9 Tips For A Better Mental Health Approach - aifc

Daily routines are important to Mental health and wellbeing.  There are many things we can do to benefit and improve our mental health.  Studies show that 1 in 5 persons in our community will be affected by a mental health problem during their lifetime.

1. Pray & Read Your Bible
In all we do we need to Include prayer in our in day with bible reading. Those you love also need your support with encouragement and prayer.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7 v 7

2. Eat Healthy Foods
Pay attention to what you eat.  A healthy diet is beneficial to our mental health as it affects all of our body including our minds. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.  Read aifc’s blog on Overeating & The Hidden Dangers Of Obesity and a blog on How Important Is Water & Hydration To Mental Health?

3. Think Healthy Thoughts
If we want to discipline our minds we need to pay attention to our thought life.  We jeopardise our mental health when we subject our minds to mental garbage.

“And now, my friends, all that is true, all that is noble, all that is just and pure, all that is lovable and gracious, whatever is excellent and admirable—fill all your thoughts with these things” Philippians 4:8

4. Exercise Daily
Our bodies also need to gain plenty of exercise for physical fitness and good mental health. We can go for a walk, ride our bikes, take up Zumba dancing, aerobics classes, swimming or go for a run if we are able to. Choose something that is enjoyable and that you are physically capable of doing.

5. Be Fearless & Courageous
Fear can stop people from doing what they need to do.  Don’t fear getting help for a mental illness or for a mental health concern.  Seek the help of a counsellor and commit your struggles to God.

“He will never abandon you. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 31:6

6. Understand How Counselling Works
Learn and understand how counselling works and as part of your treatment plan take regular counselling sessions.  Seek the help of a Christian counsellor if possible. Be patient with your treatment as most times we don’t immediately get results.  Treatment can take time.

7. Seek Help For Mental Health Problems
There’s no shame in it. We all need it from time to time.  Mental health is very important to our overall wellbeing and it is not to be neglected. Recognise that mental illness is the same as a physiological illness that can be treated.

8. Know When To Take A Break
Some of us work furiously to achieve better results at work.  But we can’t overdo it or our bodies begin to shut down.  Burnout comes about by having too many things to do in very little time.  Slow down and learn to say no to more work.  Read aifc’s blog Look After Yourself & Say No Confidently.

9. Care for a Pet
Pets are really good company for the lonely. They also quickly become part of the family and should be treated with love and care.  Pets benefit mental health and can help children develop in key areas.  Read aifcs post on Pets Can Help Children Develop In Key Areas.

By Admin

Where to Get Help in Australia

Talk to your doctor who can point you in the right direction.

Visit CCAA to search for a Christian counsellor near you.

Visit ACA to search for a counsellor near you.

Free 24/7 Counselling Services

Lifeline on 13 11 14

Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800

MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978

Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36

Headspace on 1800 650 890

Studying at aifc

Have you thought about becoming a qualified counsellor? It’s a great opportunity to learn how you can extend God's love and grace to the hurting out in the community.

For those who would like to enrol in aifc’s accredited Christian counselling courses we have two intakes per year for courses commencing around the following months:

  • The beginning of each year in February
  • Mid-Year courses commence in July

Enrolment Season - opens approximately 2 months prior to our courses commencing. Enrol online here during our enrolment season.

We also offer two modes of study:

  1. Seminar Blended Mode - only 13 face-to-face days per year
  2. Online Supported Mode - study online only from anywhere

A Master of Counselling course was introduced in 2018.

Contact aifc

Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm