Mental Health Information

What can friends and family do?
It can be difficult to be with and to help someone who is seriously depressed. Some people who are depressed keep to themselves, while others may not want to be alone. They may react strongly to the things you say or do. It is important that you let them know that it is okay to talk about their feelings and thoughts. Listen and offer support rather than trying to contradict them or talk them out of it. Let them know you care. Ask them how you can help, and offer to contact their family doctor or a mental health professional. Find out about local self-help groups and attend a meeting with them. Try to be patient and non-judgemental. Most of all, don't do it alone - get other people to provide help and support too.

Mental Health Tips & Questions
What is good mental health?
Good mental health isn't just the absence of mental health problems. Individuals with good mental health:

develop emotionally, creatively, intellectually and spiritually
initiate, develop and sustain mutually satisfying personal relationships
face problems, resolve them and learn from them
are confident and assertive
are aware of others and empathise with them
use and enjoy solitude
play and have fun
laugh, both at themselves and at the world