LifeBodySoul

MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health is your state of mind and your ability to cope with everyday situations. It affects how we think, feel and act. Having good mental health means you have a good sense of wellbeing, confidence, self-esteem, can form positive relationships with others and are able to reach your full potential. Mental health is important in handling stressful and complicated situations, it influences how we associate and react to the people around us and the way we approach and resolve choices given to us. Having strong mental health is important throughout all stages of life. Someone who has a mental illness will find it difficult to cope and deal with situations that they are faced with every day. 1 in 4 Australians between the ages of 14-25 will experience a mental illness at some point.

 

HOW TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH
Ways to improve your mental health include engaging in regular physical exercise which releases endorphins into the body which improve your mood.
Eating healthy which helps your body to refuel and function in a healthy way.
Getting enough sleep which helps rejuvenate the body. Adolescents should get just over 9 hours of sleep each night.
Setting time aside every day to relax which helps to lessen stress levels in the body and help you to think clearer.
Set realistic goals to be achieved. Goals help you to stay focused and help with clear decision making.
Stay positive and surround yourself with supportive people.
Create effective coping strategies which will help you to think clearer in stressful and difficult situations.
Spend time and stay in touch with friends and family and express your feelings. This will give you a different point of view on the situation as well as allow you to grasp more options to cope with the situation and the feeling you are having.
Your personal GP or a health care professional are always able and willing to talk to you about your mental health.
If you are or think you are suffering from mental health issues you can turn to Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800, http://www.kidshelp.com.au/ ) who are a confidential 24 hour help line that will listen to your problems no matter how big or small. You can also contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or visit their website for online support (http://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support)