Key points
- Taking part in citizen science projects, like counting koalas or monitoring water quality, could help improve mental health.
- Connecting with nature, including whale watching or gazing at the night sky, can have a positive impact on mental health.
- Our researchers are exploring how technology, like using AI for admin tasks, can support the mental health of medical professionals.
About five million Australians will experience mental illness in any given year according to the Black Dog Institute. While Australia leads the world in developing digital mental health programs about 60 per cent of people experiencing symptoms won’t seek help.
Although they are not a replacement for professional help, here are some science-based activities that can support your mental health.
Having a whale of a time
Research has found there are mental and physical health benefits in connecting with nature. Simply spending time in nature is associated with improved mental health outcomes, including lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Whale watching is a wonderful way to connect with nature. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) start migrating to warmer waters as Antarctica's winter sets in. Australia’s western and eastern coastlines offer sheltered conditions for whales seeking warmer waters for breeding and birthing.
Every year from May to December, depending on your location, whales could be swimming past a beach near you. Take a seat and see what you can spot. You might be lucky enough to see dolphins.
Making a contribution to science
Participating in nature-based citizen science has been linked to improved mental health. We have several citizen science projects you can get involved with and spend time outside in nature.
Our EyeOnWater app makes it easy to snap photos of water and submit them to AquaWatch Australia. The photos you share help us check and fine-tune satellite data for the national water quality monitoring service we’re developing.
Or you can join our Great Koala Count. If you live somewhere koalas are native, take a walk in the forest and help with the national population count.
Biologist Andrew Hoskins encourages everyone to download the Koala Spotter app. He says citizen science apps are increasingly important, as they allow anybody to come out and record their koala sightings.
“We need as many different eyes as possible to help paint the most accurate picture of koala numbers and distribution across the country,” Andrew says.
To record sightings, download Koala Spotter from the App Store (Apple) or the Google Play Store (Android).
Looking to the skies
Gazing up at the night sky can help create a connection with nature, which supports mental health. Researchers have found connection to the night sky is associated with lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Our astronomers use our Australia Telescope National Facility’s observatories, telescopes, and star-studded data to investigate a broad range of subjects.
Radio astronomy isn’t affected by light pollution in the same way as optical astronomy, but we support efforts to combat light pollution and preserving natural dark skies.
Searching for smiles
Neurologist Oliver Sacks said music “can lift us out of depression when nothing else can.” Check out our Spotify playlists and see what might brighten your day.
Research also suggests smiling and laughing are good for your mental health. We find Wombat Wednesday always makes us smile, maybe they’ll give you a smile too.
You don’t need to be struggling with your mental health to benefit from professional support. Check out Head to Health, where you’ll find a tailored experience that connects you with mental health services based on your needs and preferences.
Our science supporting mental health
Our researchers are using AI and computer games to develop tools for mental health support and diagnosis.
Scientists from our Australian e-Health Research Centre (AEHRC) are developing AI models for supporting medical professionals. Medical professionals are at high risk of burnout, given increasing administration workloads and the nature of their work.
Burnout is a global problem, and it’s a collection of symptoms coming from workplace stress. Symptoms include losing enthusiasm for work, emotional exhaustion, and feeling a lack of personal accomplishment.
Our research scientist Aaron Nicolson won the Association for Computational Linguistics competition for their AI model this year. Competition entrants developed an AI model for producing the most optimal automated radiology reports within a limited amount of time.
Aaron says an AI ‘assistant’ could help radiologists by easing their burden and workload, creating space for them to provide greater patient care.
To help clinicians and patients, our Data 61 machine learning experts developed an interactive computer game.
Diagnosing mental health conditions is complicated, and medical professionals often use patient questionnaires for initial assessments. The patient’s responses are then compared to criteria from a diagnostic and statistical manual.
Psychological assessments and personality inventories are valuable tools, especially combined with conversations, but self-reporting has some drawbacks. We may hold back out of embarrassment or give what we think are socially acceptable responses. This can lead to missed diagnoses or wrong diagnoses, which can take years to correct.
The game analyses player choices via artificial neural networks, revealing subtle differences in individuals living with depression or bipolar disorder. More accurate data helps clinicians develop treatment plans better personalised for individuals. So, screen time can be good for your mental health.