Mental Health Resources

There are many ways to support your mental health and well-being. Here you can find a number of resources that can help you, or assist you with helping someone else. 

From support services, call lines, self-care apps to articles it's important to ensure you have a variety of resources available when you need them.

Support Services

Have you ever noticed how certain foods can affect your mood? Well, it turns out that the food we consume plays a significant role in how we feel mentally and emotionally. By understanding the reasons your food choices may be impacting your mental health, we can take proactive steps to learn about the effects of the food we consume and nurture our own mental wellbeing.

Reason 1: The Sugar Roller Coaster

Consuming excessive amounts of refined sugars and high-glycaemic foods can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes. These fluctuations can lead to mood swings, irritability, and feelings of lethargy. When we indulge in sugary treats or processed foods, our blood sugar levels soar, providing a temporary energy boost, but soon after, they plummet, leaving us feeling tired and moody. Opting for whole foods that are low on the glycaemic index and reducing sugar intake can help stabilise blood sugar levels and promote better emotional wellbeing.

A diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provides a steady release of glucose into the bloodstream, preventing the drastic ups and downs associated with high-sugar diets. These foods are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that support brain health and overall wellbeing.

Reason 2: The Gut-Brain Connection

Did you know that the health of your gut can influence your mental state? Research has shown a strong connection between gut health and mental health. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria collectively known as the gut microbiota, and it plays a vital role in maintaining both physical and mental health.

Poor dietary choices, such as diets high in processed foods and low in fiber, can negatively impact the gut microbiota, potentially leading to mood disorders like anxiety and depression. On the other hand, a diet rich in fiber, found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, nourishes the gut microbiota, promoting a healthier balance of beneficial bacteria.

Incorporating fermented foods into your diet, such as yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut, can also support a healthy gut. These foods are packed with probiotics, which are live bacteria that provide numerous health benefits, including an improved mood.

Reason 3: Caffeine and Anxiety

While a cup of coffee may provide a temporary energy boost, excessive caffeine consumption can contribute to feelings of anxiety and restlessness. Caffeine stimulates the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can heighten anxiety symptoms and make you feel jittery and on edge.

Moderating caffeine intake or opting for herbal teas can help reduce these effects. Herbal teas, such as chamomile or lavender tea, have calming properties that can soothe the nervous system and promote relaxation.

The impact of food on our mood should not be underestimated. By understanding the connection between what we eat and how we feel, we can make informed choices to support our mental wellbeing. St John WA offers a First Aid for Mental Health course that covers the impact of our food choices on our mental health, as well as providing you with the knowledge and skills to recognise signs of mental health issues and take crucial steps towards seeking professional care.

Our one-day course also furthers your understanding of mental health and teaches you how to provide support to yourself or others during a mental health crisis. If you're interested in building key skills to take care of your mental health and wellbeing, enrol at bit.ly/44OkxwB.