Odd Socks Day 2018

Pull on your odd socks and help stomp out stigma

Stigma can have a devastating impact on the lives of people with mental illness and their families, friends and carers. It’s still one of the greatest barriers to people seeking help and recovery. Mental illness impacts all Australians. No family, workplace or community is unaffected. It is estimated that one in four Australians will experience a mental illness in any year and one in two Australians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime . But only around 35 per cent of affected Australians actively access services for mental health problems because of this stigma. Make a difference in your community…. Speak up and be brave – Don’t tolerate stigma.

6 ways you can start making a difference:

• Be a friend – be there, for the ordinary and extraordinary moments
• Be brave – don’t tolerate stigma and discrimination
• Be open – share your experiences
• Be informed – know the truths and dispel the myths
• Be good to yourself – recognise the need to look after your own mental wellbeing
• Be an example – Sign our No More Stigma pledge

Running throughout Australia all day on Friday, October 5, Odd Socks Day is a light-hearted approach to reminding people that anyone, at any time, can have an odd day.

Odd Socks Day…because anyone can have an odd day