Mental health matters
Our aim is to increase awareness of mental health difficulties in the Punjabi and Sikh community, and to help people find the right support without shame or fear.
What is mental health?
Mental health is about how a person looks after their own wellbeing, and whether they can cope with the normal situations and stresses of life.
It is not just an illness. It is a person's state of mind, and it can be affected by anything personal to that individual. Mental health difficulties can appear at any point in a person's life.
Why we need to talk about it
Mental health as a form of wellness is not well understood or accepted in many culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
Shame and denial
There is often stigma, denial and shame attached to someone known to have a mental illness.
More than "crazy or not"
Many people still see mental health as a simple either/or. In reality it is a spectrum, and everyone has mental health.
Cut off from support
It is not unusual for people with mental health issues to be ostracised by their own families and isolated from the community.
With knowledge comes power
To make informed decisions about your own or a loved one's health, you need good information. That is what we hope to provide here.
Reaching out is the first step
Sikh Community Connections are not mental health professionals and do not give professional advice. We can listen, and we can guide you to people who can help.
Talk to our mental health first aider
If you need to talk, we have a trained mental health first aider who can listen and support you.
We connect you with the right service
We guide you to the many mental health organisations with professionals who can offer help.
Speak with your GP
Please remember you can contact your GP for further support, information or a referral.
Where to get professional help
Free, confidential services staffed by trained professionals.
Lifeline
Crisis support and suicide prevention for anyone feeling overwhelmed.
13 11 14NSW Mental Health Line
Professional advice and referral to local NSW mental health services.
1800 011 511Transcultural Mental Health Line
Talk to a mental health professional who understands your culture, with interpreters available.
1800 648 911