30 September 2022 13:38
October is Mental Health Month
Monday 10 October, is World Mental Health Day, an initiative from the World Health Organization (WHO) to 'raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health' and the whole month of October is Mental Health Month here in Australia. This year the theme is Awareness, Belonging, Connection.
At the RAD, we believe dance is a powerful tool for social connection, with an uplifting effect for young and old alike. We are keen to empower people to look after themselves and others to promote positive mental health as this so closely chimes with our own priorities in promoting the holistic benefits of dance for mind, body and spirit. The RAD’s motto ‘Salus et Felicitas’ literally means ‘Health and Happiness’.
Below are some resources which we hope will offer you support, inspiration and guidance for your mental health this month, starting with a mental health calendar for you to reflect and have fun with the ABC's of mental health and wellbeing. Click here to download a copy for yourself or your studio.
Stuck not Broken
Wellbeing Toolkit
We launched a Wellbeing Toolkit to aid teachers’ when dealing not only with their own mental health, but that of their students too. It offers research-informed resources which aim to support both your physical and mental wellbeing. The features and links within it use academic and international resources as a framework. Explore the Wellbeing Toolkit in the Members’ Are of our website here.
Here are just a few of the resources on offer
- Positive Psychology – Lecturer in Dance Education for the Faculty of Education, Paul Doyle shares top tips for creating a culture of positive psychology within the dance studio.
- Fostering self-care within dance teaching
- Tips on fostering self confidence
- Top ten tips for wellbeing
- Body image with Dr Lucie Clements
- Breathing exercises for stress and anxiety
How Dancing helps your mental health
Reconnecting with myself through dance
Will Centurion helps us reboot our motivation
Earlier this year as part of Children’s Mental Health Week we teamed up with Performing Arts Counsellor and Life Coach Will Centurion to provide a resource for our teachers with older students to help REBOOT their motivation when facing physical, mental and emotional fatigue. We invite you to follow Will’s advice in the short video below (4mins) and take 5 steps to REBOOT and reconnect with your passion, creativity, and purpose.
"Fatigue and feeling disconnected can be caused by many factors; global challenges, lack of goal clarity, mental stress and burnout. It's important to acknowledge your fatigue rather than judge your experience."RAD Australia and Will Centurion
Leave it at the Door
Why good mental health is important for dancers
A Piece of Mind…
Where to get help
If you are struggling we encourage you to seek help. Professional help can be found at any of the below.
- ReachOut
- Sane Australia
- Black Dog Institute
- RU Ok?
- Mindshare
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
- Headspace on 1800 650 890
- Arts Wellbeing Collective on 1800 959 500
- ReachOut at au.reachout.com
- Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) on 1800 008 774