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Mental health conditions

Mental health conditions broadly describes many different disorders, illnesses, and syndromes; such as mood or anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Some conditions occur once in a person's life, other times people experience recurrent symptoms over a lifetime with periods of recovery between. For a smaller number of people, they have enduring symptoms of mental illness that requires great resilience and specialist support to build recovery and sustain a contributing life.

If you’re concerned about your mental health or that of a family member, try talking to your doctor first and discussing your next steps. Doctors are trained to help with both your mental and physical health. They can give you advice on possible causes and treatments, including talking therapies, sometimes medications, and lifestyle changes that can help with recovery. Often they’ll give you a referral for specialised support from a psychologist, counsellor, or sometimes a psychiatrist. Just beginning a conversation with your doctor about any mental health concerns can go a long way to building a path to recovery.

If you are caring for someone with a mental health issue it is also just as important to continue to look after yourself. Visit Carer Gateway or call 1800 422 73 (Monday-Friday 8am-6pm) for more information.

Anxiety conditions

Anxiety can help us remain alert and be ready for challenges, but for 1 in 8 Australians, anxiety is a disorder that can impact everyday life.

Personality disorders

Learn more about the diagnoses and treatments for personality disorders, such as borderline personality and narcissistic personality.

Eating disorders and body image

An estimated 1 million Australians experience a type of eating or body image disorder. But treatment is available to help them lead healthier lives.

Mood disorders

Depression and bipolar disorder can make it hard to function in relationships or at work, but help is available. Learn more about mood disorders here.

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