Where to start to get help
![Document](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/worksheet%20.png?itok=NPPkN65Y)
This information is about where to go for help.
It has information on
![Person providing support](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Peer%20Support%201c.png?itok=hk8LKGXh)
- Where to start to get help
![Supporting someone with mental illness](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/very%20upset%20.png?itok=oj71QCHW)
- Help in a crisis
![Two people communicating with each other](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Talk%20and%20listen.png?itok=FCsBaHm3)
- Help when you are not in danger but very upset
![Seeing a health worker](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/GP%20%28visiting%20your%20GP%29%20.png?itok=ZcdyuJXI)
- Seeing your GP
![Doing an assessment](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/assessment.png?itok=3XHX8csV)
- Seeing a psychologist
![Communicating with a health worker](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/talk%20and%20listen_0.png?itok=YeYN_c8i)
- Seeing a counsellor
![Person using the internet](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Claim%20Online.png?itok=nNIw0kYt)
- Where to find more information and support
![Talking to someone you trust](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Social%20work.png?itok=FeHvPhZw)
It is good to communicate with someone you trust if you want help with your mental health.
![Two people communicating](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Communication%201.png?itok=1OkRDQ8m)
To communicate is how you understand and share your feelings or information.
![Person pointing to themself](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/me.png?itok=MKZ3tSa8)
Mental health is about
- How you think
- How you feel
![Talking to someone you trust](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Social%20work.png?itok=FeHvPhZw)
There are many people you might trust.
For more information about who you might trust go to https://www.idmhconnect.health/
someone-trust
![No](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/No%204%20%281%29.png?itok=DokhkNRy)
It is OK if you do not want to communicate with these people.
You can get help from other places.
![Person in an office](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Office%20Work.png?itok=iy0796IC)
For more information about asking for help go to https://www.idmhconnect.health/
communicating-about-my-mental-health/ER
![Supporting someone with mental illness](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/very%20upset%20.png?itok=oj71QCHW)
A crisis is when you are in danger or are very upset.
You are in danger if you could be hurt or injured.
It is important if you are in a crisis to go to the emergency department at the hospital.
![Talking to someone you trust](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Social%20work.png?itok=FeHvPhZw)
Emergency departments are sometimes called ED.
You can also ask someone you trust to help you.
![Talking on the phone and looking upset](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Phone%201%20Upset.png?itok=VRZ9qQWX)
Call 000 for an ambulance or the police.
![Emergency](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/emergancy%20.png?itok=3cDFzI_n)
Or go to an emergency department at a hospital.
![Cannot call doctor](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/doctor%20call%20crossed.png?itok=1x0oOasy)
You do not need an appointment to go to an emergency department.
![Supporting someone with mental illness](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/very%20upset%20.png?itok=oj71QCHW)
An Emergency help card can keep you and others safe in a crisis.
An Emergency help card can support you and others to
![one side of the Emergency help card. In top left corner is this websites logo. Centre the card is a red box. Inside the box are emergency help lines and their numbers.](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Back%20%281%29.png?itok=6tVydjb3)
- Know what to do in a crisis
- Know who to contact in a crisis
- Call phone lines that can support you in a crisis
![Person working on a computer](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Office%20Work%20%281%29.png?itok=Dkyy5KpO)
For more information about
- The Emergency help card go to https://idmhconnect.health/emergency-help-template/ER
![Medical bag with a cross inside. Followed by the words Emergency Help.](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Emergency%20Help%20icon%20%281%29.png?itok=IVgC-W6q)
For more information about emergency help in a crisis go to https://www.idmhconnect.health/emergency-help/ER
Help when you are not in danger but very upset
![Scared person](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/frightened%20.png?itok=acUk7vK2)
If you are not in danger but are very upset you can get support from a GP.
![Seeing a health worker](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/GP%20%28visiting%20your%20GP%29%20.png?itok=ZcdyuJXI)
A GP is the doctor that you see when you
- Are sick
- Need a health check
![Two people communicating with each other](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Talk%20and%20listen.png?itok=FCsBaHm3)
Your GP might suggest you communicate with a psychiatrist.
