Grow a mullet for mental health

Black Dog Institute is calling on Australians to show they are all ears by growing a mullet and participating in Mullets for Mental Health.

Growing those luscious locks in the classic “business at the front, party at the back” style is a great way to show support for the one in five Australians experiencing mental illness each year.

Mullets for Mental Health is the national virtual challenge taking place each April in which participants shape and grow their mullets to help raise funds for Black Dog Institute’s crucial mental health research and support services here in Australia.

“In Australia, suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 15-44. For every single suicide death, there are 20 times the number of attempts,” Black Dog Institute researcher Dr Sandersan Onie said.

“Recent research has shown most people who attempt to end their life don’t want to die and are looking for any reason to continue living.

“What that tells us is any intervention, whether it’s a tap on the shoulder, a text message or even an internet pop-up, holds the potential to save someone’s life.”

Since 2020, more than 30,000 participants have grown mullets and raised close to $12 million to support Black Dog Institute’s ground-breaking mental health research.

This puts digital services and education into the hands of people who need it the most.

“Mullets for Mental Health is a fun and engaging way to start those important mental health conversations that are critical to supporting your mates,” Black Dog Institute campaign manager Tom Farrar said.

“It’s a great way to show your fellow Aussies that you’re all ears for better mental health and suicide prevention in our communities.”

Funds raised by Mullets for Mental Health participants this year can support novel and innovative suicide prevention programs, assist in the research and development of digital mental health tools and apps for adults and children, and help community presenters reach school students to talk about mental health in schools and how to get support.