No doubt about it – we are all exposed to events in our life that can negatively affect our mental health and the surge in popularity of mental health retreats in Australia has been staggering.
Stressful events can include workplace frustration, family dramas, relationship break-ups, a business failure, world politics and social media. Some of us can cope with the ups and downs, but some of us also experience depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, stress, bipolar disorder and eating disorders among others.
Mental disorders can also be developed from the excessive use of drugs, while others start using drugs (this can include reliance on pharmaceutical drugs) because of their mental health disorder.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 300 million people are suffering from depression worldwide (an 18% increase since 2005). In fact, depression has been identified as the leading cause of disability. In a recent study, depression and anxiety were reported to be costing the global economy more than US $1 trillion every year?
So how can we help to alleviate the effects of the increasing epidemic of stress, anxiety and depression?
Taking some regular time out for yourself, to heal your mind and body is essential.
This is why we all look forward to vacation time, when we can focus less on the outside world and more on how we are coping internally. A mental health retreat in Australia is the perfect antidote.
Being one of the most popular destinations to eat great food, relax in nature and receive high-standard professional and medical care, Australia really has it all…
Here is our run-down on the best mental health retreats in Australia – so that you or your loved one can escape the mental overload and regenerate your mind and body in peace… In fact there’s no better way to start your healing journey….
What Can You Expect from a Mental Health Retreat?
Your normal world is clogged with noise, stress and dramatic events. A mental health retreat on the other hand, is situated in a peaceful location with no disturbances from the outside world. No deadlines, beeps, calls, horns or shouting….
Expect different relaxation therapies like yoga, nature walks, massages, saunas and meditation. A top notch mental health retreat also has professional health care practitioners on-board for you to discuss your concerns with. It’s often your ‘perception’ of life events that can trigger mental health overload, so it’s great to have someone available to help you put things into perspective if needed.
During a meditation therapy, for instance, you may listen to relaxing music or Tibetan singing bowls and be encouraged to let all of your negative emotions flow, while you do nothing to suppress or act on them. This allows your mind to disconnect from the daily stresses that drag you down and be ‘in the moment’.
We have reviewed dozens of mental health retreats in Australia and have selectively chosen six (6) of the best mental health retreats, to help you overcome any mental health obstacles that may be in your way…
6 Top Mental Health Retreats in Australia to Consider
1. Noosa Confidential Private Residential Health Program, Noosa QLD
The Noosa Confidential pride themselves as an integrative rehabilitation and health program centre with different programs for most mental health disorders. The centre focuses on depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder and addictions.
All therapies are individual-designed (no group therapy) and your progress is measured along the way. The therapists available at the centre include a Nutritionist, Naturopath, Equine therapist, Acupuncturist, Yoga instructor, Exercise physiologist, Psychologist and Psychotherapist.
Their functional medicine approach, using various diagnostic protocols allows them to construct a treatment plan specific to the individual. When a devised plan is not working for you, they will have it changed to suit your needs.
2. Palladium Private, Maleny, QLD
For more than 16 years, the Palladium Private (formerly known as Fountainhead), has been helping people with mental health conditions through its specialised programs for stress, depression, anxiety, PTSD and addictions.
Located in Queensland, one of the best locations for mental health retreats Australia, the Palladium Private opened its door to its first client in 2002. The facilitators at the retreat include certified psychologists, counsellors, massages therapist, and personal trainers. Depending on your state of health, the programs can be 1-4 weeks in length.
3. Living Valley Health Retreat, Kin Kin QLD
This retreat offers a wide range of therapies and health retreats for emotional and physical well-being. The ‘Mental Wellness’, ‘Men’s Health’ and ‘Women’s Flourish’ retreats are sure to help anybody in need of a mental health retreat.
The Living Valley Health Retreat draws from experience gathered over the last 29 years of operation (since it was founded in 1990). The team includes naturopaths, health educators, clinical psychologists and other multi-skilled therapists.
Therapeutic activities include remedial massages, clay wraps and steam baths and can include personal counselling sessions, mind resilience group sessions and mindfulness training.
Located within the 145 acres of green hills and valleys in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, the retreat is only 30 minutes away from Noosa in Queensland, Australia.
4. The Health Retreat, Kiels Mountain, QLD
The Health Retreat has an experienced team that focuses on dealing with depression, anxiety, self-medication, addiction, self-worth and lifestyle changes. It combines both medical and holistic treatments with a program designed specifically for your needs and for the best possible outcome. If you or a loved one is battling with addiction or depression, this may be the best mental health retreat in QLD for you.
They have a Doctor and Naturopath onsite, along with a holistic team where medical co exists with natural to achieve great results. Couples and family counselling is also offered.
The retreat includes activities such as bike riding, saunas and bush walking. However, the activities you would be participating in are dependent on your condition and needs.
If you are worried about cost, this may be a great option for you. They have many testimonials on their website and are located in Kiels Mountain on the Sunshine Coast, QLD.
5. Cedarvale Health & Lifestyle Retreat, Barrengarry, NSW
With more than 25 years of existence, the Cedarvale Health & Lifestyle Retreat offers therapies that improve mental health and at the same time help you to relax and improve your quality of life.
It is regarded as one of the best mental health retreats in NSW because of its personal home-like treatment of guests. All meals are prepared for you and you will be in control of what activities you will be taking part in. This makes it a great choice for people who are short on time and may only be able to stay for a weekend retreat. 5 and 12-night programs are also offered on a regular basis throughout the year.
You will have access to a counsellor, a lifestyle medicine practitioner and other therapists during your stay. You can also enjoy mental health therapies, cooking classes, guided walks and access to a gym and swim spa during your escape from the normal work life.
6. The Banyans, Brisbane, QLD
The Banyans mental health retreat is for ‘people who want the best in personalised mental health care and private rehab‘. They offer research-based rehabilitation and recovery programs for individuals who may be experiencing chronic stress and burnout, depression and anxiety, drug and alcohol dependency, eating disorders, addictions and other mental health conditions
Programs at the Banyan resort are dedicated to treating busy professionals, public figures and those needing support through stressful stages in their life. There is no group therapy, only one-on-one and private therapy.
They partner with experts like psychiatrists, addiction medicine specialists and other allied health practitioners. Therapies may include mental health, emotional, physical and nutritional therapies with activities such as yoga, forest bathing and art classes. You may also go offsite and enjoy activities such as paddle boarding, golf, horse riding or a trip to the museum. Off-site visitation with family members and loved ones can also be arranged.
Located in the Brisbane region in Queensland, The Banyans might just be the mental health retreat for you if you are looking for one-on-one treatment and are keen to rediscover the fullness of life.
So there you have it – our 6 best mental health retreats in Australia. We hope you have found a great fit for your needs…
If you have any questions or know of another mental health retreat that you would like us to review – please contact us HERE.
We would love to hear from you…
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Best Health Retreats or its staff.
