Our mental health impacts our ability to think, feel and behave in a way that helps us to perform at our best – in our personal lives with family and friends, at university, at work, and in the community.

Mental health researchers at the Brain and Mind Centre are working to unravel the topic, sharing research and useful resources to help understand mental health and exploring all aspects of the mental health issues we can experience.

University of Sydney mental health expert Professor Ian Hickie explores the causes of ill mental health, how it can affect us, and what we can do to get help and find solutions in the podcast Minding your Mind.

Open up to your networks, talk to a friend or family member, and share what’s happening in your life. Connect with the people around you and start a conversation with them.

Reach out and talk about your feelings, ask for help and support if you need it. Building healthy relationships and staying socially connected is key to self-care.

Be aware of negative thoughts and don’t give them too much power but if you are not coping and really start to feel overwhelmed, you may want to seek professional advice. It is okay to ask for help and there are a lot of options to choose from.

Headspace services at the Brain and Mind Centre are available to provide professional counselling and support.

Professional and confidential psychological and mental health services are free for students and available through our Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

Has someone you know or care about not quite been themselves lately? Are they more agitated, withdrawn or do they seem to be struggling? If one of your friends hasn’t been acting like themselves in a while, reach out and check in, ask how they are and let them know you are there for them.

Learn more about the signs and when it’s time to ask R U OK? Listen, encourage action and check in.

Alcohol is a depressant drug that can cause anxiety and increase stress. It can also negatively affect thoughts, feelings and actions and can contribute to the development or worsening of mental health issues over time.

The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use offers a range of programs, tools, videos, booklets, and factsheets that provide support and information about substance use and dependence.

The eCliPSE online portal aims to facilitate online screening and eHealth treatments for people experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use problems, and the clinical services supporting them.

Healthier Drinking Choices Australia is an online tool that gives people the information they need to make careful choices about the role alcohol plays in their life.

So much of mental health is connected to physical health. Get enough sleep, make smart food choices and exercise regularly

Take a closer look at the links between sleep and depression.

Spending time outdoors or engaging in activities that make you feel good can do wonders for relieving anxiety, stress, and depression.

Whether it's playing a sport or pursuing something artistic, doing the things that you love makes a big difference to your overall health and well-being.

Developing new skills and challenging your capabilities is another great way to build your confidence, a sense of purpose and foster connections with others.