With Teresa McMahon practice manager and pharmacist South Wangaratta Medical Centre
MENTAL health is a big part of our overall wellbeing, but it’s often overlooked until things get really tough.
That’s where organisations like the Black Dog Institute can help.
They raise awareness, offer support, and provide resources for those who need help.
If you’re feeling anxious, down, or just "off," reaching out to a friend, family member, or a medical professional is one of the best steps you can take.
You don’t have to go through it alone.
Why talking about it helps
When you're not feeling like yourself, the first thing you should do is talk to someone - whether it's a close friend, a family member, or a health professional.
Keeping everything bottled up can lead to even more stress and anxiety.
Opening up can ease the emotional weight you’re carrying, and sharing what you're going through helps others offer their support.
Talking early on can make a big difference, allowing you to better understand what’s happening and find the right path to feeling better.
If you're not ready to talk to someone close to you, that's okay too.
There are other ways to seek help.
The Black Dog Institute offers a free range of wonderful digital tools that can help to manage your mental health.
Mental health tools from the Black Dog Institute
1. MyCompass
MyCompass is a personalised self-help app designed for people dealing with mild to moderate anxiety, stress, or depression.
It offers modules on managing anxiety, boosting your mood, and building resilience.
You can track your progress and tailor it to your needs, making it a great daily mental health tool.
2. Sleep Ninja
Good sleep is key to feeling better mentally, and Sleep Ninja is an app that helps young people improve their sleep habits.
It offers guided sessions on sleep routines and hygiene to help you get more restful sleep, which aims to reduce stress and anxiety.
3. ClearlyMe
ClearlyMe is a social platform for young people that helps connect those dealing with similar mental health issues.
It’s all about peer support—helping you feel less alone by sharing experiences and finding emotional support from others in the same boat.
4. Bite Back
Bite Back is aimed at teens, promoting positive psychology to build resilience and well-being.
It’s full of activities focused on gratitude, mindfulness, and optimism, all of which are known to improve mental health.
5. Healthy Mind
This app is designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
It offers simple and accessible exercises for managing anxiety and stress, helping users develop coping strategies tailored to their needs.
In a nutshell, when the weight of life's challenges start to feel overwhelming, reaching out to a compassionate healthcare provider, a close friend, or a loved one can make all the difference.
The Black Dog Institute provides a wide array of tools to help you navigate the path to emotional wellbeing.