Your Mental Health


YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

As October the 10th marks the World Mental Health Day, we thought that it may be a good opportunity to reflect on what good mental health can mean and the various types of mental illness.

Good mental health is a sense of wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem. Good mental health enables us to fully enjoy and appreciate other people, day-to-day life and our environment.

Having this sense of mental wellbeing enables us to:

  • Form positive relationships

  • Use our abilities to reach our potential

  • Deal with life’s challenges

A mental illness is a health problem that significantly affects how a person thinks, behaves and interacts with other people; and it is diagnosed according to a standardised criteria.

1 in 5 Australians will suffer from a mental illness in any given year

There are different types of mental illness with various degrees of severity. Some of the major types are:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Eating disorders

  • Bipolar mood disorders

  • Personality disorders

  • Schizophrenia

A mental health problem also affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves, but to a lesser extent than a mental illness.

Mental illness results from complex interactions between the mind, body and environment. Factors which can contribute to mental illness are:

  • Long-term and acute stress

  • Biological factors such as genetics, chemistry and hormones

  • Use of alcohol, drugs and other substances

  • Cognitive patterns such as constant negative thoughts and low self-esteem

  • Social factors such as isolation, financial problems, family breakdown or violence

How can we improve our mental health?

  • Talk about or express your feelings

  • Exercise regularly

  • Eat healthy meals

  • Get enough sleep

  • Spend time with friends and loved ones

  • Develop new skills

  • Relax and enjoy your hobbies

  • Set realistic goals

  • Talk to your healthcare professional

A lot of the factors contributing to mental illness can be minimised by a strong and supportive community environment.

Below we have listed some links to local assistance in the area; as well as 24 hour service lines, if you need someone to talk to:

Headspace Albury Wodonga:

https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/albury-wodonga/

(02) 6055 9555

YES – Youth & Family Services Albury:

https://yesalbury.wordpress.com/

1800 885 355

Beyond Blue:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

1300 224 636

Lifeline:

https://www.lifeline.org.au/Home

13 11 14

Men’s Line Australia

https://www.mensline.org.au/

1300 789 978


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