Mental illness affects one in five Australians and on World Mental Health Day on Monday the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition joined thousands of people to make a mental health promise.

“My mental health promise is to always take time to ask R U OK? And be relentless in our efforts to address mental illness and prevent suicide and self harm,” said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

“My mental health promise is to support inclusiveness and respect, offer help to those who need it, and remove the stigma associated with mental illness,” said Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

Mental Health Australia CEO Frank Quinlan says the idea of making a promise reminds people that looking after their mental health is personal, and it starts with them.

“The idea of making and sharing a promise also helps break down the stigma that still exists with mental illness. In the spirit of sharing, my mental health promise for World Mental Health Day is to keep finding quiet places amid the chaos.”

To get involved in World Mental Health Day this year, and play an active role in your own mental health, make a #MentalHealthPromise at www.1010.org.au.

Mental Health Australia marked the day by providing parliamentarians with an Incoming Government Brief, prepared to assist members of parliament to understand the current state of mental health reform and the factors which will contribute to future success.

Recommendations include:

• Setting clear targets and indicators to measure the progress of mental health reforms

• Agreeing on a comprehensive 5th Plan for Mental Health & Suicide Prevention with state and territory governments

• Funding greater consumer and carer participation in service design, service delivery and evaluation

• Increasing investment in early intervention and prevention

• Supporting the National Mental Health Commission to ensure accountability across various areas of current reform

• Strengthening the community mental health sector during the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.