Mental Health Month & National Carers Week

October is National Mental Health month and it is fitting that it also plays host to both World Mental Health Day (10 October) and National Carers Week (15 -21 October)

Good mental health is an important part of our overall health and wellbeing, allowing us to cope with challenges, connect with others and thrive in our lives.   However, research has found that autistic people are more likely to experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), among other mental health conditions.

In addition, the mental load of carers can become overwhelming, impacting their mental health, especially if they don’t receive support or access to the appropriate resources.

Everyone has the right to access connection and mental health support that meets their needs and a range of supports exists for both autistic people and the people who support them.

Read more about mental health resources for people with autism and their families:

Sane: www.sane.org/information-and-resources/facts-and-guides/autism-and-mental-health#references

Amaze: www.amaze.org.au/about-autism/mental-health/

Mental Health Foundation Australia: www.mhfa.org.au/awareness

You can access other recommended resources at www.learningforlife.com.au/useful-resources/

If you are a carer we encourage you to access the Carers Gateway at www.carergateway.gov.au/