Black Dog Institute's annual Mullets for Mental Health gets underway

One in five people will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year. In Australia that's around 5 million people.

Suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15-44, and approximately 60% of Australians reporting symptoms of mental illness don't seek help.

Riverstone resident PJ Cartwright is getting in on the action by growing and shaping his hair to become a Mullet Legend.

"This September I'm showing I'm all ears for mental health by growing a mullet and raising funds for Black Dog Institute," he said.

"Sadly, every day nine Australians die by suicide. You can help Black Dog Institute reduce this statistic.

"Black Dog Institute can improve the lives of people impacted by mental illness through their groundbreaking mental health research and education programs."

To donate to PJ's fundraiser visit: teamblackdog.org.au/fundraisers/petercartwright

Black Dog Institute is the only medical research institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan and its aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone.

They do this through 'translational' research. Integrating its research studies, education programs, digital tools and apps, clinical services, and public resources to discover new solutions, foster connections and create real-world change.

Its partnerships with people with lived experience, federal, state and local governments, communities, schools, corporate Australia and others in the mental health sector enables them to drive evidence-informed change in mental health where it's needed most.

For more information on Black Dog Institute or to register yourself as a Mullet Legend visit blackdoginstitute.org.au.