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Trauma can come from a single event or from long-term experiences that left you feeling powerless, unsafe or unseen. It can live in the body and mind long after the danger has passed. Healing takes time - but it is possible. Trauma isn’t just what happened - it’s how our mind and body respond to survive. You might feel on edge, shut down, easily startled, or disconnected from people or places you used to trust. Sometimes memories replay without warning, or emotions feel “too

This July, Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (Deni MHAG) is hosting a series of free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training courses for Deniliquin and surrounds. MHFA teaches everyday people how to recognise signs of mental distress or when someone might be struggling, start supportive and respectful conversations, and help connect people to appropriate support early. “These trainings form part of the shared goal of Deni MHAG and Channel 4 Change to train one in fi

Wellbeing is built through small, everyday actions — a friendly chat, a kind word, helping out, or checking in with someone you care about. Together, these moments help create a stronger, more connected community. In Deniliquin, caring for our mental wellbeing is just as important as looking after our physical health. And like physical fitness, mental wellbeing can be strengthened through simple, day-to-day choices. This week’s Sticky Topics campaign highlights the 5 Ways to

Grief comes in many forms - the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a loss of health, home or certainty. It’s the price of love and connection, and it doesn’t follow a tidy timeline. There’s no “right” way to grieve, but there is support to help you find your footing again. Grief isn’t something to “get over”. It’s something we learn to live with. Some days it’s sharp, others it’s dull and heavy - and sometimes it surprises us long after we thought we’d moved on.

Brave Enough to Talk About It Sometimes the hardest thing to do is admit that everything isn’t fine. Many people carry their struggles quietly, feeling pressure to stay strong or not burden others. But real strength comes from feeling safe enough to talk. This week’s Sticky Topics campaign highlights Brave Enough , an initiative from Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (Deni MHAG) . The message is simple: courage doesn’t have to be loud — sometimes it’s just saying, “I’m

LGBTQIA+ people often face extra pressure - from fear of rejection to isolation or discrimination. Feeling anxious, unsafe, or unseen can take a toll, but there are spaces made for you: safe, confidential, and proud to listen. Whether you’re coming out, questioning, or just needing someone who “gets it,” connecting with queer-friendly services can be life-changing. These spaces know what it means to feel different and are here to remind you: you are not alone, and help is saf

Worrying about food or your body is more common than most people realise. But when those thoughts start to control how you feel, eat, or live - it’s a sign you deserve support. Disordered eating can affect anyone - regardless of age, size, or background. It’s not always about food itself, but about coping with stress, trauma, or feeling out of control. It might look like: Restricting or skipping meals Overeating, bingeing, or purging Exercising to “make up” for eating Feeling

Small Steps Can Help Protect Lives Reducing the risk of suicide in Deniliquin is something we can all be part of — together. Open, safe, and respectful conversations about suicide matter. They’re not always easy to start, and many people worry about saying the wrong thing. But silence can leave people feeling even more alone. Loss through suicide has touched communities across Australia, including ours. While the impact is deeply felt, there is also hope. “Small steps can hav

SHARE THE LOAD - YOU DONT' HAVE TO TOUGH IT OUT ALONE Life can feel heavy at times. Work pressures, family responsibilities, financial stress, or personal challenges can build up — and many people try to carry it all on their own. This week’s Sticky Topics campaign highlights Share the Load , an initiative from Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (Deni MHAG) . The message is simple: talking about what’s going on can help lighten the load . “In Deni, we look out for our m

Many parents feel emotional after birth, but when sadness, anxiety, or disconnection linger, it could be postnatal depression or anxiety. It’s common, it’s treatable, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Postnatal depression can affect anyone - new mums, dads, or partners. It might show up as guilt, panic, trouble bonding with your baby, or thoughts that you’re not good enough. These feelings are not your fault. Hormonal changes, exhaustion, and the pressure of caring for a new

It’s easy to lean on things that take the edge off - alcohol, drugs, gambling, or even overworking or screens. But when they start to control your days or harm your health and relationships, it might be time to reach out. Substance use can be a way of coping with pain, stress, trauma, or loneliness. You might not notice it’s become a problem until it starts affecting sleep, finances, or connection with others. It’s not about blame - it’s about finding balance, safety, and hea

Support Is Always Within Reach Help Anywhere, Anytime Life doesn’t always run smoothly. At times, stress, worry, or difficult situations can feel overwhelming — and knowing where to turn for support can make a real difference. That’s the focus of this week’s Sticky Topics message, highlighting the Help Anywhere, Anytime initiative from Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (Deni MHAG) . The message is simple: support is available — anywhere, anytime . You don’t need to wa

Feeling pressure from school, friends, or family is normal - but sometimes it can get too heavy. If you’re feeling anxious, down, or lost, that doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’re human. Reaching out for help early makes a real difference. Young people often try to “handle it on their own,” but support is there for every step - whether it’s talking to someone you trust, chatting online, or learning simple ways to look after yourself. Everyone needs help sometimes, and

The Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (Deni MHAG) is launching a new community sticker campaign titled “Sticky Topics”, designed to encourage conversations about mental health, reduce stigma, and highlight practical ways people can support one another. The initiative will see eye-catching stickers placed on footpaths, walkways, and gathering places across Edward River Council. Each sticker features a QR code that links directly to helpful information, local resources,

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home and relationships.If something doesn’t feel right - if you feel controlled, afraid, or silenced - it’s okay to reach out.You are not alone, and it’s not your fault. Family and domestic violence isn’t only physical. It can be emotional, psychological, financial, or sexual. Sometimes, it looks like love and care from the outside but feels like fear and confusion on the inside. Violence and control can happen to anyone - regardle

Life can sometimes feel heavy. Work pressures, family responsibilities, financial stress, or personal challenges can build up over time. Many people try to carry these burdens quietly, believing they should just push through. In our community, you don’t have to tough it out alone. The message form the Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (Deni MHAG) is simple but powerful — talking about a problem can help lighten the load. Sometimes people think they need to be strong an

Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group ( Deni MHAG) continues to work towards their goal to get 20% of our Adult Population in Deni and surrounds trained as Mental Health First Aiders by the end of 2027. 2026 has seen 2 refresher courses delivered for those that have previously completed MHFA ( Mental Health First Aid) Training. We have also delivered both a Youth MHFA and a Standard MHFA Course. A need for a weekend MHFA course has been voiced, and as such we are taki

In Deniliquin, just like the rest of Australia, mental health challenges are real and common. Around one in five local adults will experience mental illness this year. For young people aged 11 to 17, the numbers are even more confronting - almost two in five are dealing with high or very high levels of psychological distress. Many of these struggles begin early. Half of all adult mental health conditions start before the age of 14.Many people, young and old, don’t know wh

You just need to be brave enough to start the conversation.

Big change starts with small, brave moments.