Pilbara Health

Our minds are not separate from the rest of our bodies – so maintaining good mental health is essential in keeping a healthy body.

When people are distressed or under extreme amounts of stress, their physical health can be affected. Similarly, a poor physical state can adversely affect a person's mental state.

Characteristics of good mental health include a sense of well-being and contentment, flexibility, self-confidence, good self-esteem, a good life balance and the ability to bounce back from life's challenges.

But, in Australia, depression accounts for 6 million work days lost each year. About 20 per cent of the population experiences some form of mental illness annually with depression and anxiety the most common illnesses.

Former WA Premier Geoff Gallop was frank in his admission that he was suffering from depression; something that led to his resignation at the start of 2006.

"Living with depression is a very debilitating experience, which affects different people in different ways," he said at the time. "It has certainly affected many aspects of my life. So much so, that I sought expert help. My doctors advised me that with treatment, time and rest this illness is very curable."

The good news is that most people who experience mental health problems can overcome them or learn to live with them. One of the most important things that assists recovery is compassion and understanding.

The Mental Health Council of Australia takes an "ABC" approach:

ACT: Strive to keep yourself as active as possible – physically, socially and mentally with activities such as walking, swimming and reading.

BELONG: Connect to your community by joining a group, chatting to a neighbour or meeting a friend.

COMMIT: Look to the future and have a red-hot go, whether it's volunteering, taking on a challenge or just getting involved.