What is Mental Health and When to Seek Help
- Prue Longstaff, Psychotherapist
- May 1
- 5 min read
Mental health is an essential aspect of our overall wellbeing, affecting how we think, feel, and act. Understanding what mental health is and why mental health is important can empower individuals to take charge of their mental wellbeing and seek help when necessary.
Understanding What Mental Health Is
What is Mental Health?
At its core, what is mental health? Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It encompasses how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is crucial at every stage of life, from childhood to adulthood, influencing how we cope with the challenges that life throws at us.
How Does Mental Health Affect Everyday Life?
Mental health profoundly impacts our daily lives. For instance, good mental health enables us to manage stress effectively, enabling us to handle work responsibilities, maintain healthy relationships, and make sound decisions. Conversely, poor mental health can lead to challenges in managing these aspects of life, leading to feelings of overwhelm, isolation, or anxiousness.
The Importance of Mental Health
Why Mental Health is Important
Understanding why mental health is important is pivotal for everyone. Mental health plays a critical role in our overall wellbeing, contributing to effective communication, healthy relationships, and productivity at work or school. It is linked to physical health; those with good mental health often experience better physical health outcomes and a higher quality of life.
Moreover, societal attitudes towards mental health have come a long way— and there’s growing recognition that looking after our mental health is just as important as caring for our physical health.
Just like we service a car to keep it running smoothly, tending to our mental wellbeing helps us navigate life’s ups and downs more effectively.
Prioritising your mental health can lead to improved relationships, greater emotional balance, and a clearer sense of purpose—helping you thrive, not just cope.
The Mental Health Continuum
What is the Mental Health Continuum?
The mental health continuum is a useful framework that illustrates the range of mental health states that people can experience. On one end of the spectrum, individuals might experience 'healthy' mental health, while on the opposite end, individuals may find themselves facing severe mental health 'illness.'
Everyone can experience mental health difficulties from time to time. During these times people might notice their sleep, mood, motivation or energy are not going as well as they would like.
If these experiences last a few weeks or more, and are starting to affect things like relationships, or work and study, it’s a sign that you might be heading towards the difficulties area of the spectrum.
Let’s explore the mental health spectrum and its 4 areas:
Healthy:
This means you feel capable of working and studying, maintaining connections with others, engaging in community activities, and recovering when faced with life's changes and challenges.
Coping:
This is when individuals are experiencing some level of stress or pressure but are managing it effectively. They may feel challenged at times, but they have the emotional resources, strategies, and support systems in place to function well in daily life. While things might not be perfect, they are generally able to maintain a sense of balance and keep moving forward.
Difficulties:
This is when individuals may start to feel like they aren’t doing so well. They might struggle with their emotions, find it harder to cope with everyday demands, or notice changes in their behaviour, sleep, or mood. While they may still be functioning in some areas of life, there is often a sense of being overwhelmed, stuck, or not quite themselves. This is when you need to seek support to prevent things from escalating and guide you back towards a sense of stability and wellbeing.
Illness:
At the stage of mental illness, it's important to seek support. Mental illness is an umbrella term that includes conditions like anxiety, depression, and others, which can significantly impact how a person feels, thinks, behaves, and relates to others. When these challenges begin to interfere with daily life, relationships, or overall wellbeing, professional help can make a real difference. Reaching out for support is a vital step toward understanding what’s going on and starting the journey toward recovery.
Understanding this continuum allows individuals to better assess their own mental health status. You may find yourself fluctuating between different points on the continuum due to various life circumstances, such as stressors in your personal or professional life. Recognising where you lie on this continuum can prompt meaningful conversations about your mental wellbeing.
When to Seek Help for Mental Health
Recognising the Signs
It's essential to understand when to get help regarding mental health. Not everyone will face severe mental health issues, but if you experience persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or anger, it might be time to seek assistance. Other signs to look out for include:
Changes in mood or behaviour
Withdrawal from social activities
Changes in sleep or appetite
Difficulty concentrating
Substances misuse to cope
Where to Seek Help
If these feelings persist over a few weeks, it’s wise to consult with a professional at Better You HQ Therapy and Counselling Clinic. In Australia, 24/7 resources like Lifeline are also available for immediate support. It's important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, understanding what mental health is and the importance of maintaining it is crucial for everyone. Remember that mental health can significantly affect everyday life, influencing how we cope with challenges and interact with others. The mental health continuum offers a valuable tool for self-assessment, helping you identify when you might need support.
If you ever find yourself grappling with your mental wellbeing, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The journey to mental wellness is a crucial one, and acknowledging when to get help is the first step towards a healthier, happier life. Prioritise your mental health; it is as vital as your physical health.
If you're struggling with big emotions or mental illness, we’re here to help. Get in touch today to book an initial consultation and take the first step towards lasting support and confidence.
About Prue and Better You HQ Therapy and Counselling Clinic
Prue is an ACA registered and qualified child and family counsellor and psychotherapist with a passion for helping children and parents navigate emotional challenges. As the founder of Better You HQ Therapy and Counselling Clinic, she specialises in supporting neurodivergent children, anxiety, emotional regulation, and social-emotional development. With experience in education and a deep understanding of childhood mental health, Prue offers evidence-based, compassionate support to families.
Better You HQ provides in-person counselling in Mansfield, Victoria, and online services Australia-wide, including assessments, emotion coaching, and parent support. Prue believes that emotional skills can be taught and that every child deserves a roadmap to thrive.