple shows will take on a mental health theme in some shape or form. Visit the interactive website to check out what’s on and when and view videos, read articles and absorb all the details of #mentalas.

Check out ABC Open website, where everyday people share their real stories from around the nation. There’s a series of projects where you can get involved for mental health week, including Speak Your Mind, where people affected by mental health issues can share their experiences and 500 words: Bully, the place to share your story about bullying.

Get involved on social media – share your tip for a healthy mind, write it on your hand, take a pic and share it on social media. By sharing tips, techniques and tactics for mental health, we can support others in our local and virtual communities to take steps towards better health. Furthermore, simply search #Mentalas on your favourite social network and join the important and inspiring national conversation.

Several amazing Australian artists have generously donated their artwork to the #Mentalas initiative and a charity auction will sell off the art to raise money for the cause. Check out the ambassador donated art here

Some favourite famous faces have come on board too, with TV host Rove McManus, advertising guru Todd Sampson, Indigenous actress Deborah Mailman, comedian Adam Hills, journalist Waleed Aly and fashion designer Alex Perry all proud #Mentalas ambassadors.

Mental health issues affect more than half of Australians and impacts can be significant and severe. Join #Mentalas in challenging the negative stigma of mental health and raising awareness of this very important cause. Donate to mental health research by visiting Donate to #Mentalas

If you need some support, please get in touch with the following support networks:
Lifeline 131114 www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au
Mensline Australia 1300 78 99 78 www.mensline.org.au
Headspace: 1800 650 890 www.eheadspace.org.au
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 www.kidshelp.com.au