Tips for good
youth mental health

Open Minds is proud to operate two headspace centres in Queensland: headspace Redcliffe and headspace Taringa.

These centres support young people aged between 12 and 25 who are going through a tough time, to help get them back on track and strengthen their ability to manage their mental health in the future. 

By providing access to health advice, education and employment, our vision is to improve young people’s mental, social and emotional wellbeing.

Open Minds has operated the headspace Redcliffe centre for over five years, and headspace Taringa for three years.

Here are our tips for good mental health:

Good mental health

Connect with family and friends

It’s important to make time to spend with family, friends, and loved ones, including your pets! This can contribute to a sense of wellbeing. If you’re feeling lonely, work to develop new relationships through finding a new hobby or joining an online community such as the Open Minds SANE forum.

Exercise

Whatever type of physical activity it is you enjoy, find some time to fit it into your week. For some it might be sports, gym, or running, for others it might be something lower intensity like walking and listening to music. By being active in your own way, you may find you sleep better, have a more positive mood, and feel less stressed.

Eat nutritious food

As tempting and convenient as Uber Eats is, just remember that choosing healthy options instead can improve your energy levels, mood, health, and general wellbeing. Drinking lots of water also helps to stay hydrated and reduce the chances of getting headaches.

Get creative

Coming up with a plan for when you know you’ll be struggling can help you manage this if it does happen. You might write a journal, get involved in music, or take up painting. 

Focus on your strengths

Everyone has things they are good at and things they aren’t, so identify what your strengths are and use those talents for good. Not sure what yours are? Ask someone you trust.

Helpful numbers

In an emergency contact 000 (112 for mobiles)

DV Connect Womensline – 1800 811 811

Mensline – 1800 600 636

Sexual Assualt Helpline – 1800 737 732

Child Safety After Hours – 1800 177 135

Homeless Hotline – 1800 474 753

Poisons Helpline – 13 11 26

13HEALTH – 13 43 25 84

Policelink – 131 444

Mental Health crisis numbers

Mental Health Support Line (MH CALL) 1300 64 22 55

Lifeline – 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

Kids Helpline (5 – 25 yrs) – 1800 551 800

 You can also access our online peer support forum here.