A new publication has been developed by St Vincent's in Melbourne. Take a sneak peek of the trial version. Purchase details are on the back cover.

Medication booklet pdf

Click on the following links for advice and information about looking after your mental health:

• depression - sad, tired, lost interest in things, can't sleep 
• anxiety - hard to control nervousness and worry
• psychosis - seeing or hearing things that others can't, unusual beliefs

Where to get professional help in Australia

Crisis assistance

• If there is risk of harm call an ambulance on 000, or if the situation is dangerous call the police on 000.
• The local mental health service often provides appointments for assessments, or crisis assessments outside of business hours. Check the 'government' section of the White Pages online (www.whitepages.com.au)  for the number in your local area.
• The emergency department of your local hospital will also help in a crisis.

General practitioner

Your GP can provide a referral to a professional, or may help you to manage your symptoms with brief counselling or medication.

Counselling

If you'd like to see a psychologist for counselling, Medicare can pay for up to twelve counselling sessions by a registered psychologist if you're referred by a GP.

Counsellors from other professional backgrounds might also be registered for medicare rebates so check with your selected counsellor.

Many drug and alcohol treatment services have counsellors and psychologists on staff, so check availability with your local drug treatment service.

Community Mental Health Services   

Specialist, public mental health services are available in most metropolitan and regional areas throughout Australia.  Check the 'government' section of the White Pages online (www.whitepages.com.au)  for the number in your local area.                                                                                                               

Useful links   

• Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria: is a state-wide, specialist mental health organisation that provides support, recovery and educational services to people and families living with anxiety disorders. http://www.arcvic.com.au/

• Anxiety Treatment Australia: is a website that has been developed by a Melbourne-based clinical psychologist, and provides information about anxiety disorders, treatment options, support groups, articles, resources and links to other sites. http://www.anxietyaustralia.com.au/

• BluePages: is produced by the Centre for Mental Health Research at the Australian National University (ANU) and offers information about depression. http://bluepages.anu.edu.au/home/

• BeyondBlue, the national depression initiative, has a comprehensive list of available treatment options.  http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=12.114#depression

• CRUfAD: the Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression website offers self-help advice and information on the latest research. http://www.crufad.com/cru_index.html

• Headspace:  a government funded youth mental health information site. www.headspace.org.au

• Here to help: is a Canadian site that offers self-assessment screens for anxiety and depression and useful self-help materials. http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca

• Kids Help Line: a free, confidential, and anonymous telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25. 1800 551 800. www.kidshelp.com.au

• Lifeline: a free, confidential, telephone counselling service available 24 hours per day, anywhere in Australia. 13 11 14

• Mood Gym: a site developed by professionals at the Australian National University that offers a free, interactive cognitive behaviour therapy program for the prevention and treatment of mood disorders. http://www.moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome

• Panic Anxiety Disorder Association Inc: a website developed by a consumer organisation representing people who have an anxiety disorder, which offers information and resources. http://www.panicanxietydisorder.org.au/

• Reach Out!: a web-based service that aims to improve young people’s mental health and well being by providing support, information, and referrals in a format that appeals to young people. www.reachout.com.au

• SANE Australia: promotes understanding of mental illness through a range of education products and services for those affected, their family and friends, health professionals and the general community. www.sane.org. SANE Helpline: 1800 187 263