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This September, wearing colourful lipstick isn’t just a fashion statement – it’s a fun way to make a meaningful impact in women’s lives. Liptember’s month-long campaign aims to use fun lipstick as a conversation starter for women’s mental health.

What is Liptember?

Talking about women’s mental health is now more important than ever. According to the Liptember foundation:

  • 1 in 2 Australian women are currently facing a mental health issue
  • 34% of women are currently going through body image issues
  • 53% of women going through menopause are experiencing depression
  • 3 in 5 women facing fertility issues are struggling with anxiety
  • Less than half (49%) of women seek help for a mental health issue.

Mental health is crucial for everyone, but women may face certain mental health conditions at higher rates due to biological and gender-related differences. Factors like menstruation, menopause, pregnancy, birth, and certain cancers, such as cervical cancer, can impact women’s mental well-being. Additionally, socioeconomic, political, and cultural factors related to gender can also play a significant role in the prevalence of mental illness among women.

Liptember aims to support gender-specific mental health research, focusing on female-centric (or womxn-centric) approaches to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support services. By funding this research, Liptember strives to pave the way for better understanding and addressing the mental health needs of those who identify as women.

Support the women in your life

It’s normal to experience short-term stress, anger, or sadness, which may not indicate a mental illness. However, if you notice unusual changes in someone you know, like increased anxiety, irritability, or sleep issues, it’s natural to feel concerned.

Whether it’s your sister, daughter, mother, aunt, or friend, let them know it’s okay to talk about any difficulties they’re facing. Starting a conversation can be as simple as asking, “Are you okay?” Make sure to choose a relaxed moment when both of you have time to talk.

Understand that their initial reaction might be defensive, so stay calm, patient, and sympathetic. If they admit that stress, anxiety, or other symptoms are affecting them, suggest they talk to their GP or a mental health professional for support.

Women’s health at work

In promoting mental health awareness at work, it’s vital for leaders, managers, and HR to take the lead. They can achieve this by:

  1. Providing mental health training and tools to navigate workplace mental health, including guidance on having difficult conversations and fostering mentally healthy cultures.
  2. Ensuring all employees have access to mental health resources and regularly communicating about available benefits via email or promotional posters. Leaders can help normalise using these services by sharing if they found them helpful personally.
  3. Incorporating mental health advocacy into relevant policies and organisational practices. This might involve policies like paid leave or flexible hours. Leaders should also address structural issues that discriminate against women, such as pay inequity or lack of consequences for harassment.
  4. Cultivating a sustainable working environment by increasing employee autonomy and minimising unrealistic workloads. Recognise that women often have caregiving responsibilities, so leaders should create as much flexibility as possible. Tailoring arrangements to individual needs, such as remote work or flexible hours, is essential for supporting every employee effectively.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself

While it’s crucial to raise awareness and support others’ mental health, don’t forget to prioritise your own wellbeing. Make time for self-care by:

  • Improving your sleep quality
  • Paying attention to your diet and increasing exercise
  • Practicing mindfulness through meditation, breathing exercises, or gratitude journaling
  • Spending time with supportive friends or family and taking the time to talk about your feelings with someone you trust if you feel sad or anxious.

Taking care of yourself over time can boost feel-good hormones like dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin. It also helps you better cope with future challenges that may make you feel down or anxious. When your wellbeing is good, you’re more likely to be empathetic and considerate towards others and their feelings. Remember, self-care is essential for maintaining your mental and emotional health while being there for others.

Get involved this Liptember

It’s easy involved this Liptember! Here’s how you can take part:

  • Put on some lipstick. Showing off a bright lipstick colour is the key physical symbol of the campaign.
  • Sign up for workplace Liptember events or hold your own event. The Liptember website also has a built-in fundraising profile, so you can raise money for a good cause.
  • Take a moment to think about your own mental health. The month’s overall goal is raising awareness of women’s mental health, so before checking in on any of your friends, family or co-workers, think about how you’re feeling. In this stressful world, it’s important we dial up the self-care, whether that’s a going for a run, calling a friend, or turning your phone off and taking a bubble bath.
  • Post #Liptember on social media. Check out the Liptember website at https://www.liptember.com.aufor downloadable social media guides. A big part of the event’s mission is raising awareness, so spreading the word on social media can go a long way!

Women’s mental health is a complex issue that more and more women and girls are struggling with. From societal beauty standards to sexism in the workplace, women must overcome significantly different challenges to their male counterparts. Liptember is a beautiful and fun way to spark a conversation about a serious topic and help target the mental health issues women face today.

There’s help at hand

Whether you’re facing physical or mental health challenges, reaching out for assistance can be empowering. Remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s an essential step towards prioritising your wellbeing. If you find yourself needing additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through the Converge App or on 1 300 687 327. EAPs offer confidential and professional assistance to help you navigate through life’s challenges and maintain a balanced and healthy life.

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