Putting prevention at the heart of mental health

For many of us who grew up in Australia, there’s a jingle that’s forever imprinted in our minds: “Slip Slop Slap – slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat.”

When Cancer Council Australia launched this campaign in 1981, it transformed the way people thought about sun safety. It’s widely regarded as one of the most successful health campaigns in Australia’s history. 

It’s also a powerful example of prevention in action. It shows that when we act early, we can create lasting positive change. 

This is also true for mental health. Treatment and support will always be important, but just as crucial is considering the factors that help people stay well and prevent mental health challenges from developing in the first place. 

This issue was front and centre at this week’s Preventive Mental Health Conference. Co-hosted by the Public Health Association of Australia and Prevention United, the conference theme was Doing Better, working together to promote and protect the mental health and wellbeing of people in Australia, encouraging collaboration across the sector.

It was wonderful for our Chair, Dr Peggy Brown AO, to contribute to a panel exploring how we can build a shared vision for prevention and early support. 

This needs to occur across the lifespan. While it is vital to support children and young people, every age and stage offers opportunities to strengthen mental wellbeing and reduce the risk of future distress.

It is also essential that prevention goes beyond the health system. Employment opportunities, stable housing, living free from discrimination and violence, positive relationships and supportive social networks all play a critical role in mental health. So do everyday protective habits like staying active, eating well, and getting good sleep.

Campaigns such as Neighbours Every Day, led by Relationships Australia, highlight how protective factors like connection support good mental health. Its annual day of action on Sunday 29 March, which encourages people to reach out, build relationships and strengthen connections in their local communities.

Our sector has a significant opportunity to incorporate prevention into our mental health policies and systems in a coordinated and sustainable way, alongside continued investment in care and support.

A strategic, well-funded focus on prevention and early intervention is essential to reversing the growing prevalence of mental health challenges, improving outcomes for people and reducing costs for governments. The Productivity Commission found that a $1.5 billion investment in general prevention and early intervention would save governments $2.6 billion over ten years. 

At Mental Health Australia, we’ll be looking to embed prevention in the negotiations of the next National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, and will keep championing prevention as a core pillar of reform. When we invest early and work together, we can support all people to live well, participate fully and feel hopeful about their future.