Last Updated (Thursday, 11 March 2010 11:36)

Welcome to the wellbeing section, using the menu above or clicking the links below, you can find the following information and resources:

Campaigns – how to get involved in  our current mental health promotion campaigns

- 10 Tips to Stress Less

- Building Resilience

- Mental Health Week NSW

- Changing Minds

Workforce Development – information about our Workplace Health Promotion Network and workshops available for professionals on mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention.

Mental Health Matters Awards – annual awards announced during Mental Health Week recognising excellence in mental health

Resources – current mental health promotion resources available for free download (available to anyone) or to order printed copies (available to NSW residents only)

Evidence Base – current and completed MHA reports and research projects

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What is Mental Wellbeing?
There are a number of definitions of mental wellbeing. The one below is adapted from a well-known description provided by the World Health Organisation:

"Mental health and wellbeing is the state in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community"

The POWER acronym below illustrates some of the common elements that make up the concept of mental wellbeing:

• P – positive, wellbeing
• O – optimistic, adaptive
• W – wholistic, culturally determined
• E – enjoyment of life, feeling connected, sense of belonging
• R – resilience, resourcefulness to cope with life’s stressors

What is the Difference between Mental Health and Mental Illness?
The term 'mental health' is commonly used to refer to issues surrounding 'mental illness' eg. 'mental health services', which can cause some confusion when trying to understand the difference between the two terms.

'Mental illness' refers to a diagnosed clinical condition. Common examples are depression, anxiety, psychosis and eating disorders. This website has an extensive range of fact sheets covering these disorders.

Mental health or 'mental wellbeing' is a positive concept and it is about more than the absence of mental illness. It refers to resilience and good functioning, but also incorporates flourishing, happiness and getting the most out of life.

It may be somewhat counterintuitive, but mental illness and mental wellbeing can be experienced by a single individual at the same time. Perhaps you know someone who has a diagnosed mental illness but is still able to engage in positive activity like work or volunteering, has a good network of support from family or friends, and is able to get significant enjoyment out of life. You may also know someone who shows no symptoms of a mental disorder but still has poor mental health, may have trouble maintaining relationships, employment and achieving their goals.

How Can I Improve My Mental Wellbeing?
The Mental Health Promotion Team has produced a range of resources to help you promote about your own mental wellbeing and of those around you in your family, friends, workplace or community.