TAL is giving away tickets to AFLW games and encouraging Australians to invite a family member or friend along to support social connection. 

TAL research found 45% of Australians – and 50% of women – turn to close friends when they want to lift their mood, ahead of partners (42%) and family (41%).  

Among 18 to 24-year-olds, friends dominate as a mood boost (61%), while in middle age, partners, friends and children become more balanced.  

“We know more frequent social contact is associated with better overall health, and in particular our mental health. For some people, it is a regular walk with a friend. For others, it is a family meal, a community group or a phone call. The best form of connection is the one people can actually keep doing,” TAL head of mental health Glenn Baird said. 

TAL’s Understanding Modern Australia Report shows Australians often cancel plans because they feel tired, stressed or financially stretched.   

 Mr Baird says connecting with friends, family and community should be seen as a wellbeing habit.  

“For many people, friends and regular social contact are deeply linked to how they feel day to day. That is why saying yes to a simple invitation, or offering one to someone else, can matter," he said. 

“It doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. It can be a quick call, a walk around the block, or accepting an invitation you would usually decline." 

TAL recommends establishing one regular message, call or catch-up each week, and combining social connection with an activity such as walking, cooking, running an errand, or sharing a meal.  

Mental health is one of the "defining health challenges" facing Australians, TAL says, and it is working to strengthen prevention, early support, recovery and care.