1 in 5 of us will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year. In Australia that is around 5 million people, and roughly 60% of these people will not seek help (www.blackdoginstitute.org.au). The overwhelming concern for Masters Swimming Australia is that our members are not immune to this statistic. The impact of the temporary closures of pools, training venues, active gatherings, financial stress and isolation from friends and family etc. is unknown on members mental health. In 2020, the NBM and Branches discussed the benefits of supporting mental health with a focus on a Mental Health Month which began in 2021. The first two years we held our Mental Health month in May with Webinars, shared resources and fundraising as our focus. In 2023 we are excited to once again support the Black Dog Institute to deliver a month of our MSA Mental Health Awareness – October 2023.
2023 Webinar
Online AIS Mental Fitness Presentation with Mitchell Larkin Tune into our webinar delivered by special guest Olympian Mitchell Larkin for the Black Dog Institute. This is a 45-minute presentation to help adults by giving them knowledge and practical tools proven to:
Build strength, flexibility, and endurance to cope more effectively
Learn how to refocus the mindset
Recognise and feel good about the positives in life
Reduce stress and worry
Strengthen the immune system
Improve memory, concentration, and creative thinking
Develop life meaning and purpose statements
Webinar details: Black Dog Institute: Mental Fitness Sunday 29th of October (AEDT 3pm – 4pm)
Join the Webinar HEREPw: 677362 Meeting ID: 823 8166 9914
Surveys Black Dog Institute are an evidence-based research institute and they rely on strong evaluation data of their programs – Please take the time to fill in the Survey before and after the webinar – see links below
After selling out our limited edition 2021 yellow MSA MHA swimming caps we are excited to be able to offer the 2023 limited edition Mental Health Awareness Swimming Caps. In support of the Black Dog Institute and mental health month, be sure to grab your bright blue cap while stocks last. ($17.50 inc postage).
4. Get your cap now
2023 Podcasts
Check out the free podcasts offered by the Black Dog Institute exploring different insights into mental health through personal experiences and expert opinions
Resources
Mental Health Awareness is a chance to highlight the importance of connecting with one another and educate our community the benefits of swimming on mental health. MSA will regularly update this page with articles and research that will be of interest to our readers.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact the following crisis services:
Emergency
000
Lifeline
13 11 14
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800
MensLine
1300 78 99 78
Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467
Photo Gallery
Here we share photos, images, stories of our members and clubs supporting mental health awareness (some are directly from fundraising during May 2021) Stay tuned for some great new photos from 2023!
Seaside PiratesA picture from our walk and get together today which was mainly for mental health Month but a great chance to get together and get to know each other.
We walked across the Harbour bridge to the Australian heritage pub and enjoyed a lovely lunch of Kangaroo and Crocodile pizza, fish and chips, salmon and chicken schnitzel.
We left with the thought of doing it all again, perhaps another walk and another pub, but a great opportunity to meet “out of the pool”. Hopefully you can join us next time.
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