A psychiatrist is a doctor who helps you with your mental health.
![Doing an assessment](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/assessment.png?itok=3XHX8csV)
You can also communicate with a psychologist.
A psychologist helps you with your mental health by talking with you.
To look for a psychologist go to
www.psychology.org.au/Find-a-Psychologist
![Going to the GP is the first step](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/GP1.png?itok=eZbDtnx1)
A GP is usually the first health worker you see about your mental health.
Your GP can help you if you think you have a mental health problem.
![Doing an assessment](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/assessment.png?itok=3XHX8csV)
Your GP may refer you to someone who specialises in mental health problems.
This might be a
- Psychologist
- Psychiatrist
![Mental health worker](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/mental%20health%20worker_0.png?itok=PHEh0FVG)
A referral is when your GP says you should see a mental health worker if you need more help.
How to see a GP
![Talking on the phone with a professional](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/support%20line%20.png?itok=db9i5PfR)
If you have a GP you have seen before contact their office to make an appointment.
You can also ask someone to help you make an appointment.
![Person using a computer](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Computer%202.png?itok=2cfHZn25)
You may also be able to make an appointment to see them online.
![Talking to someone you trust](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Social%20work.png?itok=FeHvPhZw)
If you do not have a GP ask someone you trust if they know a good GP.
![Person at a chemist](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/chemist.png?itok=0Uu1-QNW)
You can also ask your local chemist if they know a good GP.
![Person using the internet](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Claim%20Online.png?itok=nNIw0kYt)
To find a GP near you go to https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/
australian-health-services
![Person in an office](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Office%20Work.png?itok=iy0796IC)
For more information about how a GP can help you with your mental health go to https://www.idmhconnect.health/
mental-health-services-health-workers/ER
![Communicating with a health worker](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/talk%20and%20listen_0.png?itok=YeYN_c8i)
A counsellor is a health worker.
You can communicate with them about problems in your life.
![Worried person](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/worry.png?itok=M9OMq-lN)
You can communicate with them if
- Stressful things happen in your life
- You are worried about the future
![Two people communicating with each other](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Deaf%20Chat%205.png?itok=dSFKrDyY)
Different mental health workers can offer counselling therapy.
Counselling therapy is when you chat with mental health workers about
- Issues in your life
- Ways you can fix these issues
How to find a counsellor
![Person using the internet](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Claim%20Online.png?itok=nNIw0kYt)
To find a counsellor you can
- Ask someone you trust if they know a good counsellor
- Ask where you work or study if they have counsellors
- Communicate with your GP
![Search for something](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Search1.png?itok=4GsK7s56)
- Search for a counsellor through the Australian Counselling Association https://www.theaca.net.au/find-registered-counsellor.php
![Upset person on the phone](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Upset%20person%20on%20the%20phone.png?itok=_pJI5ovO)
You can contact SANE Australia.
SANE Australia can give you counselling.
SANE Australias counsellors will
- Listen to what is worrying you
- Give ideas for what you can do next
![Talking on the phone and looking happy](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Phone%201%20Happy%20.png?itok=Y3XKYlZL)
Contact SANE Australias counsellors 10 am to 10 pm Monday to Friday.
- Call 1800 187 263
- Email [email protected]
![Meeting through video call](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/teleconferencing.png?itok=B5pbILJq)
SANE has a new Guided Service.
This service gives free online and telehealth services and support to people
- 18 years or older
- With complex mental health needs
Support is available for people with intellectual disability or autism.
![Money](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/money.jpg?itok=VahtVILo)
You may have to pay to see a counsellor.
It is good to communicate with someone if you are worried about paying.
