Today (October 10) marks #WorldMentalHealthDay, a day that aims to raise awareness of mental health issues around the globe and promote positive mental health and wellbeing.
This week is also Queensland Mental Health Week #QMHW (October 8-16), which reminds all Queenslanders to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing.
Almost half of Australian adults will experience a mental illness at some point in their life, while the Covid-19 pandemic took a devasting mental toll on young Australians.
Experts from the University of Southern Queensland are available for comment on the below topics related to mental health and wellbeing.
To arrange an interview with any of the following experts, contact Griffith Thomas 0467 242 435 or Sarah Green 0417 799 331.
- Gavin Beccaria, Associate Professor of Psychology, School of Psychology and Wellbeing is a clinical psychologist who can discuss what people can do to protect their mental health and lower their risk of problems like anxiety and depression.
- Dr Govind Krishnamoorthy, Senior Lecturer of Psychology, School of Psychology and Wellbeing is a clinical psychologist who can discuss the importance of equitable access to mental health services for children and youth.
- Dr Yong Goh, Senior Lecturer of Psychology, School of Psychology and Wellbeing can discuss the impact nature can have on people's mental health and wellbeing.
- Tracy Kolbe-Alexander, Associate Professor of Sport and Exercise, School of Health and Medical Sciences can discuss the mental health benefits of physical activity in green and blue spaces.
- Stuart Biddle, Professor of Physical Activity and Health, Centre for Health Research can discuss broadly how physical activity can improve mental health.
- Dr Chris Watling, Lecturer of Psychology, School of Psychology and Wellbeing can discuss the link between lack of sleep and mental health.
- Dr Samantha Brown, Lecturer of Psychology, School of Psychology and Wellbeing, a therapy dog owner, can discuss the healing power of therapy dogs in high-stress situations and the potential benefits of animal-assisted therapy.
- Lucinda Burton, Lecturer of Nursing - Mental Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery is a mental health nurse who can discuss the role of mental health nurses and how they could help address the nation's mental health crisis.
- Dr Carina Anderson, Senior Lecturer of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery can discuss how e-bikes can improve one's mental and physical health.
