Doing well
Feeling able to manage daily responsibilities, connect with others and recover from ordinary setbacks.
Mind Matters Youth Resource Hub
Understanding Mental Health
Clear information about mental wellbeing, common challenges, stigma and signs that additional support may be needed.
Educational information: This page supports awareness and self-help. It does not diagnose a condition or replace assessment by a qualified health professional.
What mental health means
Mental health is part of overall health. It includes emotional, psychological and social wellbeing and affects how people cope with stress, learn, work, make decisions, build relationships and participate in community life.
Everyone has mental health. It can change over time and may be influenced by relationships, education, work, physical health, finances, discrimination, violence, displacement, loss and access to support.
Mental health exists on a spectrum
Under pressure
Temporary stress, worry, tiredness or sadness that may improve with rest, support and practical coping.
Struggling
Distress is lasting longer, becoming more intense or affecting sleep, study, work, relationships or self-care.
In crisis
There is immediate danger, severe distress, self-harm, suicidal thoughts or an inability to stay safe. Urgent help is needed.
Common challenges experienced by young people
- Stress related to exams, work, unemployment or finances
- Anxiety, repeated worry or panic
- Low mood, loss of interest or hopelessness
- Loneliness, grief or relationship difficulties
- Bullying, harassment, discrimination or social-media pressure
- Family conflict, gender-based restrictions or unsafe environments
- Sleep difficulties, physical illness or chronic pain
- Exposure to violence, disasters, displacement or other emergencies
Signs that additional support may be needed
Consider speaking with a trusted adult or qualified professional when distress continues, gets worse or interferes with daily life. Possible signs include:
- Withdrawal from friends, family, school, work or usual activities
- Major changes in sleep, appetite, concentration or energy
- Frequent fear, panic, anger, sadness or emotional numbness
- Using alcohol, drugs or other harmful behaviours to cope
- Feeling unable to manage ordinary responsibilities
- Thoughts of self-harm, suicide or not wanting to live
Immediate danger: Call Rescue 1122, Police 15, Edhi Ambulance 115, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Do not stay alone.
Mental-health myths and facts
Myth: Mental-health difficulties are a sign of weakness.
Fact: They can affect anyone. Asking for help is a responsible step.
Fact: They can affect anyone. Asking for help is a responsible step.
Myth: Talking about difficult feelings always makes them worse.
Fact: A safe and respectful conversation can reduce isolation and connect someone with support.
Fact: A safe and respectful conversation can reduce isolation and connect someone with support.
Myth: Only severe illness deserves support.
Fact: People may seek help for stress, grief, relationships, sleep, fear or other concerns before they become severe.
Fact: People may seek help for stress, grief, relationships, sleep, fear or other concerns before they become severe.