Resources
IMMEDIATE CRISIS SUPPORT
- Ambulance, Police and Fire Emergency: 000 (or 112 on mobile if 000 is not available)
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- 13YARN: 13 92 76
- Mental Health Emergency Response Line: 1300 555 788 (Metro)
- Suicide Call Back: 1300 659 467
- Men's Line Australia: 1300 78 99 78
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
- CAMHS Crisis Connect: 1800 048 636
SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
RELATIONSHIP SUPPORT
DRUGS, ALCOHOL & ADDICTION SUPPORT
- Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858
- Talk To Frank
- Quit Line: 13 7848
- Alcohol and Drug Support Line: 61 08 9442 5000 (1800 198 024 for country callers)
NOTICE THE SIGNS
You may begin to notice a change in behaviour in someone.
These may include, but are not limited to:
- Seeing them engage in high-risk behaviours.
- Having negative self-talk.
- Suddenly become overly optimistic
- Sense their feelings of hopelessness, desperate, numb or ashamed.
- You may know that they are going through a difficult chapter in their life.
Be aware of these signs.
LISTEN TO UNDERSTAND
The next step is to ask the question:
"How are you feeling?"
(Note a person may even come up to you directly and ask for support.)
- In the conversation just actively listen.
- Be open to understand their concerns.
- Be patient.
- Seek feedback and ask questions to gain clarity and better understand.
- If silence is all they want, then hold space for them in silence.
THE FOLLOW-UP
Firstly, it is important to understand you do not need to know the answers
- Skip the advice unless asked by the individual.
- It is likely you won't know the answers and that is okay. The best follow-up is to engage mental health professionals.
- See below for 'Get Support'
MORE TO KNOW
You do not always need to give support if your own mental health is suffering.
It is always possible to engage someone else who does have the capacity to provide support to the individual.
Remember: You cannot pour from an empty cup.
Look after yourself first.
