We know if we can encourage people to talk openly and take action early, we can reduce the impact of depression and anxiety on individuals, their families and the community.

Here are some things you can do to improve your mental health.

Do things you love

Being actively involved in your community and having a sense of purpose in your life, such as working in a job you enjoy, studying or volunteering, have all been shown to boost people’s feelings of wellbeing.

Keep active and healthy 

Other things that help people to stay mentally healthy include regular exercise, a healthy diet, good-quality sleep and regular participation in enjoyable activities.

Be social

Connecting with others – friends, family, co-workers, and people in your community – is very important.

Know that struggling is not a sign of weakness

We all have good and bad days – and occasionally, we all need someone to lean on. Tough times are an inevitable part of life, but nobody needs to go through difficulties on their own.

Talk to someone

It may be hard to open up, but talking to someone you trust about your worries may provide a sense of relief and may be the first step towards recovery. That trusted person could be a friend, family member, workmate or your GP.

Recognise symptoms

If you recognise symptoms of depression or anxiety in yourself, it is important to take action early. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you can begin to recover. If left untreated, depression and anxiety can become debilitating.

Seek help

Taking action may not be as hard as you think. Talking to a GP is a great starting point. GPs can make a diagnosis, discuss treatment options, prescribe medication if needed, and possibly refer you to a mental health professional such as a psychologist or a psychiatrist.

Remember you're never alone

If you don’t have close family members, a network of friends or a GP you can talk to, there are others who will listen to your concerns and help you.

(Article sourced from www.medibank.com.au)