Mental health month is coming

October is Mental Health Month — a timely opportunity for super funds to engage members on their wellbeing and reinforce the value of early mental health support. 

Mental health conditions, including depression and post-traumatic stress order, are an increasingly common cause of life insurance claims. In the last financial year, mental health claims accounted for 27% of claims accepted across TAL’s group insurance portfolio.¹

This trend is especially significant in Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claims. The prevalence and complexity of mental health-related TPD claims are creating new challenges in how we provide the right support for members.

Across the broader community, the need for support is clear. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics: 

• 22% of Australian adults have experienced a mental health condition in the past year
• 43% will experience one at some point in their lives.²

Now more than ever, there’s value in shining a light on the small, positive steps your members can take to care for their mental health, as proactive education and early intervention can make a real difference to their long-term wellbeing. 

While the mental health challenge is significant, stories like Susan’s below show the life-changing impact of timely support. 

Turning awareness into support

To build on stories like Susan’s, it’s important to hear from those leading the conversation on mental health. In this short video, Glenn Baird, TAL’s Head of Mental Health, shares a powerful message on Australia’s growing mental health challenge, and how collaborative support and thoughtful connections can help turn the tide.

Supporting your members this Mental Health Month  

As part of TAL Health for Life, and in preparation for Mental Health Month in October, we’ve curated a ready-to-use member campaign toolkit that is available now on Group HQ.  

While the email template is designed specifically for October, the other resources can be used at any time of the year to help raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing among your members. The content is designed to help you share meaningful messages, provide practical information and guide members towards positive steps they can take to look after their mental health. 

What’s in the toolkit 

The campaign materials are flexible and easy to use, with a mix-and-match approach so you can choose what works for your audience and the timing of your campaign.  

In the Member Content section of Group HQ, you’ll find: 

• Member articles. Shareable articles to help members understand a range of mental health topics and take proactive steps to support their wellbeing.
• Support flyers. Designed for your teams to provide information to members who may be facing mental health challenges.
• Suggested email template. To help you promote Mental Health Month or our Headlight mental health tool during October or any other time of the year. 

TAL Insurance Academy also features a range of mental health educational modules to support your team’s knowledge, capability and confidence. Visit Group HQ and log into TAL Insurance Academy to start exploring. 

Support services to help your members 

Susan’s case study highlights the difference that timely, tailored support can make, and TAL offers a range of free and confidential support services to help members access the right care and guidance at the right time, including: 

• Mental Health Assist. Confidential video consultations with psychologists or psychiatrists, with personalised care plans and early intervention support.
• Headlight screening tool. An online survey that helps members identify mental health blind spots and receive wellbeing recommendations.
• MindStep program. Free life coaching, delivered by trained mental health coaches, for members on income protection claims for depression or anxiety.
• TAL Health Connector. A curated directory of free and low-cost community resources for grief, trauma, fatigue, caregiving, and life-stage transitions.
• SANE peer-guided support service. Specialist support for people experiencing complex mental health issues, and their families and carers (currently in pilot phase). 

Find out more 

If you’re not currently using Group HQ for member content or to access TAL Insurance Academy, get in touch with your Partnership Manager for more information.  

¹ TAL Life Insurance Services Limited ABN 31 003 149 157 (TLISL) paid claims on group life insurance policies issued to superannuation fund trustees during the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 (FY 2025). All percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number. The acceptance of each claim is subject to the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions of the life insurance policies issued by TAL and TLISL. A claim is 'accepted' when the claim has been assessed and is determined to be payable. 

²Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Prevalence and impact of mental illness. 2025