If you’re not coping… where to go for help
There’s no shame in admitting that you need help. If you are feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed by your feelings or you simply need someone to talk to, these organisations are there to help you:
For urgent help or an instant response service:
IF A LIFE IS IN DANGER CALL 000 IMMEDIATELY.
BEYOND BLUE 1300 22 4636
Beyond Blue have trained mental health professionals at the end of a phone line 24 hours/7 days a week. They are there to listen, provide information and advice, and point you in the right direction so you can seek further support. You can also chat online between 3pm and 12am, 7 days a week.
The Beyond Blue online forums give you a way to connect with people in a safe and anonymous environment to discuss anxiety, depression, and a range of life issues.
LIFELINE – 13 11 14
Lifeline is a national charity providing Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Other sources of help and advice
BLACK DOG INSTITUTE
Black Dog Institute is dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by depression, bipolar disorder and suicide. They have a number of resources on their website including a range of self-diagnostic and assessment tools to help you understand your own mental health status and a list of support groups around Australia to help you connect with others and share experiences, problems and strategies for coping.
CARERS AUSTRALIA
Carers Australia has a National Carer Counselling Program that provides short- term counselling services specifically for carers and can assist you with coping skills.
The counselling program is delivered through the state and territory Carers Associations. Your relevant state Carers Association can be found at www.carersaustralia.com.au/about-us/contact
HEAD TO HEALTH
With details of 380 mental health services and resources funded by the Australian Government, Head to Health is an online resource to help you find the information, resources, and services that most suit your needs.
SANE AUSTRALIA – 1800 187 263
SANE Australia is a national mental health charity working to support all Australians affected by mental illness. They provide a number of services including a national
online and freecall service, providing information, support and referral to people concerned about mental illness; detailed information about treatments, support, and helping yourself and others, and online forums providing peer support for people living with mental illness, family, friends and carers.
MINDSPOT – 1800 61 44 34
The MindSpot Clinic is a free telephone and online service for Australian adults troubled by symptoms of anxiety or depression. They provide free online screening assessments to help you learn about your symptoms, free treatment courses to help you to recover,
or they can help you find local services that can help.
MENSLINE – 1300 78 99 78
MensLine Australia is the national telephone and online support, information and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns. The service is available from anywhere in Australia and is staffed by professional counsellors, experienced in men’s issues. Their qualified counsellors specialise in family and relationship issues, including relationship breakdown, separation and divorce, parenting, family violence, suicide prevention and emotional well-being.
You can also:
• Talk to someone you trust
• Contact your GP or therapist
• Visit the emergency department of local hospital
