Mental health is all about your emotional and social wellbeing. When your mental health is okay, you can cope with life, normal stresses, and school or work.
There are times in life when our minds don't cope so well. Mental health (new window) problems are common and help is available.
Looking after your mental health
There are many ways to look after your mental health even when you don't think it needs special attention. It helps if you can:
- Eat well
- Exercise regularly
- Get enough sleep
- Set aside some time in each day to relax
- Put time into activities and relationships that make you feel good
- Try to deal with problems instead of letting them build up
- Be aware of the possible effects of alcohol and drugs on your state of mind and relationships
These things can really help you keep on top of day-to-day-life and stay on top of regular stress levels and worries.
Mental health in difficult times
One in five Australians are likely to experience some kind of mental health issue (new window) during their lifetime. Mental health issues can affect anyone - old or young, rich or poor. Sometimes worry (new window), stress (new window) or depression (new window) can get in the way of you doing the things you need and want to do.
Other issues include substance abuse, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and eating disorders.
For young people, the stresses of growing up, family conflicts, study, work and situations such as living in care or being homeless can all take their toll on your mental health.
It can also be really tough living with, or standing by a friend or relative who has a serious mental health problem. It can be hard to know what to expect, or what you should do.
Ways to improve the situation
- Acknowledge that there may be a problem
- Don't panic
- Talk about it with a friend or someone else you trust
- Seek out professional advice and information
- Accept support
When we are sick or injured we head straight to the doctor. We should do the same with our mental health and treat it with the same level of care and concern we do a physical problem.
A mental health problem can just happen. It's nobody's fault, it may seem hard to understand or deal with but it really helps to speak out and get support instead of trying to deal with it alone.
Getting help
In Victoria, you can tap into a range of government and other health support services (new window), and find some useful information. Help for mental health issues may include support, counselling, medication or therapy. Some services and information are especially aimed at young people and understand your needs.
Being aware of the issues and knowing where to get help (new window) are good starting points in looking after your mental health, or helping someone else with theirs.
Links
Better Health Channel
Information about mental health and tips for coping with negative emotions.
DepressionNet
Provides information, help and support for people who have depression or are depressed. Includes what to do, related conditions, help in your area, treatments, articles and stories of real people's experiences.
Headroom - The Lounge
Ideas about what positive mental health is, issues and situations that affect mental health and how you can look after your mental health. It's written by young people for young people.
itsallright
Includes referral services and the diaries of four teenagers whose lives are affected by mental illness and fact sheets on drugs and mental illness, eating disorders, bipolar disorders and treatments for mental illness.
Reach Out!
Fact sheets on Bipolar disorder, if your friend threatens to take their life, self harm and suggestions for managing depression. It also provides information about the ways that a therapist may be able to help you, and the treatments available.
Beyondblue: The National Depression Initiative
Addresses issues associated with depression, anxiety and related things like substance misuse. Find a doctor or psychologist close to you.
Links for getting help
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline is a 24 hour telephone and online counselling service. Includes a directory that you can search to find services and places that can help you in and around your area.
Royal Children's Hospital - Paying Attention To Self (PATS)
PATS is a support group for young people aged 13 - 18 whose parents are affected by mental illness. It's run by the Royal Children's Hospital Centre For Adolescent Health. This website explains how the program works.
Victorian Government Health Information - Accessing Mental Health Services
Look for services near your suburb or town and includes categories for general adult services as well as child and adolescent services.
