Mental Health Council of Tasmania chief executive discusses Mental Health Week

"We're probably all finding ourselves worrying to a greater degree, whether it's about ourselves, someone else, who we're going to be with for Christmas or what's coming up in the future," she said.

"There's this growing list of things that we can worry about, and they're largely things that aren't in our control, thanks to a pandemic."

This year Mental Health Week is asking Tasmanians to take some time to foster their mental well-being - under the banner "Awareness, Belonging, Connection".

"Improving someone's mental wellbeing means they can better cope with what's happening at the moment, most of which is largely out of our control," Ms Digolis said.

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"So it's really about being able to build a toolkit to help you through."

She said by focusing on mental wellbeing earlier, people can improve their mental health before needing to access services down the track.

"While there will always be a need for formal mental health supports and services, we should be firstly looking at ways to stay mentally well, rather than waiting until we're unwell and then needing to reach out for professional support to help us get better," she said.

"Maintaining mental health is about recognising the things we're already doing that are good for our wellbeing, and identifying things we could improve on."

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It seems the week is arriving just in time, with the outbreaks back on the mainland - as well as the state's recent quarantine breaches - weighing heavy on the minds of many Tasmanians.

Following the outbreaks, the Mental Health Council of Tasmania noted a rising need for its services as COVID concerns began once again to mount.

"We've seen people reaching out again in June and July. As soon as things started to happen in NSW and Victoria, we could see that impact here," Ms Digolis said.

But while concerns were rising, Ms Digolis was glad the services were being used.

"It was great people were reaching out, so then we were able to respond accordingly and help them through it," she said.

On a more personal note, when asked how she tends to her mental wellbeing, Ms Digolis said it's important to switch off and enjoy the little things.

"For me, it's exercise. Walking my dog is something that's hugely important to me and going to the beach," she said.

"I'm a coastal person - I think any Tasmanian is, if you've been born on a small island.

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"So it's about taking yourself to places where you can feel that sense of connection and peace. I can see a beach and ocean, then that's one of my happy places."

Looking closer to home, keep an eye out for the Launceston townhall this week, as it will be lit up orange - this year's Mental Health Week colour - to raise awareness and support the program.

Mental Health Week kicks off this weekend covers a range of activities and events across the state.

You can find the full program of events at the MHCT website, mhct.org/program.

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