October marks Mental Health Month across Australia. Throughout the month, Australians are encouraged to gather around the table and talk about mental health. Hannah Hammoud discovers more about Beyond Blue’s ‘Big Blue Table’ initiative.
Nearly half of the people living in Australia will face a mental health condition in their lifetime.
Across the nation, Beyond Blue is encouraging everyone to share a meal and start a conversation about mental health to support those impacted by anxiety, depression and suicide.
Big Blue Table fundraising events will take place throughout October – Mental Health Month – to help fight the stigma surrounding mental health, one meal at a time.
Beyond Blue lead clinical advisor Dr Grant Blashki said the best piece of advice he can give to people participating in the Big Blue Table, is to remember that you don’t need to have all the answers.
“Never underestimate the value of just listening,” he said.
“You don’t need any special qualification to do that. People just want the opportunity to share their concerns or share their stories. It’s tempting sometimes when people start talking about their own issues, to interrupt them and jump in with your own stories, but if you can just sit back a bit and just listen, that’s often very valuable.
“Remember, you don’t have to be a psychologist. That’s something that some people can find a little bit daunting. All it is, is a good conversation, an open chat, and an opportunity to link people with support – but you don’t need to have all the answers.
“One of the exciting things about the Big Blue Table is that human beings have for thousands of years sat around for a meal, and shared their feelings together. It’s one of the great ways to make people feel relaxed, and not rushed and it’s really part of our DNA to sit around together and talk about things.
Dr Blashki said there has been a big change in the national conversation surrounding mental health, especially amongst young Australians, a development he describes as ‘beautiful’.
“The conversation is much less loaded than it used to be. People are beginning to talk about mental health in the same way they might speak about their physical health, it has become very open,” he said.
Working as a GP, Dr Blashki said there has been a ‘cascade’ of challenging events that have happened in the past few years, from the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme weather events and the current cost of living pressures which have seen mental health front and centre for many Australians.
“Even though people are much more comfortable talking about mental health issues now, the reality is that many people don’t go and get help,” he said.
“About one third of people don’t go and get help, and there’s different reasons for that. Some people might think their issues aren’t serious enough, or that they should work it out themselves, and some people are also worried about the costs of mental health services. These sorts of barriers are still very much there.”
“Our message is for people to put up their hand early, get some help and like any sort of health condition, the earlier you get onto it the better.
“There is a lot going on in the world at the moment, and it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed with the avalanche of information out there. People should feel reassured and important to remember that there’s a lot of good help out there. Whether it be through a GP, mental health professionals, Beyond Blue or other mental health organisations.”
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, where more than $570,000 was raised, Beyond Blue is encouraging people to gather around the Big Blue Table again in 2023.
Organising a lunch with co-workers, a group picnic in the park or inviting friends for dinner and creating a safe space where people can express how they truly feel can be life changing.
Over in the west, the team at Barry Plant Werribee are looking to top their fundraising effort for this year’s Big Blue Table, after raising more than $12,000 in 2022.
One of the lead organisers, Martin Nardo said the occasion is a chance to get the community together and raise money for a ‘good cause’.
Mr Nardo said he first heard of the Big Blue Table on the radio, and wanted to do something for the local community.
“In the community alone we had seen a number of local residents fall into depression in the last two years with the added pressure of the pandemic. It was just an opportunity to spread awareness and give an opportunity to people who might have been struggling during that time,” he said.
Mr Nardo is encouraging locals to grab a ticket for this year’s event that will be hosted at the Sporting Globe in Werribee on Friday, October 27, offering live music, finger food, and best of all, a chance to chat and meet others in the community.
“We are hoping to beat last year’s fundraising amount, and everything goes directly to Beyond Blue. It’s a good cause for us all to get together and bring the community together,” he said.
Tickets to the event are $100. For those looking to attend, contact the team at Barry Plant Werribee.
Big Blue Table events can take place for any meal, including brunch or afternoon tea, and in any setting such as at home, the workplace or local sporting club.
People who register early will receive a free host kit, which includes a guide, table decorations and conversation starters designed to get the discussion going. Hosts are also provided with tips and tricks, including budget friendly hacks, to create a tasty, cost effective and stress-free event.
To find out more about the initiative and register to host your Big Blue Table event, visit bigbluetable.com.au.
