Some 50% of Australians are affected by a mental illness in their lifetime, and with stigma around the illness still preventing those affected reaching out for support, Northern Beaches Council is asking residents to embrace Mental Health Month.

With Mental Health Day 10 October, Council is running a number of events and programs on mental health to help educate and offer support including:

Mindfulness Magic Friday 7 Oct, 10.30-11.30am
Join us at Mona Vale Library for a talk about anxiety followed by a practical mindfulness session with Ingrid Treadaway, who found yoga and mindfulness helpful in her personal journey with anxiety. Bookings: 9970 1600.

Mental Health Month Urban Art Mural Friday 7 Oct, 4pm
Council and Headspace Brookvale are partnering in this free event for young people. Participants will paint a themed mural around the theme: Learn & Grow. Head down to the legal wall in Millers Reserve, Manly Vale and learn about urban art from industry professionals, and enjoy free food and drinks!

Odd Sock Week 7-14 October
Wear your odd socks to show support and help stomp out mental health stigma. This light hearted approach to breaking down barriers demonstrates that it really is ok to feel 'odd'. Join the conversation on Facebook facebook.com/nbyouthandfam and follow the instructions and hashtags #OddSocksDay #OSD2016 #Itsoktobeodd #NorthernBeaches
More: oddsocksday.org.au

Literary Lunches
18 Oct, 12-1.30pm - Mick Miller presents his book Travelling Australia Mick's Way.
27 Oct, 12-1.30pm - 'Flying in the Sky to Drowning in the Sea', a talk by Kim Hodges.
Both events focus on mental health and cost: $8 adult $6 concession. Light lunch included. Bookings 9970 1600

Feed Your Mind workshop Tuesday 25 Oct, 5.30–7pm
Local naturopath and nutritionist Layla Metcalfe from My Goodness Wellbeing, will share a wealth of information to help participants better understand the relationship between food choices, digestive health and mental health. Hosted at Mona Vale Library, admission is free, however reservations are essential:
Bookings: beachesfeedyourmind.eventbrite.com.au

Navigating Teen Depression Parenting Seminar Monday 31 Oct, 7-9pm
Learn how to deal with depression in teenagers at this informative session presented by the Black Dog Institute at Civic Centre, Dee Why.

For more information on Mental Health Month events head to mentalhealthmonth.wayahead.org.au.