Your Mental Health Journey
When life starts to feel different
Sometimes the signs that we’re struggling are obvious. At other times, they develop gradually and become part of everyday life. You may simply have a sense that something isn’t quite right.
- Persistent sadness, worry or anxiety
- Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Withdrawing from people or activities you usually enjoy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Irritability, restlessness or emotional exhaustion
- Difficulty managing work, relationships or everyday responsibilities
- Feeling hopeless, helpless or unlike yourself
You don’t need to wait until things reach a crisis point before asking for help.
Understanding your mental health
Mental health difficulties can be influenced by many factors, including stressful life events, relationships, work pressures, physical health, loss, trauma and underlying mental health conditions. For some people, support from a psychologist or another mental health professional may be appropriate. For others, symptoms can become severe enough to affect everyday functioning and require more intensive treatment. A professional assessment can help you understand what you’re experiencing and determine what kind of support may be most appropriate.
When should I seek professional help?
Consider speaking to a mental health professional when changes in your thoughts, emotions or behaviour persist, become difficult to manage, or begin affecting your everyday life. Seeking support earlier can help you understand what is happening and access appropriate care before difficulties become more severe. You can also seek advice when you’re worried about someone you care about. You don’t have to wait for that person to reach crisis point before asking what support may be available.
What could your journey look like?
Every person’s mental health journey is different. Your path to support may include some or all of these steps.
01
Reach out
Talk to us about what you or someone you care about is experiencing.
02
Find the right support
We’ll help guide you towards an appropriate next step or Life Path Health facility.
03
Assessment
Your needs can be assessed by the appropriate mental health professionals.
04
Treatment & support
Where treatment is indicated, an individualised care plan can support your recovery.
05
Moving forward
Recovery continues beyond treatment, with ongoing support and strategies for managing your mental wellbeing.
Mental health care centred around you
Depending on your individual needs, care may involve different members of a multidisciplinary mental health team. At Life Path Health, this may include psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, registered nurses and other healthcare professionals working together to support your treatment and recovery. Where more intensive care is appropriate, treatment in a specialised mental health facility can provide a safe, structured and supportive environment in which to stabilise, recover and develop skills for managing your mental health beyond treatment.
Your first step
Not sure where to start?
If you are concerned about your mental health, or the mental health of someone you care about, you do not have to know exactly what to do next. Taking the first step can start with a conversation.