Mental wellbeing

The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life,  work productively and fruitfully and make a contribution to his or her community.”

What you will notice within this definition is that it does not categorize mental health based on the absence of illness. Instead, it focuses on a person’s overall well-being as demonstrated through their ability to engage with life in a substantial and meaningful way.

The concept of well-being spreads throughout every facet of life, including:

  • Physical health and functioning,
  • Regulate stressful and negative emotions,
  • Meaningful relationships,
  • Derive a sense of purpose and fulfillment from work, and
  • Connect to one’s community.

Research shows that the mind and the body are connected. Emotional well-being impacts physical well-being and vice versa. Therefore, for long-term mental health and well-being we ought to pay attention to all five of the areas mentioned above.

Mental health and well-being in Australia

  • Around one in five Australians experience a mental illness in any given year.
  • 54% of people with mental illness do not reach out for support from mental health specialists.
  • Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 25 – 44 years old.
  • Men are at the highest risk of committing suicide. However, men are the least likely to reach out for mental health support.
  • The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing of Australians showed:
    • Nearly one million Australians have affective (mood) disorders such as depression, dysthymia and bipolar disorder.
    • Approximately 2.3 million Australians have anxiety disorders.
    • Over 800,000 Australians have substance use disorders.

How can Blissful Minds help?

Young woman attending an adult counselling session with one of our therapists.

We are a team of counsellors who strive to make each person who walks through our doors feel comfortable. We pride ourselves as promoters of mental health. In addition, we aim to do our part in reducing the stigma attached to seeking counselling.  By taking a holistic approach, we value your well-being from all five senses. Whether you need help in coping with depression reducing stress and anxiety or just aligning your goals and improving your lifestyle, we are here to help.

Every human being carries with them a complex history filled with relationships, experiences, emotions, fears, beliefs and goals. At Blissful Minds, we see you as so much more than the current challenge that you are facing, We are here to come alongside you to build resiliency and coping strategies. In turn, this will help you to get back to a positive state of mental health and well-being.

Your First Session

The first counselling session is mostly an opportunity for your counsellor to get to know you a little. Your counsellor will make you feel comfortable to disclose what may be going on for you. You can feel confident that this is a pressure-free environment, with no “right-or-wrong”. This is simply a chance for you to spend some time really putting yourself first. It’s an opportunity to set therapeutic goals and discuss what you would like to get out of counselling.

At the end of the session, you will leave having developed a strong therapeutic relationship with your counsellor. In addition, you will have a tool to motivate you and assist you to reach your therapeutic goals.

What can you do now?

Remember that you are not alone. We all go through various challenges throughout life and one of the most important and courageous actions that we can take during those times is to reach out for support. If you were reading through the five categories of mental well-being and felt dissatisfied with one or more of those areas in your personal life, book in with one of our counsellors today.