Articles
Read our articles to learn practical tips for promoting positive mental health practices and supporting someone who may be experiencing a mental health problem.
How to prepare for a mentally healthy new year
A new year can bring with it a sense of optimism and enthusiasm about twelve fresh months and the opportunities that may bring. A time of great promise and motivation, a new year can also bring both internal and external pressure. Our desire to get things right, to...
Loneliness and isolation over the holidays
As the end of another year approaches and workplaces and schools start to wind down, and family and friends gather to celebrate, it’s important to remember that perhaps not everyone is looking forward to the holiday season. While the festive season can bring...
Understanding Panic Attacks
If you have ever experienced or witnessed a panic attack, then you will know that they can include a combination of mental and physical symptoms that arise quickly and intensely. Whether you have or haven’t experienced this, you may be able to recognise a panic...
The 6 most common mental health myths
Despite considered efforts across the mental health sector and communities, stigma, fear, and misconceptions about mental health problems persist. This can prevent a person from getting the help they need. Have you stopped to think about the way you view mental...
Teen MHFA – Empowering young people
The start of another school year is always a time for significant change and new situations. For young people, this can be an exciting time for reconnecting with friends and exploring new social, academic, and extra-curricular pursuits. But with change and the...
Talking about Depression
We all feel down and experience changes in our moods from time to time, but depression is complex and serious. People with depression may experience negative thoughts and feelings intensely and for longer periods of time. In Australia, depression is not uncommon,...
Looking out for those who are not coping
Depression is a common yet serious form of mental illness. The current challenges and periods of prolonged stress associated with the pandemic are predicted to lead to an increased incidence of depression and other common mental illnesses. Even people who usually...
How to talk about suicide – your words matter
Suicide is a tragic and largely preventable cause of death. Sadly, it is still a leading cause of death in Australia across many age groups, impacting people from all walks of life. Despite this, it can be helpful to keep in mind that most people who have suicidal...
Exploring the MHFA Action Plan
Whether we are at home, work, school or out in our communities, we may notice a change in someone's mood, behaviour, interactions or the way they are talking. These signs can alert us to the fact that a person is experiencing symptoms of a mental health...
Exploring mental health in men
Men and boys are all individuals with different circumstances, personalities, strengths, and challenges. However, as a collective, we know that men’s mental health is a topic that requires specific attention. This is, in part, because men and boys were...
Defining anxiety
Feeling anxious is something many of us can relate to. This common experience means that feelings of anxiousness, anxiety and related problems such as panic attacks and stress, are often loosely defined and talked about. For many people however, anxiety is a mental...
How to have a conversation about maintaining positive mental health
One of the most important conversations you may ever have could be with someone facing a mental health problem or mental health crisis. Building a genuine connection with a person by listening, empathising, and offering support can improve the immediate situation...
