Hunter-based centre for survivors of childhood trauma, Heal For Life, will hold an event for World Mental Health Day on Saturday, October 10.
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Artists and musicians will join with survivors of childhood trauma and other community members to celebrate the many and diverse talents of people that have experienced mental illness at the event dubbed "100% Worthy".
Heal For Life has organised the event in conjunction with the mental health and wellbeing consumer advisory group “Being”.
Heal For Life founder Liz Mullinar said the day will allow survivors of childhood trauma and other people that have experienced mental illness to come together to celebrate their journey to healing and their talents with good food, music, poetry, dance, song and craft.
Ms Mullinar said there is a strong link between mental illness and childhood abuse and trauma, providing the following statistics:
- Almost 70 per cent of people attending a Heal For Life program have experienced serious mental illness.
- 80 per cent of people diagnosed with depression have suffered some form of trauma, particularly emotional and physical abuse.
- 68.8 per cent of psychiatric in-patients have suffered from child sexual or physical abuse.
- 94 per cent of amphetamines users have suffered trauma.
- People who have experienced abuse are 74 times more likely to display suicidal behaviour than those who have not experienced abuse.
“There is nothing to be ashamed about in having experienced childhood trauma or having a diagnosis of mental illness,” Ms Mullinar said.
“The day is called 100% Worthy because all survivors of childhood trauma and everyone living with mental illness are 100 per cent worthy,” she said.
Ms Mullinar said Mental Health Month is a time to reflect on the importance of looking at root causes of mental illness and alternatives to medication alone in treatment.
“People deserved the right to actually heal from their mental illness,” she said.
100% Worthy will be held at Heal For Life, Quorrobolong from 11am to 3pm Saturday. Call 4998 6003 or email info@healforlife.com.au to RSVP.