Where to get help?
While it might just be talking to a friend or family member, getting help is so important. Here are some different options for mental health support in Australia
General Practitioner
It helps to see a GP (preferably the same
one) on a regular basis. This way you can get to know each other, and can
discuss ongoing physical and mental health issues. The GP can monitor medication
and other treatments, and can also prescribe a Mental Health Plan.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a doctor who has additional
qualifications in helping people with mental health problems. The psychiatrist
can discuss current or ongoing issues of concern, give information about mental
illness and its treatment, and provide and monitor these treatments, including
psychotherapy and medication. The psychiatrist can also give referrals to other
support services in the community.
Community Mental Health Service
If you are receiving treatment in the public mental health system, ask about getting a case manager. Case managers
can coordinate clinical and psychosocial treatments, provide information, education and support to the whole family, as well as referral to community agencies.
Hospitals
People may need in-patient care in a hospital when they
are acutely unwell, and cannot be treated effectively while living at home. This
is usually for a period of days or weeks only, until symptoms respond to
treatment. If help is needed urgently, call your psychiatrist or case manager
and they can arrange for assessment and hospitalisation if
necessary.
Day Programs
Run by community support agencies, day programs are
usually based around a range of recreational activities (such as walking,
writing, meditation) or special groups (such as young peoples’ group, women’s
group, cultural/language groups). They often run structured programs where you
can learn new skills to help you get back on your feet again, while meeting
others in a similar situation. Your local community mental health service or
council should be able to direct you to your nearest day program.
While it might just be talking to a friend or family member, getting help is so important. Here are some different options for mental health support in Australia
- The butterfly foundation- Support for those with eating disorders and body image problems. Providing support groups, counselling, recovery programs, online counselling, email support, and the National ED Hope line http://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/default.aspx
- Beyondblue- National, independent, non for profit organisation to address issues about depression, anxiety and related disorders. http://www.beyondblue.org/
- Headspace- Is a national youth mental health foundation, there are psychologists, counsellors, doctors, social workers and drug and alcohol services http://www.headspace.org.au/
- Kids helpline- Kids helpline is a counselling service for young people aged 5-25 in Australia. http://www.kidshelpline.com.au/
- Lifeline- Lifeline provides a 24/hour crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services. http://www.lifeline.org.au/
- Reachout- Information and help for mental illnesses and good emotional wellbeing. http://au.reachout.com/
- IMAlive- IMAlive is an online network. If you are in crisis or considering suicide, you can't call a helpline, you can come online and chat to a volunteer worker. https://www.imalive.org/index.php
- EDV (Eating Disorders Vic)- Primary source of information, support and community services in Vic. http://www.eatingdisorders.org.au
- The Black Dog Institute- The black dog institute is an educational, research and community orientated facility offering specialised expertise in mood disorders, depression and bipolar. http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/
- EPPIC (Early Psychosis prevention and intervention centre)- Is a comprehensive mental health service aimed at adressing the needs of people aged 15-24 with a first episode of psychosis. http://www.eppic.org.au/
General Practitioner
It helps to see a GP (preferably the same
one) on a regular basis. This way you can get to know each other, and can
discuss ongoing physical and mental health issues. The GP can monitor medication
and other treatments, and can also prescribe a Mental Health Plan.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a doctor who has additional
qualifications in helping people with mental health problems. The psychiatrist
can discuss current or ongoing issues of concern, give information about mental
illness and its treatment, and provide and monitor these treatments, including
psychotherapy and medication. The psychiatrist can also give referrals to other
support services in the community.
Community Mental Health Service
If you are receiving treatment in the public mental health system, ask about getting a case manager. Case managers
can coordinate clinical and psychosocial treatments, provide information, education and support to the whole family, as well as referral to community agencies.
Hospitals
People may need in-patient care in a hospital when they
are acutely unwell, and cannot be treated effectively while living at home. This
is usually for a period of days or weeks only, until symptoms respond to
treatment. If help is needed urgently, call your psychiatrist or case manager
and they can arrange for assessment and hospitalisation if
necessary.
Day Programs
Run by community support agencies, day programs are
usually based around a range of recreational activities (such as walking,
writing, meditation) or special groups (such as young peoples’ group, women’s
group, cultural/language groups). They often run structured programs where you
can learn new skills to help you get back on your feet again, while meeting
others in a similar situation. Your local community mental health service or
council should be able to direct you to your nearest day program.