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Mental health and well-being tips

You may be going through a lot right now.

It is important to take care of yourself when things are tough and feeling out of control.

What is mental health?

Mental health is about how you are thinking and feeling, and how this affects the way you act – for example, the way you handle stress or act around other people. It is an important part of your well-being.

Why is mental health and well-being important?

Your mental health is just as important as the health of your body. Your brain and body are always affecting each other. Have you ever felt a headache when you’re stressed or a stomach ache when you’re anxious? That is your brain and body acting together.

Your mental health can also affect how you feel and act every day. If you're not feeling great, it can be hard to be hopeful for your future. Everything can feel like it's too much to handle.

Even if things only feel a little bit off, it is always worth taking the time to look after yourself and do things that make you feel better.

How do I know if I need to take care of my mental health?

Everyone needs to take care of their mental health, just like everyone needs to sleep or drink water to take care of their body. You should especially take care of your mental health if you're feeling:

  • Tired

  • Stressed

  • Anxious

  • Sad

  • Annoyed

  • Helpless

  • Numb

Sometimes, the signs are less obvious. For example, you should try focusing on your mental health if you:

  • Have trouble sleeping

  • Don't feel like eating

  • Don't want to be around other people

  • Can't concentrate

  • Can't relax

  • Have headaches, stomach aches or chest pains

  • Have trouble breathing

  • Feel your heart beating quickly, even when you're sitting still

Tips for looking after your mental health and well-being

Practise relaxation

Practise meditating and taking deep breaths to help calm your mind and relax your body. You can do these exercises anywhere at any time.

Write down your feelings

Writing down your feelings somewhere safe and private can help you express yourself and make sense of what you are going through.

Live a healthy lifestyle

Try to exercise regularly, eat healthy food and get enough sleep every night. When your body is looked after, you think and feel better.

Stick to a normal routine

This will help you feel more stable and balanced. Try to wake up, go to bed, eat your meals and do other activities around the same time every day.

Talk to someone you trust

Sometimes, it helps to just have someone to listen to you. This can be a friend, a sibling or a teacher.

Talk to a mental health professional

A professional can help you learn better ways to cope with what you're going through. Scroll down for some free services to try.

Are you thinking about hurting yourself or suicide?

Please know that you're not alone. There is hope for your future and there are people who can help you. Please speak to a professional at Lifeline by chatting online or calling 13 11 14 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

You can get help no matter how big or small your concerns might feel.

Try these free and confidential counselling services – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1800RESPECT

For sexual assault, and domestic and family violence.

Chat online or call 1800 RESPECT

Lifeline

For crisis support and suicide prevention.

Chat online or call 13 11 14

Kids Helpline

For children and young people aged 5 to 25.

Chat online or call 1800 55 1800

Beyond Blue

For anxiety, depression and suicide.

Chat online or call 1300 22 4636