Need help now?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance or police.
For a full list of Australian mental health helplines, visit Healthdirect
This information is general and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a qualified health professional.
What is mental health?
Mental health is about how we think, feel and cope with life. It affects how we relate to others, how we handle stress, and the choices we make every day. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood through to older age.
Having good mental health doesn't mean feeling happy all the time. It means being able to cope with life's ups and downs, maintain relationships, and take part in your community. Everyone's mental health changes over time, and that's completely normal.
Mental health is a spectrum
Mental health exists on a spectrum. You might feel mentally well most of the time, go through periods where you struggle, or experience a mental health condition that needs ongoing support. A mental health condition is a diagnosable illness that affects how a person thinks, feels or behaves, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
It's important to know that mental health conditions are common. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, nearly half of all Australians will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives.
Common experiences and everyday impacts
Mental health difficulties can affect people in different ways. Some common experiences include:
- Feeling persistently sad, worried or irritable
- Losing interest in things you usually enjoy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
These experiences can affect everyday life, including work, study, relationships and physical health. The impact is different for everyone, and people can and do recover or learn to manage their mental health effectively.
How to look after your mental health
There are things everyone can do to support their mental wellbeing:
- Stay connected with family, friends and community
- Get regular exercise and enough sleep
- Eat well and limit alcohol and other substances
- Learn to manage stress through relaxation or mindfulness
- Seek help early if you're struggling
Support options and seeking professional help
If you're concerned about your mental health, your GP is a good place to start. They can assess your situation, create a mental health treatment plan, and refer you to a psychologist or other mental health professional. Under a mental health treatment plan, Medicare provides rebates for sessions with eligible mental health professionals.
You can also contact free helplines for support:
- Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
- Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24/7)
- Medicare Mental Health — 1800 595 212 (weekdays)
Supporting someone respectfully
If someone you know is struggling, the most important thing you can do is listen without judgement. Let them know you're there, and encourage them to seek professional help if needed. Avoid giving unsolicited advice or telling them to "snap out of it." Simply being present and showing you care can make a real difference.
Reliable Australian resources
Sources
- Healthdirect Australia — Mental health (healthdirect.gov.au)
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare — Mental health (aihw.gov.au)
- Head to Health — Australian Government (headtohealth.gov.au)
- Beyond Blue — Mental health (beyondblue.org.au)
Need support? Contact your GP, a mental health professional, or call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).