Over $6 million is being pumped into a campaign to combat depression.
The National Depression Initiative is a three year project aimed at raising awareness about the illness, improving early recognition of it, and getting people into treatment.
The campaign, which will feature high profile TV adverts, is aimed at combating the stigma that often surrounds depression.
Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton says 90% of suicides are caused by depression and every year 500 people die by suicide. He hopes, if awareness of depression can be raised, the number of suicides can be reduced.
Anderton wants the initiative to reach those affected by depression and highlight the fact there is a way through it.
Meanwhile, the Mental Health Foundation says a sense of community and happiness are two major factors in tackling mental health problems.
Tuesday is World Mental Health day and people are being encouraged to stop and think about their lifestyles to see if they are happy.
Southern Development Manager for the Mental Health Foundation Nikki Woolley says a lot of people think mental health is similar to mental illness, but she wants people to think more about mental wellness.
Woolley says the foundation is concentrating on trying to prove to people how important community and happiness is for good mental health.
She says some things which make us feel happier, are when we connect with others and feel like we belong.
Woolley says too many people think mental health is a problem affecting others.
