Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Resources

Mental health resources
Acknowledgement:  The below contents are sourced from this website: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-resources

If you or someone close to you is experiencing an emergency or is at immediate risk of harm, call triple zero (000). To talk to someone now, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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Acknowledgement: The below content is sourced from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-resources

 

What is mental health?

The term ‘mental health’ refers to your state of mind. Good mental health allows you to feel confident in dealing with life’s challenges. Poor mental health can make it difficult to cope with day-to-day life.

Why is good mental health important?

Looking after your mental health is as important as looking after your physical health. Good mental health helps you:

Many people experience a mental health issue at some point in their life. But if things don’t seem to get better, it could be a sign of a mental illness.

Mental illnesses can have a big impact on how you think, feel and behave.

Just like physical illnesses, mental illnesses need to be treated to get better. So, if you think you could have a mental health issue, think about seeking help.

What things can affect mental health?

A number of factors can negatively affect your mental health, including:

If you’re having a difficult time, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your mental health is in danger. But it’s worth talking to someone to get some advice.

These issues can lead to a mental illness, including depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders and eating disorders.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the mental health Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

 

How can I improve my mental health and wellbeing?

Ways to support and maintain good mental health include:

Although you can take steps to nurture your mental health, it’s very important to seek help and support when you need it. Mental health concerns affect many people across all ages, cultures and walks of life.

If your mental health does not improve, see your doctor. They can organise a mental health plan for you. Your doctor can also refer you to mental health professionals for treatment.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

 

Where can I get help if I am feeling suicidal?

If you, or someone else, is at immediate risk of suicide, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance now.

If you are in a personal crisis or are feeling suicidal, contact:

Where can I find support for mental health issues?

There are resources, available online, in person, or over the phone, that can provide mental health information, support and advice.

Self-esteem

Lack of self-esteem and confidence can affect your mental health.

You can find more advice on improving self-esteem on these websites:

Relationship issues

Relationship issues with partners, friends and family members can all affect your mental health.

You can get online support and self-help programs through:

  • Beyond Blue — peer support forums, including one on relationship and family issues
  • Breakup shakeup — a mobile phone app developed by ReachOut
  • E-couch — online programs developed by the Australian National University

Support can also be found by calling:

Infographic: 24/7 mental health services

You can view this infographic, download it in PDF format, or read a text version.

Bullying and harassment

Online resources for bullying, sexual harassment and sexual assault support include:

Work or study stress

Struggles with work or studying can affect your mental health. You can find resources, support, and self-help activities on the Headspace website.

You can also find advice on:

  • Heads Up — how to talk to your employer about your mental health
  • Headspace — information for young people on how to manage your mental health in the workplace

Black Dog Institute also offer a range of mental health training programs for the workplace.

Many workplaces offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a confidential support for their employees. It might be worth checking to see if your workplace has this.

Often places of study like schools, universities and TAFE colleges have their own support services. It would be worth checking these out. Or try these resources:

  • ReachOut — a quiz for people studying
  • Headspace — how to lower stress and prepare for exams

Financial stress

Problems with money can cause stress and have a negative impact on your mental health. There are services and resources available to:

  • teach you about money management
  • provide advice and aid in times of financial difficulty
  • help you access a possible crisis payment

Online resources include:

Substance abuse

Your mental health can be impacted by the use of drugs or alcohol.

To speak with someone about substance abuse and mental health, you can call:

  • National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline — 1800 250 015
  • Family Drug Support — 1300 368 186
  • Stimulant Treatment Line — 1800 101 188

You can find online support at:

Grief and loss

As you move through life, you are likely to experience grief and loss. This can impact your mental health. You can find support through:

Where can I find support for mental illness?

Support and information on mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can be found online.

Depression and anxiety

Personality disorders

Eating disorders

You can also call the Butterfly Foundation helpline on 1800 33 4673.

Additional resources

If you want general mental health support and information:

Other languages

Young people

  • ReachOut.com is a youth mental health service. Visit their website for online help.
  • Headspace provides mental health support for ages 12-25. Visit their website, call them on 1800 650 890, or make an appointment at your nearest headspace centre.
  • Kids Helpline is available for ages 5-25. Visit their website or call them on 1800 55 1800.

Parents or guardians

There are mental health resources for parents, carers, and guardians. You can:

Older people

With ageing comes change in your life and physical health. This can impact your mental health. Mental health information and support for older adults can be found here:

If you are caring for an older person with a mental health condition, you can visit My Aged Care for support and information.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

  • Visit the 13YARN website, or call on 13 92 76, for mental health support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

LGBTIQA+

People living with disability