THE Redlands and Bayside community is set to join the conversation around well-being as events and activities are held across Queensland for Mental Health Week (October 4-12).
World Mental Health Day is held on October 10 each year, reminding us to prioritise and invest in our mental wellbeing.
With this year’s theme highlighting the importance of connection and support, health professionals are encouraging locals to reach out, check in, and take simple steps to protect their mental health.
In Cleveland, Café Arabica will host a community event on Sunday, led by local psychiatrist Dr Saibal Guha and the team from the Marsai Clinic, along with the cafe’s staff.
The annual gathering blends live music, art stalls, raffles, and wellbeing talks in a relaxed cafe setting designed to break down stigma.
“We’ve been running these events since 2022, when we took over the cafe and set up the clinic,” Dr Guha said.
“Holding it in a relaxed setting helps people feel comfortable.
“Sometimes clients will come for a coffee first before walking across to the clinic for treatment.
“That familiarity makes a big difference.”
This year’s event will run from 7 am.
A special, green-themed menu item – a granola delight bowl and healthy juice – will also be available, marking green as the international colour of mental health awareness.
Dr Guha said the theme of this year’s Mental Health Week, connection and support, reflected the essence of his work in the community.
“Support comes from both sides – from the clinic, where we care for our clients, and also from casual encounters in the cafe,” he said.
“Recently, someone approached me here who was worried about a family member.
“They didn’t know where to turn. I was able to explain the system and give them a helpline number. That kind of support can make all the difference.”
Funds raised this year will go to Night Ninjas, a local volunteer group helping homeless people from across the Bayside.
In past years, proceeds have supported “Antara,” an Indian mental health NGO that cares for the poor and disadvantaged people.
Since moving his practice to Redlands three years ago, Dr Guha has noticed both progress and persistent challenges in the way mental health is understood.
“There’s definitely improvement, but there’s still a long way to go,” he said.
“Before I came here, there was only a part-time psychiatrist in the area.
“Now we have three at the Marsai Clinic, and I’m the only full-time psychiatrist in the Redlands.
“That constant presence has helped, but demand remains very high.”
He said stigma continued to prevent people from seeking timely help.
“Too often, people don’t come forward until years later, which saddens me,” he said.
“Early intervention is crucial – it can prevent a downward spiral that leads to hospitalisation, time away from family and work, and a long road to recovery.”
Dr Guha believes lifestyle choices are a powerful tool for protecting mental health.
“Good sleep, eating well, exercising, managing stress, and connecting with others are all critical,” he said.
“Too often, people live beyond their means or spend too much time on screens instead of building real-life connections.
“Small changes can make a big difference.”
For young people, he encourages them to put down their devices and seek real-world connections.
“Talk to friends, family, teachers, mentors. The internet and AI can’t replace genuine human relationships,” he said.
Family and friends also play an essential role.
Dr Guha said simple acts of kindness and open dialogue often provide the best support.
“The most important thing is to listen without judgment, stigma, or guilt,” he said.
Above all, he wants the Redlands and Bayside community to remember that mental health is about much more than diagnoses and medication.
“Healing often comes from lifestyle changes – living holistically, supporting both mind and body, and relearning healthy ways of living,” he said.
As the Bayside community gathers this Sunday, Dr Guha hopes the event will not only raise funds and awareness but also remind people of the power of connection.
“Strong, open communication is the best protection against stress and isolation,” he said.
“That’s what Mental Health Week is all about.”
