Feeling Low, Worried or Exhausted?
How Mental Health Support Can Help
Introduction
Have I been feeling stressed, worried or overwhelmed more often than usual?
Why am I always feeling tired, exhausted or running on empty, even after resting?
Could my sleep, mood or constant worrying be affecting my daily life more than I realise?
The good news is that mental health support can help. Early support can make a real difference and may help prevent problems from becoming more difficult to manage.¹
What Are Stress, Anxiety, Low Mood and Burnout?
Stress is your body's natural response to pressure or change. In small amounts, it can help you focus and respond to challenges.
Anxiety is more than everyday worry. It can cause ongoing feelings of fear, nervousness or concern that are difficult to switch off.²
Low mood may involve feeling sad, flat, unmotivated or less interested in things you usually enjoy.
Burnout is a state of emotional, mental and physical exhaustion caused by ongoing stress. It can affect anyone, including carers, parents and people balancing multiple responsibilities.³
How Common Are Mental Health Concerns?
Mental health challenges are common in Australia. Around 1 in 5 Australians experience a mental disorder in any given year, with anxiety being the most common type.⁴
Experiencing stress, worry, fatigue or periods of low mood does not mean there is something wrong with you. These experiences are part of being human. What matters is recognising when extra support may help.
Common Signs to Watch For
You may benefit from support if you notice:
Feeling worried, nervous or on edge most days
Feeling sad, flat or hopeless
Constant tiredness or low energy
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks
Changes in appetite
Irritability or frustration
Pulling away from family, friends or activities
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Feeling emotionally exhausted or "running on empty"³
The Connection Between Sleep and Mental Health
Sleep and mental health are closely linked. Poor sleep can affect your mood, energy levels and ability to cope with stress. At the same time, stress, anxiety and low mood can make it harder to sleep well.⁵
Many people find that improving sleep habits and addressing underlying stress can improve both physical and emotional wellbeing.
When Should You Seek Help?
Consider reaching out for support if:
Symptoms have lasted more than a few weeks
You are finding it difficult to manage daily activities
Relationships, work or study are being affected
You feel constantly overwhelmed
Sleep problems are ongoing
You no longer enjoy activities that previously brought you pleasure
Seeking support early can make recovery easier and may reduce the impact on your overall wellbeing.¹
How Westfund Can Help
Comprehensive Mental Health Support Can Help
Westfund offers a range of mental health programs* that may help members access professional support, depending on their individual needs and level of cover. This includes Comprehensive Mental Health Support, which is available to eligible members.
Support may include:
Understanding stress and anxiety
Developing practical coping strategies
Building resilience and confidence
Managing burnout and emotional exhaustion
Improving sleep habits
Strengthening relationships and communication skills
Learning ways to balance competing demands
Support is personalised, confidential and designed to meet you where you are right now. Contact our Health and Wellbeing Team today on healthandwellbeing@westfund.com.au or go learn more here.
Practical Steps You Can Try Today
Alongside professional support, these simple strategies may help:
Talk to someone you trust.
Maintain a regular sleep routine.
Stay connected with family and friends.
Include movement in your day.
Take short breaks during busy periods.
Set realistic expectations for yourself.
Seek help sooner rather than later.
You do not need to wait until you are struggling significantly before asking for support.
FAQs
Is it normal to feel stressed or anxious sometimes?
Yes. Everyone experiences stress and worry at times. Support may be helpful when these feelings become persistent or start affecting daily life.²
Can burnout affect my mental health?
Yes. Burnout is linked to ongoing stress and can contribute to emotional exhaustion, low mood, sleep difficulties and reduced wellbeing.³
Can poor sleep affect my mood?
Yes. Sleep and mental health influence each other. Ongoing sleep difficulties can make it harder to manage stress and emotions.⁵
Do I need a diagnosis to seek support?
No. Many people access support to help manage stress, life changes, sleep concerns or feelings of overwhelm before a mental health condition develops.
Conclusion
Feeling low, worried or exhausted is more common than many people realise. You do not have to manage it alone.
If stress, anxiety, low mood, burnout or sleep concerns are affecting your quality of life, reaching out for support is a positive step. Early support can help you build practical skills, improve wellbeing and regain confidence in managing life's challenges.
The information provided is general in nature and does not replace professional medical advice.
*Annual limits, waiting periods and eligibility criteria apply. Benefits and programs are subject to your level of cover. Please refer to your Policy Summary or check your Extras limits via Members Online or the Westfund app for full details.
References
Black Dog Institute. Resources and support for mental health. Available from: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/
Beyond Blue. Anxiety, depression and mental health information. Available from: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Black Dog Institute. Experiencing burnout? Here's what to do about it. 2024. Available from: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/news/experiencing-burnout-heres-what-to-do-about-it/
Australian Bureau of Statistics. National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2020-2022. 2024. Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing/latest-release
Beyond Blue. Sleep and mental health. Available from: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/wellbeing/sleep