YOU probably didn't know it but suicide is the biggest single cause of death for Australian women aged 18 to 34.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That is part of the reason why former Stawell woman, Sarah Harrington has become one of the faces for Liptember - the campaign raising funds and awareness for women's mental health throughout the month of September.
All funds raised during the month of September are donated to the Centre for Women's Mental Health and Lifeline.
One of the movement's major sponsors is Chemist Warehouse and employee Sarah said it is easy to become involved and anyone has the ability to do it.
"Women register online and seek sponsorship from family, friends and co-workers for committing to wear the Liptember Lipstick throughout the month of September," she said.
Sarah said like most, she was struck by the fact that women are just as susceptible to anxiety and depression as men.
"There is little mental health research based on women, but this is something that is a huge problem nationwide," she said.
"One in three Australian women will suffer depression or anxiety during their lifetime. Postnatal depression affects 15 percent of women within the first year after childbirth."
Sarah said with initiatives to target awareness of men's mental health such as 'Movember' growing in popularity, it was time women were given the opportunity to do the same.
"I am so excited to be part of the campaign and just want to be able to help wherever I can," she said.
Staff at Stawell Medical Centre are getting behind Sarah and the campaign, they've already created a team of their own called 'Sealed Lips'.
The priority of the Liptember movement is to improve the health of all Australian women who take on a myriad of responsibilities as mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, wives and partners, thus to improve the health of all Australian women will help to improve the health of the whole community.
Liptember has formed an important partnership with health beneficiaries the Centre for Women's Mental Health, who provide national research and programs for gender specific mental health issues for women.
They've also joined with Lifeline Australia which provides all Australians with nationwide crisis support services 24/7 on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.
The Liptember concept and strategy provides a gateway for much needed research on the lifestyle choices and health issues of Australian Women.
Liptember sell official Liptember lipsticks throughout participating retailers with proceeds donated to the campaign.
If you can't get them in stores you can now purchase an official Liptember Lippy online http://www.liptember.com.au/. Proceeds from your purchase are donated to Liptember.
To support the 'Sealed Lips' team just visit the Stawell Medical Centre or donate online at http://www.liptember.com.au/teams/sealed-lips.