REST Superannuation is joining with SuperFriend, the Industry Funds Forum Mental Health Foundation, to provide information to members on how to improve their mental wellbeing.
"By including mental health information in public disclosure statements and other communications, we are supporting our members in these financially difficult times," REST chief executive Damian Hill said.
The industry fund is using the resources of SuperFriend to communicate the message to members.
"SuperFriend has created a website that can be used as a referral service and also provides education for places that members and employers can turn to," Hill said.
In particular, REST is providing information on proactive ways to improve mental health, develop a healthier workplace for employees, facts about common disorders, such as depression and anxiety, and where to seek reliable help and support.
Hill said the issue of mental health was of particular importance to REST because of its young demographic.
"Mental illness still has a stigma throughout the general population and we want to make sure that people are aware that support is there," he said.
The issue is even more important because of the financial stress many Australians were under, he said.
"For many of our younger members this may be the first economic downturn that they have seen and it may have affected their jobs or relationships. This sort of environment can lead to greater mental health issues," he said.
"With one in every five Australians experiencing some form of mental illness at some time in their life, we encourage all members to be proactive in maintaining their wellbeing and to seek help to reduce stress and improve their mental health."
