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Mental health and wellbeing

11-minute read

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.

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Building and maintaining healthy relationships

A healthy relationship is built on trust and respect. If a relationship is abusive or violent, it is not healthy.

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Bullying and harassment

Bullying comes in many different forms, and can affect people in different ways. Learn more here about what to do.

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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.

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Eating disorders and body image

An estimated 1 million Australians experience a type of eating or body image disorder. But treatment is available.

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Exercise and mental health

Exercise is good for your health. It can help with mental illness, reduce stress, and help you sleep. Read about the benefits of exercise.

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Food, drink and mental health

Discover tips for building healthy eating habits, including a balanced diet and plenty of water, to support mental health and overall well-being.

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Good mental health

There are many simple ways to achieve good mental health, from practising gratitude to spending time on things you enjoy.

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Grief and loss

Feelings of grief can come from losing someone close to you, as well as other life events like divorce or illness.

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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.

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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.

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Losing interest

Losing interest in things you once enjoyed can be a sign of a mental health condition like depression. Learn more here.

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Mental health professionals

Many different health professionals are trained to support your mental health – from psychiatrists to occupational therapists.

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Mental health: where to get help

Learn about Australia’s mental health system, and how to access low cost or free services.

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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.

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Mindfulness and mental health

Research shows that mindfulness - focusing on the present - can improve memory and reduce stress, and it's a technique that anyone can practice.

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Nine signs of mental health issues

Can you spot the difference between a bad mood and something more serious? These 9 signs could point to a mental health issue in someone.

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Self-harm

Self-harm can involve cutting the skin, alcohol misuse, or an eating disorder and is often a way of coping with low self-esteem or trauma.

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Stress

Stress is a normal, physical response, but it becomes a problem when it overwhelmes you or continues for a long time. Learn how to tell if you're too stressed.

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Substance abuse

Substance use disorders involve using too much alcohol, tobacco or other drugs and are also known as substance abuse, substance dependence or addiction.

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Work-life balance

Poor work-life balance can lead to stress and negative health outcomes. Here's how to succeed at work but leave time for yourself and your family.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: June 2024


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