World Mental Health Day is on Saturday the 10^th of October, and with 2020 being such a challenging and unusual year due to COVID 19, a focus on taking care of your mental health is particularly important. The message for World Mental Health Day this year is “Look after your mental health, Australia”. So, how do we look after our mental health? Here are some tips for improving and nurturing your mental health:

• Get active – walk wherever you can, exercise, play sport, get out in the garden or back yard.
• Spend time with supportive family or friends. Currently that may take various forms including video chats, phone calls, text messages, and of course in person.
• Engage in enjoyable and relaxing activities – make time for fun, hobbies, relaxation.
• Try some mindfulness or meditation, or other strategies – there are some helpful apps or programs that you can access to get started (see list below).
• Set some tech-free time.
• Remind yourself of good times and things that you are grateful for.
• Let go of what you can’t control.
• Find ways to stimulate your mind – reading, puzzles, learning something new, etc.
• Try some deep breathing exercises.
• Listen to music.
• Get enough sleep.
• See a therapist or counsellor.

Apps and Online Programs

• Smiling Mind
• Headspace
• Sleepfulness
• Black Dog Institute: My Compass program
• Mood Gym

Other Resources

Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au
Black Dog Institute: www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
Sane Australia: www.sane.org
WayAhead Directory: https://directory.wayahead.org.au/

Reaching out for help

Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24 hours)
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 (24 hours)
Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 (24 hours)
Sane Australia Help Centre – 1800 187 263 (10am to 10pm)
Lifeline Text – 0477 13 11 14: (6pm to midnight (AEDT) 7 nights a week)
Emergency - 000