It was just one of the activities planned for Mental Health Week, which runs from October 9-15.

Organiser of the barbecue, Leigh Black, said that reducing stress levels is an important part of maintaining good mental health.

"If you have escalating stress that's going to turn into a mental health issue," she said.

The most common mental health problem in Lightning Ridge is depression, usually related to domestic violence and drug and alcohol abuse.

Other triggers for depression could be isolation, lack of family support and problems with accommodation and finances.

The theme of this year's Mental Health Week is Family, Friends and Intimate Relationships - are we connecting?

At the official launch this week NSW health minister John Hatzistergos said current statistics showed that one in five people will be affected or know someone affected by some form of mental illness during their life.

"Despite the prevalence of mental illness in our society, unfortunately there is still a level of stigma attached to the condition," he said.

"Mental Health Week allows us to put Mental Health in the spotlight, educate the community about what services are available, and how to spot those in need of early intervention."

According to the national depression initiative, beyondblue, many business leaders, elite athletes and politicians suffer from the illness but with effective treatment and support were able to lead successful lives.

Recent research by beyondblue revealed each employee who secretly or unknowingly suffered mental illness cost their employer $9660 in sick days and poor productivity.

beyondblue chairman Jeff Kennett told the Australian Human Resources Institute it made good business sense to have a proactive plan to deal with depression.