Its Time To Talk Banner - campaign banner

It’s Time to Talk about Mental Health

Almost half of all Victorians will experience mental illness in their lifetime but too many people don’t speak up for fear of stigma and discrimination. It’s time to start a new conversation - mental health is something which affects us all. 

The people profiled in It’s Time to Talk about Mental Health have shared their stories to illustrate how we are all affected by different mental health challenges, and to offer hope to anyone who may be struggling. 

You can find more information on the series by searching #timetotalkvic. 

If you or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636. In an emergency, call 000.

Its time to talk - mental health - image of Joe Meggetto

Joe, Dairy Farmer, Gippsland

“The bad thoughts, the dark holes I was thinking about, I was always thinking no-one deserves to find me, if I do take my own life.”

Hear Joe’s story
Its time to talk - mental health - image of Darryl Wilson

Darryl, Football Coach, Bendigo

“Mental health was seen as something that you dealt with something internally. You didn’t show that you were, in those days, ‘weak’.”

Hear Darryl’s story
Its time to talk - mental health - image of Donna Matthews

Donna, Lived Experience Manager, Geelong

“The worst thing you can do when you are feeling unwell and distressed is to be carrying this burden of shame with you as well.”

Hear Donna’s story
Its time to talk - mental health - image of LisaBoyce

Lisa, Mum, West Footscray

“When you are on the floor and your children are crying at you, you’re not going to ask for help you are just going to sit there until you can’t cry anymore.”

Hear Lisa’s story

Fast facts about mental health: 

  • 1.3 million Victorians will this year experience mental illness. 
  • Over a lifetime, one in two Victorians will experience mental illness. 
  • Half of those who experience mental health issues won’t get help.
  • At least $11billion is lost in productivity every year due to mental illness.
  • 75,000 Victorians are registered clients at mental health services. 
  • Mental health services gave support more than 2.4 million times last year. 
  • In 2018, only 1.1 per cent of the Victorian population accessed specialist mental health treatment, despite around 3 per cent needing it.
  • In 2017 we lost 621 Victorians to suicide, more than double the road toll. – this statistic will be available to be updated next Monday afternoon.
  • For every Australian who loses their life to suicide, there are another 30 who attempt*. 
  • Suicide is now the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 44 in Australia.
  • If you or someone you know needs support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.

*Beyondblue 

Where to get help

Telephone and online support for mental health issues

In urgent mental health and crisis situations, dial ‘000’

Mental health helplines are a great resource if you are struggling with mental health issues. Speak to someone who will listen and can give you appropriate advice and tell you the steps to take to get help.

Find someone to talk to by calling one of the following helplines:

Mental illness

The following content is displayed as Tabs. Once you have activated a link navigate to the end of the list to view its associated content. The activated link is defined as Active Tab

Types of mental illness

Living with mental illness