It can be hard to find the right words when someone opens up to you about their struggles with mental health.

For Abbie Williams, she knows just what to write; she has had plenty of practice.

Over the past year the 24-year-old dedicated her free time and resources to responding to hundreds of requests for help in the way of handwritten letters.

She's sent more than 580 "Letters of Hope" to people having a tough time in Australia and overseas.

It's all worth it — even the hand cramps.

"I just always spend the time to write down inspiring messages for them ... it's mostly about letting them know they're not alone and that this is not the end for them and it definitely will get better," Ms Williams said.

Letters have been written for people across Australia and overseas. ( Instagram: xlettersofhope )

Inspired by a similar project in the UK, the Gold Coast resident started to share the word on her local Facebook community groups.

"The idea is that if you are having a hard time, struggling with your mental health or simply need a pick-me-up, send an email to [me] with your postal address and I will mail you a handwritten letter to brighten your day," one posts reads.

"If I can make someone smile, even for a second through a dark time, I am happy."

"Some people tend to share a bit of their journey and what they're going through," she added.

"Quite often the people who reach out to me are struggling to open up to people who are close to them, like family and friends."

As for what to say, Ms Williams writes from experience, having dealt with anxiety and depression herself.

"I think I kind of have a fair bit of empathy for people who are going through something similar ... so when I read the email, I read what they're going through," she said.

More than 500 "Letters of Hope" have been sent in the past year. ( Supplied: Abbie Williams )

"I find it quite easy [knowing] what to say to them, because it's about letting them know they're not alone.

"My main message is please do not be ashamed of who you are, and you're not alone in what you're going through and things can and will get better.

"You can get help although it feel like you're in the dark and you're not going to get out, there are things you can learn to help you manage what you're going through each and every day so you can live a happy and fulfilled life."

The project was initially self-funded, but over the past couple of months Ms Williams started a GoFundMe account to help with the cost of stationery and postage.

"Recently someone has been sending me a box every week of little wooden keepsakes, so I've been able to send those out with the letters to make them standout," she said.

"It gives people something to keep and think about. She's doing them completely for free. It's really lovely."

Important to seek help

Dr Joanne Beames, a psychologist and postdoctoral research fellow at the Black Dog Institute, said for people struggling with their mental health, reaching out for help was the hardest part.

"In Australia, for example, more than half of those experiencing mental health problems do not access any treatment," she said.

Ms Williams has had her own struggles with anxiety and depression. ( Supplied: Abbie Williams )

She said factors that made it difficult for people to seek and access help included:

stigma and concerns about privacy

stigma and concerns about privacy lack of recognition or minimisation of mental health problems (by self or others)

lack of recognition or minimisation of mental health problems (by self or others) lack of awareness about mental health services

lack of awareness about mental health services not being ready to reach out

not being ready to reach out a desire to be self-reliant

a desire to be self-reliant other treatment-related factors (e.g. cost, time and availability)

Support from friends, family, health professionals and even strangers could all play an important role in helping someone cope with and recover from mental health problems, Dr Beames said.

"The type of support that someone accesses depends, in part, on personal preferences. For example, recent research has shown that adolescents tend to seek help from family and friends rather than mental health professionals.

"The internet and other online support services have also become increasingly popular among younger age groups. Some reasons for increased use of the internet include anonymity and autonomy in help-seeking."

Dr Beames said there were many online and face-to-face resources available that can help.

"Making an appointment with a GP can be a helpful first step to accessing help," she said.

"It is important to remember that it can take time to find a treatment or mental health professional that works best for each individual."