The hardest step towards getting help is recognising something’s wrong.
If you can’t help your loved one to acknowledge there’s a problem, then encourage them to see a professional who can assess their symptoms and provide a diagnosis and treatment options.
We recommend you check out SANE Australia’s resources, such as ‘Something’s not quite right’.
Professionals who can help
A doctor is the best person to see for non-urgent cases. Doctors can assess whether symptoms are caused by any other illness. They may then refer their patient on to a mental health practitioner trained in treating mental health conditions, or (if they have been trained themselves to know know a lot about mental illness) they can provide treatment at their clinic.
Other sources of help
- In an emergency, where there is immediate danger or risk of harm to a person call Emergency Services on ‘000’
- If you’re worried about a family member or friend you can call Lifeline’s 24-hour counselling service on 13 11 14
- See ‘Caring for others, caring for yourself’ on the beyondblue website
- See our find help page which lists helplines and services specifically for parents with a mental illness and their children and families
- PHAMS workers offer non-clinical support to people recovering from mental illness
- Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres offer a range of different services on 1800 052 222
- Carers Australia links to carer organisations all over Australia
- Mental Health Carers Arafmi Australia offer support and advocacy for families and friends with mental illness.