Media Release 08 Oct 2007

Stress Less Day at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Health Service

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Health Service (HKHS) is encouraging its community to participate in Stress Less Day on Wednesday 10th October.

One in five people will experience a mental health issue in the next 12 months, so as part of Mental Health Week (7-13 October) Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Mental Health Service is urging its communities to take some time out of their regular routines to care for their mental health.

As part of the week, Stress Less Day will be held on Wednesday 10th October to remind people about the risks of excessive stress, to promote stress management and to encourage relaxation for the sake of good mental health.

The theme for the day is “Relationships Matter” promoting the importance of creating and maintaining healthy relationships for our mental health and overall wellbeing.

“Many people live alone or experience social isolation through exclusion or discrimination so it’s essential that we take the time to build relationships with others in our community,” said Declan O’Riordan, Director, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Mental Health Service.

When we are under stress our immune system may be affected and we are more susceptible to physical and mental illness. With today’s busy lifestyle, many people admit they often put off doing something pleasurable and relaxing for themselves.

"Learning some relaxation techniques, having a positive approach, a good laugh, staying socially active and ensuring that we exercise and eat a well balanced diet are just some of things that people can do to minimise stress," said Declan.

There are many different ways people can relax. Some people exercise, some read a book and others garden or enjoy a massage. The most important thing is to have ‘you-time’.

On Stress Less Day come down and enjoy a free BBQ in your lunchbreak with the team from Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Mental Health Service and get some tips on how to ‘stress less’. The team will be cooking up a storm in the Hornsby Westfield Mall between 10.00 am – 2.00 pm.

In the evening between 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm there will be information displays and a panel of experts including Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Mental Health staff members and Graeme Cowan, author of “Back from the Brink” who will speak and be available to answer any questions after the forum. The forum is at Ku-ring-gai Council Chambers, entry is free and light refreshments will be served. You will need to book by calling Carroll on 9489 6283 or 0405 558660.

For further information about mental health visit www.mentalhealth.asn.au or you can call the Mental Health Information Service weekdays on 1300 794 991.

Media contact: Debbie Eldridge Ph: 9477 9155 : 0404 020 330

Authorisation Stamp