October is a big month on the health calendar, while it marks Liver Awareness Month, it is also recognised as Mental Health Day on 10 October. At first glance, liver health and mental health might seem like separate issues, but the two are more connected than many realise. The liver is one of the hardest-working organs in the body performing over 500 vital functions including, processing nutrients, filtering toxins and storing energy.1 When the liver is not functioning well it doesn’t just affect physical health, it can also take a toll on our mental wellbeing from the coping mechanisms some people may find themselves turning to. Recognising this link helps us better understand how caring for both our physical and mental health is key to overall wellbeing.
When liver health declines, it can leave people feeling tired, unwell, or limited in what they can do day to day. These physical challenges can be frustrating and isolating, especially when they affect energy levels, sleep, or social connection. Over time, this can influence a person’s mood or lead to coping behaviours that make it even harder to stay well, highlighting how liver health and mental wellbeing are often intertwined through experience living with an unhealthy liver.
How Mental Health Supports Your Liver
Looking after mental wellbeing also supports the body’s ability to stay healthy, including the liver. People who experience anxiety, depression, or chronic stress may turn to coping mechanisms like alcohol, unhealthy eating, or inactivity, ultimately putting pressure on the liver. Stress hormones themselves can also affect the body’s ability to regulate inflammation and metabolism, indirectly impacting liver health.2 By looking after mental wellbeing, we are also creating the conditions for our livers to stay healthy.
Simple steps can make a big difference, practices such as:
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga can help reduce stress hormones that otherwise burden the body and liver
- Regular physical activity: walking, cycling, or light exercise not only improves mood but also helps manage weight and supports healthy liver function
- Balanced eating: choosing fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and reducing processed or high-sugar foods supports both mental clarity and liver health
- Limiting alcohol: reducing alcohol intake or avoiding it altogether prevents unnecessary strain on the liver and improves mental wellbeing
- Adequate sleep: good sleep patterns restore energy, balances hormones, and supports the liver’s natural overnight repair and detoxification processes
- Connecting with supportive communities: spending time with family, friends, or peer support groups reduces isolation and boosts resilience
These steps protect both mental and liver health, seeking professional support whether from a GP, a mental health professional, or through services like Hepatitis ACT you can feel empowered to take proactive steps. For those living with hepatitis, combining mental health care with medical treatment is key to achieving the best outcomes.
This October, Liver Awareness Month and Mental Health Day remind us that health is never one-dimensional. By getting tested, accessing treatment, and prioritising wellbeing, we can all take steps toward healthier, longer lives.
Contact us: Contact Us – Hepatitis ACT
Your nearest GP: Find a health service | healthdirect
Mental Health Services: Adult mental health – Canberra Health Services
