Phone help lines and websites
If you need to talk to someone, find more information or find out where you can go to see someone, the numbers and websites below may be helpful.
Lifeline
- 13 11 14 (cost of a local call)
- www.lifeline.org.au
For urgent assistance call Lifeline 13 11 14 which is a 24-hour telephone counselling service.
The Lifeline Information Service (www.lifeline.org.au/find_help/info_service) provides access to a variety of self-help tool kits with information about issues such as mental illness, depression, panic attacks, suicide prevention etc.
The Lifeline National Service Finder (www.lifeline.org.au/find_help/service_finder) is a comprehensive online national database of low-cost or free health and community services offered throughout Australia.
Kids Help Line
- 1800 55 1800 (free call from land line)
- www.kidshelp.com.au
Kids Help Line offers free confidential 24-hour telephone counselling services for 5 to 25 year olds in Australia. On the Kids Help Line site, you can email a counsellor or chat to one online between 3pm and 9pm Queensland time, Monday to Friday and 10am and 4pm Queensland time, Saturday.
beyondblue info line
- 1300 22 4636
- www.beyondblue.org.au
For the cost of a local call, the beyondblue info line provides callers with access to information and referral to relevant services for depression and anxiety-related matters.
headspace
Go to the website to find information, support and help near you. The National Youth Mental Health Foundation - offers a comprehensive website and one-stop-shop services that are youth-specific, and therefore youth-friendly. headspace employs a range of different health workers and programs with a focus on the needs of young people. These include; GPs, psychologists, alcohol and drug workers, as well as education and employment programs.
Orygen Youth Health
Orygen Youth Health aims to ensure that young people are able to access high-quality mental health, and drug and alcohol services provided in friendly, accessible environments.
ReachOut.com
ReachOut.com is a web-based service which aims to inspire young people to help themselves through tough times. The ReachOut.com site has fact sheets and personal stories about a wide range of health and lifestyle issues, as well as profiles of famous people, an e-newsletter and a database where you can look for help in your area. ReachOut.com is an initiative of the Inspire Foundation.
Reach Out Central
www.reachoutcentral.com.au
Designed specifically for young people, Reach Out Central (ROC) is an interactive program that’s designed to help you explore how your thinking, behaviour and feelings all interact with each other, and to help you improve and learn new life skills.
The Inspire Foundation
The Inspire Foundation combines technology with the direct involvement of young people to deliver innovative and practical online programs that prevent youth suicide and improve young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
SANE Australia
- Helpline number 1800 18 SANE (7263).
- Information and advice 9-5 weekdays EST. Request free InfoPack 24 hours.
Somazone
Somazone is a website that was developed by young people for young people, with the assistance of the Australian Drug Foundation (ADF). The website focuses on health and lifestyle issues such as mental health, drug- use, relationships and body image, with fact sheets, personal stories and advice on where to get help.
itsallright
Itsallright.org is SANE’s website for young people with a parent or friend affected by mental illness.
The Black Dog Institute
The Black Dog Institute website contains:
- expert information on depression and Bipolar Disorder
- information about causes and treatments
- online self-assessment tools
- a section on getting help for people experiencing depression and their carers
- a page on depression in teenagers and young adults. www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/public/depression/inteenagersyoungadults.cfm
Anxiety Network
Anxiety Network Australia was established as an information, education and support resource for people all around Australia who live with anxiety disorders, their carers, relatives and health practitioners.
The Panic Anxiety Disorder Association (PADA)
www.panicanxietydisorder.org.au
The PADA website provides non-clinical information about panic/anxiety attacks, the five main anxiety disorders, prevention, self-help strategies, treatment options and membership services. A printable order form is available for the purchase of books and tapes.
BluePages
Comprehensive, evidence-based information about depression and its treatment (including medical, psychological and alternative therapies). BluePages also includes interactive depression and anxiety quizzes, descriptions of the experience and symptoms of depression, a relaxation download, and extensive resources for help. Participation is free and anonymous.
MoodGYM
A popular interactive program that teaches cognitive-behaviour therapy skills for preventing and coping with depression. MoodGYM has been extensively researched and its effectiveness has been demonstrated in randomised controlled trials. Participation is free and anonymous.
BlueBoard
Online support group for people affected by depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and borderline personality disorder. It aims to destigmatise mental disorders, and to provide support, hope and opportunities for sufferers and carers to share successful coping strategies. The group is run as a moderated bulletin board with strict protocols to enhance safety. Participation is free and anonymous.
e-couch
e-hub’s latest interactive self-help program includes modules for social anxiety, generalised anxiety and depression. It provides self-help training drawn from cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal therapies as well as relaxation and exercise. Participation is free and anonymous. Modules for panic disorder, bereavement and relationship breakdown will be deployed in 2010.
Beacon
Provides consumers and professionals with information about e-health online applications for mental health and physical health disorders. Websites throughout the world are reviewed and ranked by a panel of health researchers Consumers are invited to submit rankings and comments. Participation is free and anonymous.
Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria
The Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria is the primary source of support, information, community education and advocacy for people with eating disorders and their families in Victoria.
State-based Alcohol and Drug Information Services
- ACT - (02) 6207 9977
- QLD - 1800 177 833
- NSW - 1800 422 599 or (02) 9361 8000
- NT - 1800 131 350
- SA - 1300 131 340 or (08) 8363 8618
- VIC - 1800 888 236
- TAS - 1800 811 994
- WA - 1800 198 024 or (08) 9442 5000
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre
Cannabis Information and Helpline
- 1800 30 40 50
Druginfo Clearinghouse
- 1300 85 85 84
