WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
Ever had those days when life just feels too hard? At some point most of us do. If you feel like you're losing it or you're stressed out, its really helpful to seek help and support. Here's a handy list of information and support services that can help if you or a friend are having tough times.
Feeling Blue?
Some people make the mistake of thinking that
doing drugs can help when they're experiencing
tough times. Drugs—including alcohol—can
contribute to, or trigger, mental health problems
in some young people. Commonly reported
mental illnesses linked to drug use are anxiety,
depression, paranoia and panic attacks; there
are also some reports of psychotic illnesses
(such as schizophrenia). It's pretty clear that
drugs don't solve problems. And they're not
only bad for your body—they can mess up your
head too. Where's your head at?
A Friend In Need
Seeing a friend or family member in trouble with drugs isn't easy, but there is something you can do. Don't be afraid to talk to them about it: let them know you're concerned, and seek help from someone you know and trust. You can also get help anonymously. The organisations and websites listed on these pages are dedicated to helping anyone having problems—they won't judge you, dob you in to the police or look down on you. The smart and caring thing to do is to reach out.
NATIONAL DRUGS CAMPAIGN
1800 250 015 (freecall)
For information about the Campaign, or to find out more about information and support services in your state/territory.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG INFORMATION SERVICES (ADIS)
For information on counselling services or about drugs call the Campaign Info Line on 1800 250 015 (freecall) and ask for the ADIS in your state/territory.
KIDS HELP LINE
1800 55 1800 (freecall)www.kidshelp.com.au
A national phone and web-based counselling service for young people aged 5 to 18 years—it's free, anonymous and confidential.
LIFELINE
13 11 14 (local call)www.lifeline.org.au
A national 24-hour phone counselling service, who are there to help you through any problem no matter how big or small.
REACH OUT!
www.reachout.com.auA place online where you can find the info you need and some space to chill out. Reach out. Find out. Move on.
BEYOND BLUE
www.beyondblue.org.aubeyondblue: the national depression initiative. Opening our eyes to depression throughout Australia.
www.ybblue.com.au
Information on depression for young people
SANE
1800 18 SANE (7263) (freecall)www.sane.org
Mental health information and help on the phone (Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm) or online.
www.itsallright.org
The SANE website for young people who have friends and relatives with a mental illness.
Ted Noffs Foundation
1800 151 045 (freecall)www.noffs.org.au
Providing essential services for young people and their families who are experiencing drug and alcohol problems and related trauma.
AUSTRALIAN DRUG INFORMATION NETWORK (ADIN)
www.adin.com.auADIN provides easy access to more than 1200 professionally reviewed websites and links to drug and alcohol agencies, from small regional groups to nation-wide organisations.
AUSTRALIAN DRUG FOUNDATION (ADF)
www.druginfo.com.auComprehensive information on drugs, including latest research, fact sheets, updates on conferences and news, government policy and more.
THE SOURCE
www.thesource.gov.auA great site for information on a range of issues concerning young people, from tips on money and careers to info on drugs and alcohol, plus a whole lot more.
OXYGEN
www.oxygen.org.auOxygen encourages healthy lifestyle choices and provides interactive activities and information about tobacco for young people.
ALCOHOL INFORMATION
www.alcohol.gov.auThe Australian Government's national alcohol information site, created by the Department of Health and Ageing.
FAMILY DRUG SUPPORT
1300 368 186 (local call)www.fds.org.au
Family Drug Support is an organisation for those who need help with someone they love. It's made up of volunteers who've experienced first-hand the trauma of having family members with drug problems.
Don't forget that if you use a mobile phone to call the numbers listed above you will be charged mobile rates.
