Mental Health Awareness: Practical Steps to Support Your Wellbeing
Mental health is a key part of your overall health. Just as you look after your body with nutrition, exercise, and rest, your mind needs care too. Whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or just a bit “off”, there are things you can do, and people who can help. This post gives you actionable tips, signs to watch for, and what your GP can do to support you.
Why mental health matters
Good mental health affects how you think, feel, and behave. It influences how you handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. When mental health is neglected, everyday tasks become tougher – sleep suffers, relationships strain, and physical health can follow.
In Australia, the general practice sector is seeing more presentations for psychological issues – stress, anxiety, depression among the top concerns.
Signs something might be wrong
You don’t need to wait until things become severe to seek help. Some early warning signs:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness
- Irritability, restlessness, or feeling “on edge”
- Changes in sleep or appetite (too much or too little)
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Withdrawing from friends, family, work or social activities
- Physical symptoms like unexplained aches, fatigue or digestive issues
- Thoughts of self-harm or not wanting to be alive
If you notice several of these over a few weeks, especially if they interfere with your daily life, it’s a good idea to reach out.
What you can do right now
There are evidence-based strategies to support your mental health. You don’t need to wait or assume “it will get better on its own.”
Build healthy routines
- Regular sleep: try to go to bed and wake up at similar times.
- Move your body: even moderate exercise most days helps (walking, cycling, yoga).
- Eat regularly and well: balanced meals with plenty of whole foods.
- Limit alcohol or other substances that can worsen mood.
Prioritise connection and purpose
Humans are social creatures. Loneliness or disconnection can worsen mental health.
- Stay in touch with friends and family, even if it’s via phone, video or text.
- Do things that give you meaning: hobbies, volunteering, learning, caring for others.
- Spend time in nature, or do something creative (music, art, journaling).
Healthy thinking and stress management
- Challenge negative or unhelpful thoughts (are they realistic? helpful?).
- Practice mindfulness, meditation or breathing exercises.
- Use relaxation techniques: progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing.
- Try to manage your exposure to stressors – set boundaries, say “no” when needed.
How your GP can help
General Practitioners (GPs) are often the first port of call for mental health concerns. Here’s what they can do:
- Listen and assess: GPs can help you understand whether symptoms are part of a mental health condition, or related to physical issues.
- Mental Health Treatment Plans: GPs can help you access Medicare-rebated mental health services (psychologists, counsellors) via these plans.
- Monitor and follow up: they can help monitor your progress, adjust treatment, refer to psychiatrists or other specialists.
- Medication: if appropriate, they may prescribe or oversee medications and explain side effects.
- Support holistic care: considering physical health, sleep, nutrition, social life as part of mental wellbeing.
What to do in a crisis or when it's urgent
If your mental health deteriorates quickly, or you have thoughts of harming yourself, get help immediately.
- Call 000 if there is immediate danger.
- Use crisis lines: Lifeline (13 11 14), or local crisis support services.
- If you’re already seeing a GP, reach out to them and tell them how urgent it feels.
- Sometimes going to a hospital emergency department is necessary.
When to seek professional care
You might consider seeing a mental health professional when:
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks and aren’t improving
- Daily functioning is affected: work, study, relationships are significantly strained
- You’ve tried self-help, lifestyle changes etc but still feel stuck
- You notice physical symptoms that persist and can’t be explained otherwise
- Thoughts of harming yourself or others
Reducing stigma and being kind to yourself
Mental health stigma stops many people asking for help. You are not alone, and your feelings matter.
- Use kind, non-judgemental language with yourself.
- Understand that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Share your experience where comfortable – talking helps.
- Remember, recovery takes time, and progress is often non-linear.
At Buderim Medical Centre, we believe mental health is central to your wellbeing. If you have concerns, we encourage you to speak with your Sippy Downs GP Doctor – they are trained to support mental health through assessment, referrals, and treatment plans in general practice.
For more on the services we provide, you might also want to review our mental health support services page. If you’re considering your physical health too, check our preventive health page for screening, check-ups and more.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or care. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.
