Learn about mental health

In Australia, around 1 in 2 people will struggle with their mental health during their lifetime.

Learning about mental health will help you look after your social and emotional wellbeing. It will also help you support people close to you.

It's important to get support early if you're feeling unsettled or struggling. We've got information and resources about the signs and symptoms to watch out for and where to find support.
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What is mental health?

We've developed a mental health continuum to help you understand and talk about social and emotional wellbeing.

A diagram of the mental health continuum: healthy, unsettled, struggling, in crisis, healing, healthy

It can also help you decide what steps to take to look after your mental health right now.

What is mental health?

Looking after your mental health

Staying well is about finding a balance that works for you. Things that can help include:

  • getting good quality sleep

  • keeping active

  • eating well

  • establishing a healthy routine

  • connecting with others

  • taking action early if you're feeling unsettled.

Anxiety

When anxious feelings don't go away, happen without any particular reason or make it hard to cope with daily life it may be the sign of an anxiety condition.

Anxiety conditions affect 1 in 4 people in Australia and they are treatable.

Depression

We all feel sad, moody or low sometimes, it's a normal part of life. If these feelings come and stay for more than 2 weeks it might be a sign that you have depression.

Depression affects 1 in 7 people in Australia and it is treatable.

Suicide

Learn the warning signs, how to talk about it, what to do after a suicide attempt, and support if you've lost someone to suicide.

1 in 6 Australians will have thoughts of suicide at some point during their lives. Support is available.

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10 anxiety management strategies to try

There’s a range of strategies you can try by yourself to manage anxiety.

These include relaxation techniques, spending time with family and friends, eating well and staying active.

Work and mental health

Good work can help your mental health. It can contribute to your sense of purpose, daily activity, income and social connection. But poor working conditions can harm your mental health and wellbeing. Learn information on:

  • what mentally healthy work is (and why it matters)

  • what can influence mental health at work

  • how to build a mentally healthy workplace

  • tools to improve mental health at work, and to stay well

  • supporting someone at work.

Parenting and mental health

Children and young people who are part of a supportive family are more likely to achieve their best possible mental health. For parents, having the information to understand and care for your child can help support their mental health, and yours. Find resources and services on:

  • child mental health

  • acknowledging adversity and getting support

  • depression and anxiety in children and young people

  • perinatal depression and anxiety

  • key issues to consider at each stage, from pregnancy to raising teenagers.

Managing your mental health

Staying well is about finding a balance that works for you, but there are some general principles that most people find useful.

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Check your mental health

Everyone’s mental health journey is different. We all experience ups and downs, so it’s important to do regular check ins.

We have some simple tools to help you to you assess your mental health. You can choose the one that’s right for you and get the resources and support you may need.

Supporting someone else

Support from family and friends can make a big difference for someone who's unsettled, struggling or in crisis. Find tips on how to support someone.

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