Positive mental health is a state of wellbeing 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 his or her community.

Mental ill-health refers to diminished mental health from either a mental illness/disorder or a mental health problem. About half of all Australians aged between 16 and 85 will have some experience of mental ill health in their lifetime.

Each year about 3.6 million Australians will experience a period of mental ill health, and over 600,000 children and young adults between 4 and 17 years will be affected by a mental health issue.

Data shows over half of those people who have a mental health concern will avoid asking for the support they need at the time they first need it. This is natural when so many people with a developing mental illness report feeling stuck, isolated or unable to discuss changes that are happening, even with people they would normally trust. This is a very common experience for those with developing symptoms and their families and friends. Often the stigma and sense of shame can stop those affected getting the support they need.

Similar to an untreated wound or infection, the effects of undiagnosed and untreated mental illness on individuals, families and friends can develop and may become severe.

The good news is that there are many pathways and services that can help answer your questions about your mental health concerns. See Get Started for links to some of these resources. No-one today in Australia need experience mental illness unsupported.

Research shows that early diagnosis and treatment is much more likely to assist in halting or reducing the symptoms of most episodes of mental illness. The recovery process and the path to becoming mentally well can then begin.

Just like a physical illness the symptoms of mental ill health  can range from mild to severe. Have you noticed a significant change in your mental health recently? Examples include feeling very stressed and worried that you are not coping, worrying about the thoughts you are having, and stopping doing the things you usually do every day. Some people experience fear, sadness or even anger, recurring thoughts or sleep disturbance. You may also notice some physical changes in your body or changes in the way you respond and behave.

When we notice a first sign of changes in our mental health, we may try to push that thought or concern away. But often it hangs around. Sometimes changes can have a minimal effect on our ability to function in the way we usually do, and sometimes they can have a significant effect and we are unable to function as we normally would. Whether you are noticing big changes or small ones, it is always useful to think about someone you trust and talk to them.

It’s normal to feel a sense of fear or anxiety about having that first conversation. That emotion can stop us from trusting our family members, friends or a doctor with such a sensitive conversation. But that first courageous step is a step towards effective diagnosis, treatment and ultimately recovery. Trusted family or friends are likely to have noticed the changes you may have been experiencing.

It’s important to mention these changes to our GP or another medical professional to get some advice. Questions you can ask your GP include: Is this normal? How long will it go on? What should I do?

Care and Treatment

It is important that you are involved in deciding on your own healthcare and treatment. When you have a conversation or engage with a community services or specifically with a mental health worker there are some key elements that need to exist for that service to be effective. These include:

– offering holistic and personalised care that reflects who you are;

– encouraging autonomy and allowing personal decisions as much as possible;

– encouraging a sense of hope and optimism;

– demonstrating a collaborative working relationship;

– having a sense meaningful engagement;

– focusing on your strengths and using positive language at all times;

– listening to you, your family, carers, support people and significant others;

– supporting you to actively participate in your community and be an active citizen with full rights;

– accepting and welcoming diversity and difference.

The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights outlines what you are entitled to expect when using the Australian Healthcare system, and also your responsibilities as a consumer of healthcare. Everyone has the right to the highest possible standard of physical and mental health. See Get Started for more information and links to the Charter of Healthcare Rights, the National Standards for Mental Health Services 2020 and the Mental Health Act 2013.