A photo of a family kayaking in the sunrise to illustrate mental health.
Mental health and wellbeing
Good mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness. It means you are in a state of wellbeing and can cope with stress or other difficult emotions in daily life. Use the links below to learn more about how to take care of your mental health.
Building and maintaining healthy relationships
Loving each other doesn’t necessarily mean you will communicate well. Healthy relationships take work. Nurture your relationship with these tips.
Bullying and harassment
It comes in many forms – such as verbal, physical or online abuse – and bullying can leave the target feeling weak, helpless and even responsible.
Creating healthy habits
Healthy habits can help you improve your mental health and wellbeing. Learn more about how to make good habits and break bad ones.
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.
Exercise and mental health
Exercise is good for your physical and mental health. It can help with sleep and stress. Read about the benefits of exercise for your mental health.
Food, drink and mental health
Eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water can support your mental health and well-being. Learn how to make healthy eating habits.
Good mental health
To build good mental health, look after yourself and do things you enjoy. Learn how to care for your wellbeing, and where to get help if you need it.
Grief and loss
Grief is a response to losing someone or something important. Find out about grief, how it affects different people, and when and where to get help.
Improve your sleep
Sleep is physically and mentally restorative. Learn about the stages of sleep, healthy habits and tips for a better night's rest.
Irritability and feeling on edge
Occasional irritability is normal. If you feel irritable or on edge all the time, it may be a symptom of a physical or mental health disorder.
Losing interest
Losing interest in things you once enjoyed can happen sometimes, but if it's ongoing it may be a sign of a mental health condition like depression.
Managing mood swings
Mood swings are sudden changes in how you feel emotionally. Learn their causes, how to manage them, and when and how to seek help.
Mental health professionals
Mental health isn't the area of psychologists and psychiatrists alone. Discover the different types of mental health workers available to you.
Mental health: where to get help
Learn how to navigate the Australian mental health system — including free services, helplines and other resources.
Mental illness stigma
People with mental health problems may face stigma, which can lead to discrimination and make mental illness worse. Find out how to reduce stigma.
Mindfulness
Research shows that mindfulness – focusing on the present - can improve memory and reduce stress, and it's a skill that anyone can practise.
Signs of mental health issues
Your mental health includes your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Learn to recognise signs of a mental health issue.
Self-harm
Self-harm is often a way of coping with low self-esteem or trauma. It can include cutting the skin, alcohol misuse or an eating disorder.
Sleep
Learn about the stages of sleep, develop healthy habits and get more tips on sleeping well — including for shift workers.
Stress
Discover what stress is, how it affects you and how to manage it effectively. Learn about stress symptoms, causes, and tips for relief and prevention.
Substance misuse
Substance misuse involves using too much alcohol or other drugs. Read about the signs of substance misuse as well as available treatments.
Work-life balance
If you are employed, it is important to balance the pressures of your work and personal life. Read our tips for managing life and your workload.
