App lifts lid on mental illness

A NEW Facebook application to help tackle the stigma surrounding mental illness in Ipswich has been developed.

The app takes users on a journey through an online video experience showing some of the issues people with mental illness face on a daily basis.

State Mental Health Minister Curtis Pitt said the new application would challenge users to "live a day in the life" of someone experiencing mental illness

"This new Facebook application is an important new tool to tackle the stigma surrounding mental illness," he said.

"Things like losing friends, having a failed relationship, lack of support and contact from family, or difficulties in the workplace.

"These are all experiences that can have a devastating effect on people's mental health and wellbeing.

"It's important for people experiencing these things to understand that they're not alone and that help is available."

Mr Pitt said the application included testimonials from Queenslanders living with mental illness and enables people to submit their own story.

"One in five Australians will experience a mental illness in a 12-month period, and one-in-two will experience it in their lifetime," he said.

To use the Facebook app visit changeourminds.qld.gov.au.