“I choose to walk to the shop instead of catching the bus. I’m getting fitter - which is a good feeling.”

The symptoms of mental illness and the side effects of some medications can make it hard to stay healthy. However, making choices which help you stay healthy can have a positive effect on your mental health.

Some medications may cause you to put on weight. So, try to find the time to prepare and eat healthy foods, and make an effort to exercise.

Many people find it easier to do this when they are with others. Activities such as bush walking, cycling and gardening are not only fun, but can help you stay in shape. Many of the support groups run by MIFA maintain a calendar of social activities that help people ‘get out and about’ in a group environment.

Choosing to make positive changes to your lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake or doing exercise, can make a big difference to your overall health, which in turn can improve your mental health.

There are lots of ways to be healthy and SANE offers some very good advice on healthy living.

NSW residents can also visit The Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service is a free, confidential telephone service that helps people make lifestyle changes in the areas of healthy eating, staying physically active and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.