Your mental health is important

Your mental health is an important part of your overall health and wellbeing. You need good mental health to help you get through life’s challenges, to have healthy relationships with others and to enjoy life.

Problems with mental health are common, and not a sign of weakness. In fact, it can take courage to admit there’s a problem, and to find some help. Your mental health is like your physical health – the earlier you get onto it, the better. (See ‘Where to get help’.)

Common mental health issues for men

A lot of things can negatively affect your mental and emotional wellbeing. Some common issues are:

• relationship problems, separation and divorce
• financial stress
• work-related pressures
• unemployment or retirement
• physical illness
• social isolation
• partner’s pregnancy and birth of a baby
• drug and alcohol use

Improving your mental health and wellbeing

There are plenty of practical things you can do to help support your mental health:

• eat well
• get plenty of sleep
• exercise regularly
• spend time with your friends and family
• talk about how you feel with people you trust
• do activities you enjoy
• take time to relax

There are also online resources that can provide more tips for good mental health and apps for building wellbeing.

Mental illness

Everyone has ups and downs. Everyone experiences feelings of sadness or anger or hopelessness at times. But if these feelings won’t go away, or get so strong they make it difficult for you to function normally, this could be a sign of a mental illness.

Most mental illness can be effectively treated or managed, so if you have a problem and seek help, there’s every chance that your condition will improve.

If you’re doing what you can, but still feel like you’re struggling, perhaps it could be time to look for some professional support.

Where to get help

If you are interested in seeking some advice about your mental health, a good first step may be to see your doctor, a psychologist or a counsellor. There are also many excellent organisations you can contact for help.

If you are having a personal crisis:

• Lifeline (anyone having a personal crisis) – call 13 11 14 or chat online
• Suicide Call Back Service (anyone thinking about suicide) – call 1300 659 467

If you want general mental health support and information:

• Head to Health – a guide to digital mental health services from some of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations
• MensLine Australia (online counselling and forum for men) – call 1300 78 99 78
• Dads In Distress (peer support for separated dads) – 1300 853 437
• SANE Australia (people living with a mental illness) – call 1800 18 7263 or chat online