![Health worker giving information](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Give%20information.png?itok=e5-rIB0m)
You might chat about payment options with
- Your GP
- NDIS Support Coordinator if you have an NDIS plan
![Care co-ordinator](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Care%20Coordinator.png?itok=yZ-39nmN)
A support coordinator is a person who helps plan and organise
- Your care
- Other services you get
![Person using the internet](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Claim%20Online.png?itok=nNIw0kYt)
There is information online about how to
- Have good mental health
- Cope with mental health problems
Online tools and information
![Council for Intellectual Disability logo](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/CID.png?itok=at92TGc3)
Council for Intellectual Disability Tips to have good mental health https://cid.org.au/resource/tips-help-mental-health/
![Person using a computer](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Computer%202.png?itok=2cfHZn25)
Healthy Mind program can help with your mental health https://www.healthymind.org.au/
Healthy Mind was made for people with intellectual disability.
![Document](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/worksheet%20.png?itok=NPPkN65Y)
THIS WAY UP has information to help you in tough times https://thiswayup.org.au/coping-and-resilience-tools/
THIS WAY UP has information in other languages https://thiswayup.org.au/coping-and-resilience-tools/multilingual-resources/
![Strong person](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/stronger%20.png?itok=gBrXlmwY)
The Black Dog Institute has tools to support mental health
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/digital-tools-apps/
Not all of these tools are in Easy Read but they may still be useful.
![Beyond Blue logo and contact information](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/BEY1369_Beyond%20Blue%20Support%20Service%20web%20tile_60x65mm%20%282%29.png?itok=j-eMkEK5)
Beyond Blue has information about mental health https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
![Person using a computer](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Computer%202.png?itok=2cfHZn25)
Headspace for young people has information about mental health https://headspace.org.au/
Organisations you can contact
![Talking on the phone and looking happy](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Phone%201%20Happy%20.png?itok=Y3XKYlZL)
Some organisations can give advice on where you can get help over the phone and online.
![Talking on the phone with a professional](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/support%20line%20.png?itok=db9i5PfR)
Lifeline Australia
Call on 13 11 14 any time of the day.
Text 0477 13 11 14 12 noon to 6am.
Chat online at https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/ 12 noon to 6 am.
![Beyond Blue logo and contact information](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/BEY1369_Beyond%20Blue%20Support%20Service%20web%20tile_60x65mm%20%282%29.png?itok=j-eMkEK5)
Beyond Blue
Call on 1300 22 4636 at any time of the day.
Chat online at https://www.beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chat 1 pm to 12 midnight.
![Mens line logo. Two lines of text next. Top line says Mens Line in black. Below it says Australia in orange. To the left of the text is four columns of small orange boxes of different lengths.](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/MensLine_logo.png?itok=Bs_hdxAJ)
Mens Line Australia
Call on 1300 78 99 78 at any time on any day.
Chat online at https://mensline.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/ at any time on any day.
![NSW Mental health line logo. Two lines of information. It says Mental health line on the top line. On the bottom line has their number, 1800 011 511.](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/mental-health-line.png?itok=uuPMTDLm)
NSW Mental Health Line
If you need to speak with a mental health worker you can ring the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 any time on any day.
![Upset person on the phone](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Upset%20person%20on%20the%20phone.png?itok=_pJI5ovO)
The mental health worker may
- Refer you to the local mental health team
or
- Give you information about other services that can help you
![Mobile phone apps](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/apps.png?itok=0WRPQE4w)
Way Ahead Mental Health Information Service
Call on 1300 794 991 Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
![Idea lightbulb](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/idea%20.png?itok=P4yodF1B)
Tip
Some websites can be tricky to use.
You can ask someone to help you use websites and find information.
![Picture of button to change text size](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/accessibility.png?itok=3po7dgJV)
Many websites have accessibility features.
Accessibility features are features that can help you use the website.
For example you can change
- The size of the writing
- Have the text read out
![Screen capture of the Wordlist on the Intellectual Disability Mental Health Connect website.](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Wordlist.png?itok=nAL2D_c3)
There are some tricky words on this Easy Read page.
For more information about these words go to https://www.idmhconnect.health/word-list