Home

Learn about mental health

In Australia, around 1 in 2 people will struggle with their mental health during their lifetime.

Learning about mental health will help you look after your social and emotional wellbeing. It will also help you support people close to you.

It's important to get support early if you're feeling unsettled or struggling. We've got information and resources about the signs and symptoms to watch out for and where to find support.

Illustration of a woman sitting on a bean bag and a man in a chair having a conversation

What is mental health?

We've developed a mental health continuum to help you understand and talk about social and emotional wellbeing.

A diagram of the mental health continuum: healthy, unsettled, struggling, in crisis, healing, healthy

It can also help you decide what steps to take to look after your mental health right now.

What is mental health?

Looking after your mental health

Staying well is about finding a balance that works for you. Things that can help include:

  • getting good quality sleep

  • keeping active

  • eating well

  • establishing a healthy routine

  • connecting with others

  • taking action early if you're feeling unsettled.

Look after your mental health and wellbeing

Anxiety

When anxious feelings don't go away, happen without any particular reason or make it hard to cope with daily life it may be the sign of an anxiety condition.

Anxiety conditions affect 1 in 4 people in Australia and they are treatable.

Learn about anxiety

Depression

We all feel sad, moody or low sometimes, it's a normal part of life. If these feelings come and stay for more than 2 weeks it might be a sign that you have depression.

Depression affects 1 in 7 people in Australia and it is treatable.

Learn about depression

Suicide

Learn the warning signs, how to talk about it, what to do after a suicide attempt, and support if you've lost someone to suicide.

1 in 6 Australians will have thoughts of suicide at some point during their lives. Support is available.

Learn about suicide

Who does mental health affect?

First Nations Peoples

First Nations Peoples feel deep distress when experiencing racism, and every time it happens, their distress increases.

Discover how racism affects First Nations Peoples' mental health and how to stop discrimination at work, school, and home.

Learn about First Nations Peoples and mental health

Women

While every woman’s journey is unique, both biological and social factors play a role in shaping their mental health. 

It’s never too late to prioritise mental health.

Learn what can impact women’s mental wellbeing, and feel empowered to live a more balanced life.

Learn about women's mental health

Men

Men are getting better at recognising and seeking support for their mental health, but we know many still do not reach out for help.

Whether it’s identifying signs of anxiety or depression that are more common in males, or checking in on your friends more often, read on to see what things you can do to stay well.

Learn about men's mental health
sean-and-his-partner-mens-mental-health

LGBTIQ+ community

At Beyond Blue, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and diversity of LGBTIQ+ communities.

Recognising the unique mental health challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ communities, we provide comprehensive resources and support to foster well-being and inclusivity.

Explore LGBTIQ+ mental health resources

People with disability

Living with a disability—physical or intellectual—affects so many parts of a person’s overall mental health and wellbeing. People living with a disability may be at risk of developing anxiety or depression due to factors such as social isolation and lack of employment opportunities.

Learn about disability and mental health
liam-stocker-reflecting-on-his-life-mental-health-in-young-men

Youth

Resources for for young people between the ages of 12 and 25.

If you're feeling sad, down or anxious and these feelings have started to affect your everyday life, then it's important to find out what's going on and how you can manage it. 

Learn about youth and mental health

Factors affecting mental health

Stress

Feeling stressed? You’re not alone. Stress is a natural response that everyone experiences when under pressure. It’s not always bad. It can even be healthy. 

But when the stress is too much, lasts for too long or affects your daily life, it can impact your mental health and wellbeing.

Learn about stress and mental health

Loneliness

Occasional loneliness is normal, but if you feel persistently lonely it can have an impact on your mental health.

Learn about loneliness, when it becomes a bigger issue, how to connect with others, and how communities and public organisations can help everyone feel they belong.

Learn about loneliness and mental health

Alcohol and mental health

Drinking problems can develop when alcohol is used to cope, and alcohol abuse can make existing mental health conditions worse.

Find information on the connection between alcohol and mental health, including practical strategies for mindful drinking. 

Learn about alcohol and mental health

Perimenopause, menopause and mental health

Perimenopause and menopause bring many physical and emotional changes, and these can affect female mental health.

If you’re experiencing feelings of uncertainty related to perimenopause or menopause, there are resources and support available to guide you through this time. 

Learn about menopause and mental health

Social media and mental health

Understand the effects social media can have on our mental health, including social media anxiety.

Explore the positive benefits of social media, guidelines for healthy social media use, as well as online mental health resources.

Learn about social media and mental health

Cyberbullying and mental health

Cyberbullying can leave people feeling alone, worthless, sad and angry. It can also increase someone's risk of experiencing anxiety, depression and thoughts about suicide.

Know the signs and what you can do to prevent the negative impacts of cyberbullying on mental health.
 
Learn about cyberbullying and mental health

Parenting and mental health

Children and young people who are part of a supportive family are more likely to achieve their best possible mental health. For parents, having the information to understand and care for your child can help support their mental health, and yours.
Learn about parenting and mental health

Work and mental health

Good work can help your mental health. It can contribute to your sense of purpose, daily activity, income and social connection. But poor working conditions can harm your mental health and wellbeing. 
Learn about work and mental health

Financial wellbeing

Financial health and mental health are linked. Financial challenges can cause significant stress, which can impact our mental health and wellbeing.

Similarly, the state of our mental health can make it harder to get on top of our finances. 

Learn about financial wellbeing

Natural disasters and your mental health

Many Australians have experienced extreme weather disasters such as heatwaves, flooding, bushfires, drought, landslides, earthquakes or destructive storms. People who have experienced disasters may experience short- or long-term mental health impacts. It’s important to seek help early.
Learn about natural disasters and mental health

You’re not alone. 1 in 2 Australian’s will struggle with their mental health during their lives

Over 50,000 posts in our online community discuss how people just like you manage and look after their mental health and wellbeing.

See what's been said
Illustration of chat bubbles between three people

Managing your mental health

Staying well is about finding a balance that works for you, but there are some general principles that most people find useful.

Iframe content loading...
Read transcript

Check your mental health

Everyone’s mental health journey is different. We all experience ups and downs, so it’s important to do regular check ins.

We have some simple tools to help you to you assess your mental health. You can choose the one that’s right for you and get the resources and support you may need.

Check your mental health

Supporting someone else

Support from family and friends can make a big difference for someone who's unsettled, struggling or in crisis. Find tips on how to support someone.

Supporting someone

Resources to help you learn about mental health

Journey to recovery - personal stories

Three million Australians are living with anxiety or depression. Hearing their stories of recovery can help you imagine your own journey.

More personal stories of anxiety and depression
Emily's story

My ability is bigger than my disability - Isis' story

From being diagnosed with cerebral palsy to breaking world records, Isis Holt has had a different upbringing to most teenagers.

“I’m a doctor, I shouldn’t get sick” – Geoff’s experience of work stress and depression

Despite spending decades helping others get better, Geoff’s greatest challenge was taking care of himself.
Rachael Harman cracked graphic

"I felt like I’d been believed for the first time... it was really refreshing to have that support from someone, especially an actual professional.

It was nice to finally feel like I wasn’t alone."

 - Rachael, Beyond Blue Speaker

When people feel all alone this Christmas, your kindness today means Beyond Blue counsellors will be there 24/7, to listen and support when it matters most.

Donate today
Illustration of two people in a hot air balloon

Subscribe to receive info about mental health, keeping well and stories from our community.

Subscribe to newsletter