Why Talking About Your Mental Health Matters

When was the last time you talked about your mental health?

Mental health is just as important as your physical health when it comes to your overall wellbeing.

Your mental health affects how you think, feel and act. It can also influence how you handle stress, relate to other people and how you see yourself and the world around you.

Talking about your mental health is the first step towards getting help, learning to cope and getting on the road to recovery. It can also help maintain a positive state of wellbeing.

More broadly, talking about mental health can help reduce community stigma and empower people to better manage their wellbeing.

While almost half of all Australians will experience mental ill-health at some time, opening up about it can be difficult

Let’s explore mental health, the importance of self-care, effective ways to communicate and how to support those facing similar challenges.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health encompasses your emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It influences how you think, feel and behave in daily life, shaping your choices, relationships and resilience to stress.

Many factors impact mental health from genetics and biological factors to life experiences and your environment.

Your mental health changes over the course of your life as you transition through milestones and encounter challenges. Key stages throughout your life and how you manage them can impact your mental health.

You might feel stressed, anxious or sad at times without necessarily experiencing a mental health condition. However, when these feelings linger and interfere with your daily functioning, it may indicate the need for professional support.

If you approach mental health as a natural and dynamic part of your overall health, you may feel more comfortable discussing it openly.

Why Look After Your Mental Health?

Looking after your mental health is important because it impacts every aspect of your life.

Poor mental health can affect your physical health, leading to issues such as heart disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions.

It can also influence your ability to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world around you.

Mental health is integral to living a healthy, balanced life. It allows you to cope with the stresses of life, work productively and contribute to your community.

When you prioritise your mental health, you’re investing in your future. It equips you with the emotional resilience to handle challenges with a clearer perspective.

Taking active steps to nurture your mental health can be as simple as practicing mindfulness, setting aside time for activities you love or seeking social connections. Making these efforts consistently can create a solid foundation for facing life’s challenges with confidence.

What Can You Do to Look After Your Mental Health?

Everyone is different and may choose to look after their mental health in different ways. However, there are universally recommended activities you can do to look after your mental and physical wellbeing:

1. Stay Active: Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood.
2. Eat Well: A balanced diet can help you feel better and improve your mood.
3. Get Enough Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for mental health. It is recommended to aim for 7-9 hours per night.
4. Connect with Others: Building strong, positive relationships with others can provide emotional support and improve your mental health.
5. Practice Mindfulness: Techniques such as meditation and yoga can help you stay grounded and reduce stress.
6. Laugh: Laughter is a proven way to increase dopamine and endorphins, chemicals that elevate mood. It also oxygenates your body and cools down your stress-response systems, producing an overall calm, happy feeling.
7. Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional.

How to Talk About Your Mental Health

Opening-up about mental health can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure where to start.

Finding the courage to talk about how you feel is often the first step towards healing. Here are some strategies to help make these conversations easier:

• Start with someone you trust. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or mental health professional, choose someone who will listen without judgment. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with – the focus is on helping you feel heard and supported.
• Choose the right time and place. Find a suitable time and place to talk about your feelings. Choose a quiet, comfortable setting where you won’t be interrupted. This can help you feel more at ease and make the conversation more productive.
• Be honest about your feelings. It’s okay if you don’t fully understand what you’re experiencing. Describe your feelings as accurately as you can, even if they seem confusing or overwhelming. “I’ve been feeling really anxious” or “I feel like I’m carrying a heavy weight” can be a simple but powerful starting point.
• Consider writing it down first. If speaking directly feels too overwhelming, write down what you’re going through. Journaling your thoughts can help you clarify what you want to share and may give insight into your experiences.
• Use creative outlets. Sometimes, expressing feelings through creative outlets like art, music or writing can be easier than talking. These activities can help you process your emotions and communicate them in a different way.
• Don’t apologise for sharing. Discussing your mental health is valid and important. Try not to feel guilty or ashamed. Mental health conversations deserve the same openness as discussions about physical health.
• Seek professional support if needed. Sometimes friends and family might not fully understand your situation. Professional counsellors such as our psychologists are trained to listen and help you navigate mental health challenges, offering insights and strategies that can make a difference.

Talking about mental health takes practice, but with time, it can become a natural part of caring for yourself. Opening-up can also inspire others around you to feel comfortable discussing their own mental health journeys.

How to Support Others Facing Mental Health Challenges

Supporting someone with mental health challenges requires empathy, patience and understanding.

One of the most important ways to help is by simply listening without judgment – being a safe, open presence can mean a lot. Avoid giving unsolicited advice or trying to fix things; instead, focus on validating their feelings and letting them know you’re there for them.

Here are some tips to effectively support someone facing mental health challenges:

1. Listen without judgment. Listening and responding with sincere phrases such as “I’m here for you” or “That sounds really tough” can make them feel understood.
2. Encourage them to seek help if needed. While your support is invaluable, mental health professionals offer specific tools and guidance. Gently suggest the idea of talking to a therapist or professional counsellor. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
3. Check in regularly. A simple message or call can show that you care and are thinking of them. Consistency can make a huge difference, especially if they feel isolated. Letting them know you’re available for support can be comforting, even if they aren’t ready to talk right away.
4. Educate yourself on mental health. Understanding what they might be experiencing can help you be more empathetic and supportive. Learning about mental health conditions and challenges will allow you to offer better support and lessen the stigma associated with mental health discussions.
5. Respect their boundaries. Remember that each person’s mental health journey is unique and they may need space or time to process things. Let them set the pace for conversations and be patient.
6. Offer small practical gestures of support. Offer to cook a meal for your friend when they’re experiencing a difficult time or invite them out for a walk, cup of coffee or something they enjoy doing. This may also provide an opportunity for them to open-up to you about their challenges.

Supporting others in their mental health journey can be challenging, but it’s also rewarding. Your understanding and encouragement could be the lifeline they need to feel less alone.

Have a Chat, Help is Available

Whether you’re seeking support or offering it, talking about mental health can be a powerful, healing act.

Addressing mental health as openly and thoughtfully as you would physical health can make a meaningful difference in your life and your community.

In taking steps to care for your mental health and supporting others in theirs, you can contribute to a healthier, more compassionate world.

Remember, help is available and you don’t have to face mental health challenges alone.

Reaching out, sharing your experiences and listening to others fosters a space where everyone feels seen and supported. Mental health is vital to your overall wellbeing and by prioritising it, you can open the door to a happier, healthier life.