Mental health is not something someone chooses to experience. It is something that is happening to them. We cannot choose or control what happens to us and what we experience however we can control what we do about it to a degree. When someone is struggling with their mental health, it can impact the system in which they are functioning and by this I mean their wider network. This includes family, friends, co-workers, etc. When our close loved ones are trying to support us, we need to keep in mind the impact mental health can have on them too.

We’re hurting here in Victoria. We’ve been in lockdown for months and we’re finding it hard to navigate these uncertain waters. When there’s uncertainty for this long we can feel fatigued from managing it all. Managing the change, our emotions, our physical health, and our social wellbeing can be challenging. Read here for more.

When you’re living with depression it can feel hard to get out of bed or off the couch as depression lowers your levels of energy, motivation and self-esteem, so the idea of engaging in activities to help your depression might feel overwhelming and intimidating. But there are some very good reasons why engaging in activities can be very helpful for depression. Read here for more.

This year the theme is “There’s more to say after R U OK?” referencing how important it is not just to ask someone if they’re OK, but how to listen to their answer in a way that feels validating, reassuring and helpful.

How do you know that what you’re experiencing isn’t a phase? How do you know that what you’re experiencing is something you need to pay attention to and get help for?

You’re tracking ok but can we last the distance? How do you know when things are starting to slip away? Read here for more on what signs to look out for to avoid relapse.