YOUR MENTAL WELLBEING
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?
Just like physical health, mental wellbeing varies between individuals and throughout life. However, there are steps we can take to strengthen and protect our mental health and wellbeing.
Having good mental health better equips us when we are faced with lifes ups and downs and coping with lifes big stressors. It also impacts how we show up for the people in our lives and our communities. Making positive changes to improve our own mental health not only helps us as individuals but has ripple effects that extend far beyond us.
By adopting positive habits, known as ‘protective behaviours’, we can improve our mental wellbeing and build resilience against life’s challenges. The Act Belong Commit campaign encourages these behaviours, empowering individuals to take proactive steps towards better mental wellbeing.
Importantly, the term ‘social and emotional wellbeing’ is preferred by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as it reflects a more holistic view of mental health.
WHAT PROTECTS OUR MENTAL WELLBEING?
Prevention is key. The best way to support both individual and community mental health is by engaging in activities that keep us mentally healthy.
Staying active, having a sense of belonging and having a purpose all play a key role in maintaining mental wellbeing and creating stronger communities.
It’s easy to take our mental wellbeing for granted, often prioritizing other things. Grounded in trusted and known protective factors, the Act Belong Commit campaign promotes the things you can do to support mental wellbeing.
These include spending time with family, being active, engaging in social or community events, volunteering for a cause that is meaningful to you, challenging yourself with new activities, and connecting with others, whether in person or online.
The Act Belong Commit campaign empowers people to think about the types of protective behaviours that work best for them and incorporate them in their daily lives.
Take a moment to check in on your mental well-being!
Start your journey to better mental health by completing this quick, confidential quiz that was developed by our friends at Curtin University and Mentally Healthy WA discover how engaged you are with activities that support your mental wellness.
how do i keep mentally healthy?
ACT - do something
keep mentally active
Just as physical fitness enhances our bodies, mental fitness boosts our minds. Learning new skills or solving puzzles builds self-confidence. Engage in activities you enjoy, which increases your likelihood of continuing them. You can even consider challenges that benefit your daily life, like finding healthy recipes or managing budgets.
STAY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE
Any physical activity benefits your mental and physical health. Choosing activities you enjoy - whether its surfing, walking or dancing - will make you more likely to do them regularly, helping them become a part of your daily routine. Getting active with others adds fun and motivation, so remember to invite your friends and family to join you in the Ripple Effect Wave Challenge. Plus, spending time in nature amplifies these mental health benefits!
STAY SOCIALLY ACTIVE
NURTURE YOUR SPIRITUALITY
While the term spirituality is interpreted differently from person to person, engaging in spiritual activity that means something to you, contributes to mental wellbeing. Experiencing spirituality, in religious or non-religious ways, can provide hope, keep things in perspective, relieve stress and can even have social benefits. Spiritual practices have the greatest impact when made a regular part of your daily routine.
STAY CULTURALLY ACTIVE
Staying connected to your culture can have emotional and social wellbeing benefits. Sharing cultural traditions and language can strengthen connections between generations Even better, practicing cultural traditions together can benefit each generation too.
BELONG - DO SOMETHING WITH SOMEONE
Stay connected with your friends, family and community.
Relationships and social connections are vital for our mental health and well-being, providing a sense of belonging. Being part of any group—whether formal or informal, large or small—contributes to our identity and fulfils our need for friendship.
It’s essential to engage in something that resonates with you, whether it's a sports team, surf club, or community event. Engaging in a community monthly is a great start but getting involved in something weekly is even more beneficial for your mental wellbeing.
Being part of a group keeps you active and fosters a sense of commitment. For example, a book club stimulates your mind, while a sports team helps you stay physically engaged, turning these gatherings into a regular part of your routine. Group involvement often leads to opportunities for volunteering as well. The Ripple Effect Wave Challenge is another vibrant community you can join. Don’t forget to share your stories and experiences with others to inspire and connect!
commit - DO SOMETHING MEANINGFUL
Do something meaningful, important and valuable to you.
Committing to meaningful activities enriches our lives. Whether it’s completing challenging tasks, volunteering, or doing good deeds, commitment helps us feel fulfilled.
Achieving something we’re proud of builds self-confidence and sets personal goals, providing motivation during tough times. Volunteering fosters connections and offers a sense of purpose, often rewarding the giver even more than the receiver.
Start small with acts of kindness—greet a stranger, help a neighbour, or simply say thank you. These gestures can create a positive impact and enhance your sense of well-being.
The Ripple Effect Wave Challenge is a great opportunity to Act, Belong and Commit by combining your passion for surfing with a meaningful purpose. By logging surf hours, getting sponsored and raising funds for mental health prevention, every wave you catch will create ripples of change while boosting your own mental health!
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
SIGN UP
PARTNERSHIPS
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Your Mental health
If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of others, it is important to seek immediate assistance by calling Triple Zero (000).
Lifeline: 131 114
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
