Recent research commissioned by Mental Health Australia showed parents, people with low incomes and those between the age of 18-29 scored lower than other Australians in participating in activities which aided mental wellbeing.

The figures showed 65 per cent of Australians regularly keep consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs as low as possible, 58 per cent regularly made an effort to eat healthily, 51 per cent regularly made time to socialise with family and/or friends and 47 per cent regularly had a good night’s sleep.

Mental Health Australia CEO Frank Quinlan said generally, Australians were doing better than expected but those aged between 18-29 were the least likely to socialise with friends and family and take time out from their electronic devices.

“We also found people who are on lower incomes are less likely to be doing things that are helpful to their mental health and wellbeing. Parents too had little time for activities that could help improve their wellbeing,” he said.

“Perhaps the most concerning result however, was the small percentage of people who regularly sought advice or support when they were stressed or down. With only 18 per cent regularly seeking help, we have a long way to go to make it OK to do something about our mental health and wellbeing.”

People over 70 were more likely than any other age groups to socialise, participate in the community, eat and sleep well, and limit their consumption of alcohol and other drugs, but would rarely seek help in times of stress or depression.

The campaign which coincides with National Mental Health Week calls on Australians to make a personal mental health promise to themselves at the website https://1010.org.au/promise/add.