With almost half of all Australians affected by mental illness during their lives, the ripple effect is felt by loved ones, families and the broader community.

The symptoms of mental illness are not always visible and many people suffer in isolation.

Thankfully, there are thousands of worthy Australians striving to make a difference in this field, from advocacy, education and awareness through to prevention, treatment and searching for much needed cures.

The Australian Mental Health Prize acknowledges those who are doing innovative work in this area.

Acknowledging those who work or volunteer in the industry is an important part of the process to destigmatise mental illness.

The Prize was established in 2016 by UNSW Sydney through its School of Psychiatry, Australia's pre-eminent psychiatric research department.

It recognises Australians who have made outstanding contributions to either the promotion of mental health, or the prevention or treatment of mental illness.

Nominations are now open and we are eager for nominees from across the country.

Please consider those in your local community who deserve to be recognised.

More information and nomination forms can be obtained from australianmentalhealthprize.org.au

Entries close on August 30, 2019.

Previous winners have come from as far afield as Dubbo, Indooroopilly (QLD), Tuart Hill (WA) and Geelong (Vic).

For those who are living with the burden of mental illness every day, thank you for your support.

Anyone needing support can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

I write on behalf of the not-for-profit Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia to urge readers in your area who may have issues with mental health to reach out and get the very real help that is out there.

230,000 people have schizophrenia. Together with their families, a million Australians are affected by Schizophrenia. Psychosis is costing our society over $4 billion annually.

The reality is people with schizophrenia can and do recover.

It's a myth to believe people with schizophrenia are violent.

They are no more likely to be violent than anybody else.

Readers should be aware that if someone is experiencing changes in mood or rapid mood changes, unusual behaviour or they are withdrawing and isolating themselves from others, this may be an early warning sign of poor mental health.

It is shameful that the average life expectancy of people with schizophrenia in Australia right now is just 54 years old.

There is so much stigma around mental health. Research shows less than 50% of people with schizophrenia are getting clinical or recovery assistance.

Our message is reach out.

Readers can call our free phone number on 1800 985 944 or go to www.minetworks.org.au.

That service will aim to put readers in touch with local services that may be able to assist them.

The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia passionately believes we need to talk about mental health more - and offer more support to people affected.

Do you have an issue you would like to share? Email your letter to the editor to editorial.mutimes@fairfaxmedia.com.au