Mental health may be something a lot of people are afraid to talk about but the truth is one in four people will suffer from a mental health disorder at some point in their life.
Mental health is technically defined as "a person's mental condition regarding their psychological and emotional well-being" this can be impacted as early as youth due to childhood traumas, neglect and abuse, to adulthood, where stressful situations occur effect every individual differently. Mental health if not properly treated can get worse causing more physical and mental health problems.
These are some of the more common mental health problems;
Depression Disorder
Persist feeling of sadness and lack of interest in daily functioning.
Anxiety Disorder
A feeling of worry or fear that is strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities.
Bipolar Disorder
Associated with extreme episodes of mood swing ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.
Personality Disorders
Symptoms chronic feeling of emptiness, worthlessness and impulsivity and impaired social relationships.
Eating Disorders
An unhealthy relationship with food and eating and often an increase fear of being overweight.
PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)
A fear, anxiety and memories of a traumatic event that doesn't go away, coursing everyday life extremely hard and stressful.
Substance Abuse Disorder (Drug abuse)
Long term drug abuse can effect your mental health, relationships and everyday life.
If you or someone you know maybe experiencing a mental health disorder it is O.K to talk about, speak to your doctor or healthcare professional today about the best treatment for you.
You're Not Alone
Poor mental health can make you feel like you are all alone and no one could possibly understand what you are going through, but that is not the case!
There are many websites, helplines and government mental health resources available to you in your time of need, below we have listed some great public mental health services and information;
The Butterfly Foundation represents all people affected by eating disorders and negative body image – a person with the illness, their family, and their friends.
A movement towards a better drinking culture and has grown into the world’s largest online community of people supporting each other to change their behaviour around alcohol.
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people between the ages of 5 and 25.
National support organisation for younger people living with cancer; including their siblings and young people with parents or primary carers with cancer.
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
ReachOut.com is Australia’s leading online youth mental health service. ReachOut.com is an initiative of the Inspire Foundation, an Australian non-profit with a mission to help young people lead happier lives.
SANE Australia is a national charity helping Australians effected by mental illness live a better life, It also operates a busy Helpline and website, which have thousands of contacts each year from around Australia.
Panda (the national perinatal depression helpline) provides vital support, information, referral and counselling to thousands of Australian parents and their families.
The Suicide Call Back Service provides immediate support to anyone feeling suicidal. In addition, they can provide ongoing support through up to six 50 minute telephone counselling sessions that will provide you with longer term support.