I want to talk to someone about mental health.

Mental health can mean many things.

Everyone feels stressed, sad or unhappy from time to time. It’s okay if you are feeling this way. Mental health conditions (sometimes called mental illness) are when you feel unwell for a long time. Mental health conditions can also be episodic. This means that the feelings can come and go.

Sometimes you might need some support. It can be a good idea to reach out to someone if you are:

• Feeling anxious or very worried for a long period of time  
• Feeling depressed or unhappy for a long period of time  
• If you feel like you can’t control your emotions or reactions, or you are having severe mood swings that are causing problems in your relationships with friends and family 
• Having trouble sleeping or eating (either too much or too little) 
• Feeling very quiet or withdrawn for a long period of time 
• Drinking a lot or using drugs to cope with stress or emotions 
• Feeling guilty, worthless, hopeless, or numb like nothing matters 
• Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared 
• Thinking of harming yourself or others 
• Noticing a change in your own behaviour or feelings, where something doesn’t feel quite right. 

You might be feeling this way sometimes or you could have been feeling like this for a long time. Feeling sad or stressed can sometimes be a normal part of life.

Mental Health Care Plan

Your doctor can help you understand what you are feeling and give you information about what support you can access to help you. 

If your doctor recommends a Mental Health Care Plan, you will be able to see a mental health professional such as a psychologist or a social worker at a discounted rate with a Medicare rebate. 

Mental Health Care Plan tips:

• Keep in mind that costs for psychologists and other allied health professionals vary, so make sure you ask the doctor to refer you to someone who is within your price range.
• Some psychologists bulk bill under Medicare or may offer cheaper visits for concession card holders.
• If you are a student or have a Health Care Card you may be eligible for extra support. Find out more about Medicare. 
• A Mental Health Care Plan appointment might take a little longer than a normal doctor visit so when you book , ask for a longer appointment.

If you’re having difficulty coping and would like support there are lots of options for you:

• You can go to Health Direct to find a doctor near you – select ‘bulk billing’ under ‘Preferences’ for a bulk billing doctor.
• You can visit your nearest headspace centre. Headspace provide free or very low-cost services to help young people with mental health.
• You can use online chat to talk privately with a trained health professional at Kids Helpline or Beyond Blue.
• You can visit Reach Out for videos, articles and resources to help with anything that’s on your mind.
• Head to Health also has a range of digital mental health resources to support your wellbeing and mental health from trusted service providers. 
• Beyond Blue and Health InfoNet have lists of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples health support services and community controlled health services.
• ACON have over the phone and online mental health support specifically focused on LGBTIQA+ young people. 
• NSW Mental Health Line have 24 hour phone support with professionals who will answer your call about mental health concerns for you or someone you are concerned about and put you to contact with the right service.

Are you having thoughts of harming yourself?

If you are having thoughts about harming yourself, or if you know someone who is thinking about harming themselves, it’s important to talk to someone.

This could be a friend, a family member, a counsellor, a youth worker or a doctor.

Remember you’re not alone, it can be very scary but many people have experienced these thoughts and there is support available to help.   

You can also visit these online services:  

• Kids Helpline – I’m thinking about suicide  
• Beyond Blue – Suicide Prevention   
• Reach Out – ‘I’d rather die’ What to do if you’re having suicidal thoughts  
• Suicide Call Back Service – Feeling suicidal  

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need to speak with someone now, you can call these services where a trained mental health professional can provide private and confidential support available 24/7.

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 (if you’re aged 15 years or older)

Are you nervous about seeking professional help?

If you are worried or cautious about taking the first steps to seeking professional help, it can be helpful to talk to someone you trust before hand. Like a friend, a parent, or a youth worker or school councillor.

Meeting up with a support person at a location that makes you feel more relaxed can also be helpful.

If you are having trouble getting the words out, you can also use creative ways to express how you feel – try writing it down, painting how you feel, or making some music.  

If you’re nervous about talking to someone – it can help to practice what you will say and how you will say it.

Reach Out have more information about how to talk to someone you trust.