It’s Christmas Eve and I know that there are definitely people struggling or alone at the moment so I wanted to take some time and send you all a special Christmas message.

It’s certainly been a difficult year for many, myself included, so I just wanted you all to know that you are loved, valued and that there are good times coming in the future so hold on just a little longer.

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP, NATIONAL HELPLINES AND WEBSITES:

BLACK DOG INSTITUTE

Information on symptoms, treatment and prevention of depression and bipolar disorder.

CARERS AUSTRALIA

1800 242 636

Short-term counselling and emotional and psychological support services for carers and their families in each state and territory.

EMBRACE MULTICULTURAL MENTAL HEALTH

A national platform for multicultural communities and Australian mental health services to access resources, services and information in a culturally accessible format.

HEADSPACE

1800 650 890

Free online and telephone service that supports young people aged between 12 and 25 and their families going through a tough time.

KIDS HELPLINE

1800 55 1800

A free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.

LIFELINE

13 11 14

Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention

MENSLINE AUSTRALIA

1300 78 99 78A telephone and online support, information and referral service, helping men to deal with relationship problems in a practical and effective way.

HEAD TO HEALTH

An innovative website that can help you find free and low-cost, trusted online and phone mental health resources.

MINDSPOT CLINIC

1800 61 44 34

An online and telephone clinic providing free assessment and treatment services for Australian adults with anxiety or depression.

NATIONAL ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY CONTROLLED HEALTH ORGANISATION (NACCHO)

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and Aboriginal Medical Services in each state and territory.

QLIFE

1800 184 527

3pm-12am

QLife is Australia’s first nationally-oriented counselling and referral service for LGBTI people. The project provides nation-wide, early intervention, peer supported telephone and web based services to diverse people of all ages experiencing poor mental health, psychological distress, social isolation, discrimination, experiences of being misgendered and/or other social determinants that impact on their health and wellbeing.

RELATIONSHIPS AUSTRALIA

1300 364 277A provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities.

SANE AUSTRALIA

1800 18 7263Information about mental illness, treatments, where to go for support and help carers.

SUPPORT AFTER SUICIDE

Information, resources, counselling and group support to those bereaved by suicide. Education and professional development to health, welfare and education professionals. 

SUPPORT GROUPS AND ONLINE FORUMS

Talking about what’s going on with others who understand – or may be going through something similar – can really make a difference. Our friends at Black Dog Institute have a list of support groups in every state and territory that can help you connect with groups of people who meet regularly to discuss their experiences, their problems and their strategies for coping.

The Beyond Blue online forums are also a great way to connect with people online, in a safe and anonymous environment, to discuss anxiety, depression, suicide and a range of life issues. Anyone in Australia can participate in discussions, connect with others and share their experiences with our community.

FURTHER READING AND REFERENCES:

www.mentalhealthacademy.com.au
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/self-help-tips-for-managing-anxiety 
https://www.aipc.net.au/articles/category/mental-health-issues/anxiety-depression
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/national-help-lines-and-websites

Note: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions and thoughts expressed are solely my own and not influenced in any way. There are no affiliate links and I do not benefit from any link clicks or purchases made.