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The theme for Mental Health Week in Queensland is 'Be active, get connected, stay involved’.

Mental health is a state of wellbeing. It’s not just the absence of illness, but also the ability to maintain relationships, cope with stress, contribute to the community and enjoy life. Unfortunately not everybody experiences good mental health all of the time.

Good mental health helps us to more fully enjoy life and the world around us. We respond better to the stresses and challenges of daily life, we are more creative, use our abilities to the fullest and make the most of opportunities when our mental health is good.

We can all do things to improve and promote our own mental wellbeing, and that of others by being active, getting connected and staying involved.

Mental Health Week aims to stimulate, educate and engage Queensland around mental health and related issues. In 2009 we are asking Queenslanders to ‘be active, get connected, stay involved’.

Here are some suggestions of how you can build on the theme’s key messages.

Be active

Be active in looking after your mental health - staying healthy means looking after yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. By giving a little attention to these areas each day you can help yourself to stay well and strong. Keep yourself as active as possible, physically, socially and mentally— take a walk, go for a swim, take up a hobby, read a book …

Be physically active – being physically active can improve your mental health. Regular physical activity improves psychological wellbeing and can reduce depression and anxiety. People who exercise report feeling less stressed or nervous …

Be active in getting help – it is important for us to understand and mange our feelings, and get help if we need it …

Be active, get the facts – if you or someone you know is not feeling well get the right information. There is lots of information on available on mental health. Acting early can prevent things getting worse …

Be active, break down stigma - whether you have, or have had a mental illness or not stigma can affect you. Considering that one in five people are affected by a mental illness at some stage in their lives, if it hasn’t affected you directly, then it surely has had an impact on someone you know. Take up the challenge…

Get connected

Get connected to your community – connect with a group or go along to community events. Join a club or volunteer. Participate, you'll feel great…

Get connected with nature - being in touch with nature makes us feel good. Next time you are feeling like a lift, explore a national park, go bushwalking, camp near the beach…

Get connected to yourself – take some time out to do what’s important to you. Do some gardening, meet a friend, take the dog for a walk. Make a list, have plan…

Get connected with others – make time for family and friends…

Stay involved

Stay involved - having a sense of belonging, and having a purpose in life all contribute to happiness and good mental health. Join a club, help out …

Stay involved, volunteer - health experts say that doing good deeds adds meaning to our lives and helps our self-esteem – all of which are good for our mental health and feeling content with who we are…

Stay involved, commit to treating yourself well – have balance in your life. It's important that you schedule "me time". Taking just one hour, once a week to do something for yourself can do wonders for your wellbeing — and your relationships and career will benefit too. By allowing you do something you enjoy and it also keeps your brain active, set goals...

Stay involved withyour community – take up a cause, help in a working bee, chat to a neighbour…

Here is the link to the page http://www.health.qld.gov.au/mentalhealth/news/prod_prom_material.asp