Mental Health Information

What is mental health?

It’s an expression we use every day, so it might surprise you that the term ‘mental health’ is frequently misunderstood.

‘Mental health’ is often used as a substitute for mental health conditions – such as depression, anxiety conditions, schizophrenia, and others.

According to the World Health Organization, however, mental health is “a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.”

So rather than being about ‘what’s the problem?’ it’s really about ‘what’s going well?'

''Mental health is about wellness rather than illness''

To make things a bit clearer, some experts have tried coming up with different terms to explain the difference between ‘mental health’ and ‘mental health conditions’. Phrases such as ‘good mental health’, ‘positive mental health’, ‘mental wellbeing’, ‘subjective wellbeing’ and even ‘happiness’ have been proposed by various people to emphasise that mental health is about wellness rather than illness. While some say this has been helpful, others argue that using more words to describe the same thing just adds to the confusion.

As a result, others have tried to explain the difference by talking about a continuum where mental health is at one end of the spectrum – represented by feeling good and functioning well – while mental health conditions (or mental illness) are at the other – represented by symptoms that affect people’s thoughts, feelings or behaviour.

The benefits of staying well

Research shows that high levels of mental health are associated with increased learning, creativity and productivity, more pro-social behaviour and positive social relationships, and with improved physical health and life expectancy. In contrast, mental health conditions can cause distress, impact on day-to-day functioning and relationships, and are associated with poor physical health and premature death from suicide.

But it’s important to remember that mental health is complex. The fact that someone is not experiencing a mental health condition doesn’t necessarily mean their mental health is flourishing. Likewise, it’s possible to be diagnosed with a mental health condition while feeling well in many aspects of life.

Ultimately, mental health is about being cognitively, emotionally and socially healthy – the way we think, feel and develop relationships - and not merely the absence of a mental health condition.

What is NSSI ?

Non-suicidal self-injury, often simply called self-injury, is the act of deliberately harming the surface of your own body, such as cutting or burning yourself. It is generally used as a coping technique usually to deal with an underlying unresolved trauma, It's typically not meant as a suicide attempt, but can result in death if the person cuts too deep and is unable to have access to immediate help.

What is drug addiction?

Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. It is considered a brain disorder, because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. Those changes may last a long time after a person has stopped taking drugs.

Addiction is a lot like other diseases, such as heart disease. Both disrupt the normal, healthy functioning of an organ in the body, both have serious harmful effects, and both are, in many cases, preventable and treatable. If left untreated, they can last a lifetime and may lead to death.

What is depression ?

While we all feel sad, moody or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time (weeks, months or even years) and sometimes without any apparent reason. Depression is more than just a low mood – it's a serious condition that affects your physical and mental health.

What is Anxiety ?

Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried. While stress and anxious feelings are a common response to a situation where we feel under pressure, they usually pass once the stressful situation has passed, or ‘stressor’ is removed.

Everyone feels anxious from time to time. 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 is the most common mental health condition in Australia. On average, one in four people – one in three women and one in ﬁve men – will experience anxiety at some stage in their life1. In a 12-month period, over two million Australians experience anxiety

There are many ways to help manage anxiety and the sooner people with anxiety get support, the more likely they are to recover.

What is Suicide ?

Suicide is the act to purposely kill oneself

Suicidal warning signs

If you are having thoughts about suicide there could also be some behavioural and/or physical changes that could tell you something isn’t right.

It might be subtle, but it’s likely that you notice a number of signs rather than just one or two. Remember that everyone is different and respond differently to these thoughts and feelings.

Non-verbal indicators may include:

social withdrawal
a persistent drop in mood
disinterest in maintaining personal hygiene or appearance
uncharacteristically reckless behaviour
poor diet changes, rapid weight changes
being distracted
anger
insomnia
alcohol or drug abuse
giving away sentimental or expensive possessions

Indirect verbal expressions may include:

hopelessness
failing to see a future
believing they are a burden to others
saying they feel worthless or alone
talking about their death or wanting to die.

This is not an exhaustive list. Be guided by your instincts.

Reasons for suicidal feelings

The reasons that people take their own lives are often very complex. Factors influencing whether someone is likely to be suicidal include:

Risk factors – sometimes called vulnerability factors, these factors increase the likelihood of suicidal behaviour.

Risk factors include:

Previous suicide attempts
History of substance abuse
History of mental health conditions – depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD
Relationship problems – conflict with parents and / or romantic partners
Legal or disciplinary problems
Access to harmful means, such as medication or weapons
Recent death or suicide of a family member or a close friend
Ongoing exposure to bullying behaviour
Physical illness or disability.

Protective factors – these reduce the likelihood of suicidal behaviour, and work to improve a person’s ability to cope with difficult circumstances.

Supporting someone

Support from family and friends can make all the difference for someone with anxiety, depression or suicidal feelings. There are lots of things you can do – from noticing changes in their behaviour through to practical support to help them recover and manage their condition.

It’s also important to look after yourself, too. Supporting someone who experiences anxiety and/or depression isn't easy – it’s often physically and emotionally draining, which can affect your health and wellbeing.

Getting Support, 24hr Helplines.

13YARN - 13 92 76
Brother 2 Brother - 1800 435 799
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 46 36
Lifeline - 13 11 14
Mental Health Triage - 13 14 65

Mental Health Counselling Service, Nunkuwarrin Yunti - 8406 1600

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