Mental Health Week begins on October 6, with the aim to spread the word about positive mental wellbeing and promote seeking support if you need help. Our Change Agent Martin Johnson, is using his platform and important week to amplify the voices of young people dealing with mental health issues. Driven by personal experience and a passion around mental health, Martin sat down with seven young Australians to discuss their mental health experiences, personal challenges and how they could reduce the stigma. ‘Inside Our Minds’, a series of short films, was born to ultimately let other young people know they aren’t alone and there is help out there for them.
Taking the first step to finding help can seem daunting but there are a huge number of resources available.
If you are struggling or know someone who is, you can contact the Mental Health Emergency Response Line, free call on 1300 555 788 (metro) or 1800 676 822 (regional). This service consists of professionals who can come to a person’s home for emergency assessment. Calls during normal business hours will be referred to the local Mental Health Service.
Suicide Call Back Service: www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au – 1300 659 467. The Suicide Call Back Service is a 24-hour, nationwide service that provides telephone and online counseling to people 15 years and over who are suicidal, caring for someone who is suicidal, bereaved by suicide, and health professionals supporting people affected by suicide.
In country areas please contact Rurallink on 1800 552 002. Rurallink operates from 4.30 pm to 8.30 am Monday to Friday, and 24 hours on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. During business hours the emergency number is patched through to a local service