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Mental Health

Our mental health is a part of our overall wellbeing

Mental health helps us feel emotionally and psychologically well. It means our thoughts and feelings are generally in a good place, and we can cope with life's challenges, enjoy our relationships, and have a positive outlook on our daily experiences. Good mental health is like having a strong and resilient mind that helps us lead a fulfilling and balanced life.

What is mental ill-health

When we experience mental ill-health, we may experience challenges with our thoughts, emotions and behaviours that can affect our daily life, relationships and overall wellbeing. It can make us feel overwhelmed, anxious, sad or even disconnected from the people and activities we once enjoyed.

 

It's important to know that you can reach out for support and seek help when facing mental health challenges, as there are effective treatments and resources available to help on the path to recovery and improved wellbeing.

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Supporting your mental health

 

As well as working on boosting our general wellbeing, there are simple ways that we can improve our mental health.

 

Regular exercise

Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, and can help reduce symptoms of stress and depression.

 

Healthy eating

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides the essential nutrients that support brain health and overall well-being.

 

Adequate sleep

Prioritise sleep to ensure your mind and body can recharge. Quality sleep helps manage stress and enhances mental clarity.

 

Stress management

Practicing relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga, can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting better mental health.

 

Social connections

Building and maintaining positive relationships with friends and family provides emotional support, reduces feelings of isolation, and contributes to a stronger sense of well-being.

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When to seek support

 

Improving our general wellbeing is a great way to improve our mental health, but sometimes we can benefit from professional support as well. 

 

Mental health professionals, such as therapists, counsellors and psychiatrists, can provide the guidance, therapy, and treatments necessary to improve our wellbeing and quality of life

 

Here are some indicators that it might be time to reach out for help:

 

Persistent feelings

If you've been feeling sad, hopeless, or down for more than two weeks, it's time to consider professional help.

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Interference with daily life

When your sadness starts affecting your ability to work, maintain relationships, or engage in daily activities, it's a strong sign that you should seek support.

 

Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

If you ever have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, don't hesitate. Reach out to a mental health professional or a trusted friend or family member immediately. Click here to find urgent help.

 

Changes in physical health

Significant changes in appetite, sleep, or physical health should also prompt you to seek assistance.

 

Isolation

If you're withdrawing from social connections, avoiding friends and family, or experiencing intense feelings of guilt and worthlessness, these are concerning signs.

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Unmanageable symptoms
If you're trying to cope with your feelings through unhealthy habits such as excessive drinking, drug use, or overeating, it's a signal to reach out for help.

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Mental health services

Click the logos below to find out more about mental health services available online and in the Southern Riverina, or browse the Useful Services directory 

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​If you or someone you know needs help, ACCESSLINE offers professional help and advice as well as referrals to local mental health services.
We know that talking about sexual, domestic and family violence can be hard. When you contact 1800RESPECT, you will talk to a trained counsellor who will listen and support you in what feels right for you and your situation.
Search the Alcohol and Drug Foundation's comprehensive list of Australian Help and Support Services.
We offer services to help support all Australians affected by complex mental health issues. Whatever your age, ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity, we have something for you.
Provides Medicare bulk-billed and convenient online psychology sessions available when you want, Australia wide. Psychologists available for video and telephone Counselling 7 days a week
You are not alone. We're here to listen. We are a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Open Arms provides free and confidential counselling to anyone who has served at least one day in the ADF, and their families.
Support for anyone affected by gambling, available 24/7.
QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
Wellways delivers a range of programs and supports, such as: ​- Community and Living Support (CLS) - Continuity of Support (CoS) - Well Connected - Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) - Way Back Support Service ( Suicide)
Family Drug Support (FDS) provides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week telephone support to families and carers in crisis due to alcohol and other drug use issues. FDS is staffed by volunteers who have experience of family members with alcohol and other drug use. FDS also provide face-to-face support meetings and resources for family members.
Whether you are having issues with alcohol or other drugs, are concerned about someone else’s alcohol or other drug use, or just have general questions about alcohol or other drugs, you can call ADIS any time of the day or week for support, information, counselling and referral to services in NSW.
13YARN is the first national service of its kind for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people in crisis. We offer a confidential one-on-one over the phone yarning opportunity and support with a trained Lifeline Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping.
Advice for men about family violence, operated by No To Violence
The StandBy program is focused on supporting anyone who has been bereaved or impacted by suicide at any stage in their life, including
The Suicide Call Back Service is a 24 hour, nationwide service that provides free telephone, video and online counselling.
We all have good days and bad days. However, if you’re feeling sad, down or anxious and these feelings have started to affect what you would normally enjoy or do, then it’s important to find out what’s going on and what you can do about it.
Support for eating disorders and body image issues. We believe everyone’s experience of an eating disorder or body image issue is unique and access to effective services is essential.
ACON is a NSW health organisation that supports people of diverse sexualities and genders, and those living with HIV. We offer phone and video conferencing-based counselling options for community members aged 18+ who identify as LGBTIQA+ and/or those living with HIV.
Mental health resources and support tools that you can trust knowing that everything produced is research-informed and recommended by professionals.
MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men anywhere, anytime.
A fantastic resource for young people of all ages as well as parents and carers. Anytime. Any Reason.
PANDA’s National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline is Australia’s only free national helpline for people affected by changes to their mental health and emotional wellbeing during the perinatal period. We support people throughout pregnancy up until their baby is 12 months old.
ReachOut is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people and their parents. Their practical support, tools and tips help young people get through anything from everyday issues to tough times.
eheadspace provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 - 25 and their families and friends. If you’re based in Australia and going through a tough time, eheadspace can help.

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