Six months since launching, the Be Nice to Brain digital campaign in Tasmania is sparking curiosity, reflection, and important conversations about alcohol and mental health.
Developed by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), in partnership with the Tasmanian Government, Be Nice to Brain shares the latest evidence-based information about the effect alcohol can have on mental health and wellbeing.
Dan Vautin, the CEO of the Mental Health Council of Tasmania said: “What I love about Be Nice to Brain is its simplicity and accessibility. The messaging is relatable, non-judgemental, and easy to engage with – and we’ve seen a strong response from Tasmanians connecting with the campaign’s tools and resources.”
Whether Tasmanians want to take a break, cut back, or cut out alcohol, the Be Nice to Brain website offers a range of tips, tools and resources.
In preparation for the campaign, we surveyed Tasmanians aged 18 and over and found that 1 in 3 people don’t know there’s a link between alcohol and mental health.
Turning Point Clinical Director Associate Professor Shalini Arunogiri said it was important to raise awareness of the link between alcohol and mental health.
“As a clinical addiction psychiatrist, I see every day how alcohol and mental health are closely connected—and that relationship goes both ways. On one hand, alcohol can directly cause poor mental health. Even if someone has no prior history of mental illness, drinking can affect the brain and body in ways that trigger depressive symptoms,” she said.
“At the same time, depression can lead people to use alcohol as a way of coping with distress, emotional pain, or simply the challenges of day-to-day life. While alcohol might feel like a temporary solution, it can quickly become part of the problem, reinforcing a cycle that’s hard to break.”
“The good news is that support is available. With the right help, people can reduce their alcohol use and take meaningful steps toward a healthier, more hopeful future. I’d really encourage anyone who’s curious about their alcohol use to explore the tools and resources on the Be Nice to Brain website.”
Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education Health Programs Director Kristie Cocotis, leads the team behind the campaign. “This campaign is about planting a seed—encouraging people to pause, tune in to how alcohol may be affecting their wellbeing, and feel empowered to make changes if they want to. It’s been fantastic to see that message resonate with so many people across Tasmania,” she said.
“We know that small shifts in awareness can lead to powerful changes. That’s why campaigns like Be Nice to Brain matter—they start important conversations and help people feel supported, not judged.”
With its strong digital presence and a warm, relatable tone, the campaign is helping more Tasmanians take that all-important first step: to pause, check in, and be kind to their brain.
Explore the campaign at Be Nice to Brain. Drink less.
