Living

... a guide toMental Health

A community information initiative brought to you by

Thomas George MP Member for Lismore MAY

2010

Life

ELECTORATE OFFICECONTACTS:55 Carrington Street, Lismore NSW 2480ph 6621 3624 fax 6622 1403lismore@parliament.nsw.gov.auwww.thomasgeorge.com.au

DISCUSSION:Chairman ofLifeline,NorthernRivers,ReverendPeterBoughey,keeps StateMP ThomasGeorgeupdated oncurrent issues.

Mental health and the various illnesses defined under this banner are a globalconcern affecting our communities at a local level.e chances are we are living, working or socialising alongside someone who is sufferingsome form of mental illness – and, sadly, we may not even know it.ere’s also the chance that “someone” could be you – and possibly it’s those first difficultsteps towards getting help which are the hardest and which are stopping you from living an

improved life. e incidence of mental illness is such that it affects one in five Australians.e good news is there is plenty of help available right now. Ongoing education and

research has resulted in innovative programs and campaigns aimed at helpingpeople – also their family and friends – touched by mental illness.

I have produced this community initiative booklet as a way of highlightingmental health issues in our communities and giving people an avenue

towards getting help. It is aimed to be a starting point to finding outmore information on some very complex issues which require

professional assistance. e helplines and websites listed are a wide-ranging start to

some of the many areas and issues relating to mental health.I urge you to read the publication which may help you

identify someone in need of help and assist you in takingthose first steps along the road to recovery. I encourage

you to read this booklet.

omas George MPMember for Lismore

Mental health issues concern us all

ELECTORATE OFFICECONTACTS:55 Carrington Street, Lismore NSW 2480ph 6621 3624 fax 6622 1403lismore@parliament.nsw.gov.auwww.thomasgeorge.com.au

What isMental illness?

Sources: Federal and State government departments; National Mental Health Strategy;Youth Action and Policy Association; EPPIC Statewide Service; Orygen Youth Health;SANE Australia.

A mental illness is a clinically diagnosable disorder that significantly interferes with anindividual’s cognitive, emotional and/or social abilities.Mental illnesses can be separated into two categories:

◆ psychotic illnesses◆ non-psychotic illnesses

Psychotic illnessesPsychosis affects the mind and causes some loss of contact with reality.Experiences may include delusions, hallucinations, hear, taste or feel things that are not present.People may believe their thoughts are being interfered with, think they are being watched, poisoned ormay hear abusive or threatening voices. e experience/s is frightening and distressing and can leadpeople to erratic behaviour.Types of psychosis:

◆ Brief reactive psychosis occurs suddenly in response to severe stress or trauma. ◆ Drug induced psychosis occurs through the use of drugs such as cannabis, LSD, speed or magic

mushrooms. ◆ Organic psychosis can result from an injury or illness which disrupts brain functioning. ◆ Schizophrenia is a psychotic illness which changes behaviour.◆ Bipolar disorder (previously known as manic depression) results in extreme mood

swings between depression and highs (mania). ◆ Psychotic depression is depression with psychotic symptoms, without highs(mania).

Most people who experience a psychotic illness are able to live full andindependent lives with effective medication and support.

Non-psychotic illnessesNon-psychotic illnesses occur when the feelings of depression, sadness,tension, anxiety or fear are overwhelming and people have difficultycoping with work, recreation and relationships.Non-psychotic illnesses include:

◆ agoraphobia◆ panic disorder◆ social disorder◆ obsessive compulsive disorder◆ post traumatic stress disorder◆ eating disorders◆ some forms of depression

Most non-psychotic illnesses can be assisted by treatments suchas education, counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy, or insome cases medication.

sUiCiDe: What are the warning signs?Suicide is a tragedy. Trying to prevent it should be everybody’s concern.Suicide attempts usually come with earlier warning signs. Being able to recognise these signs may help aperson close to you. e warning signs are a vital step in suicide prevention. Some of those signs include:

◆ giving away personal possessions.◆ talking about death and suicide, such as “I wish I was dead”, “no-one cares if I live or die”, “does it

hurt to die?” ◆ feeling worthless or letting parents or others down.◆ withdrawing from friends.◆ a sudden bout of cheerfulness after a long period of sadness or anger. is is critical. Having made a

decision (i.e. to die) they may feel as though they can now stop worrying about their problems.◆ expressing feelings of hopelessness.◆ a drop in their standard of school work and attendance.◆ painting, drawing or writing about death or suicide.

eatinG DisORDeRs:things to watch for

ere are many pressures in today’s society promoting thin females insearch of the so-called “perfect body”. is can lead to eating disorders

such as Anorexia and Bulimia.If the answer to many of these questions is “yes”, your teenager may have an

eating disorder and will need help. Is your teenager: ◆ significantly underweight for their age and height?

◆ binge eating then feeling guilty? ◆ telling you or friends that they’re fat no matter how thin they

become? ◆ saying they have a sense of control when they say “no” to food? ◆ going to extreme lengths to control/reduce weight such as: – inducing vomiting; fasting or restricting food intake; overexercising; misusing laxatives, diuretics (fluid tablets), diet pills orpurgatives? ◆ avoiding eating with the family or going straight to the

bathroom after eating?◆ eating large amounts of food without gaining weight (due to

vomiting or laxatives)? ◆ eating compulsively, hiding food or eating in secret? ◆ wearing loose clothes to hide their body? Have they: ◆ stopped having their period? ◆ lost their appetite for more than 2 or 3 weeks (not just

temporarily from a cold, upset stomach or minor illness)? ◆ lost some of their hair?

YOUtH DePRessiOn:What can you do?

sCHiZOPHRenia

Mental health problems and mental illnesses affect 15-20 per cent of young people in any oneyear.Depression is one illness which can make you feel down, worthless, tired and irritable, hopeless, angryand even suicidal. ose displaying signs of depression may find it hard to sleep, don’t eat regularly,cannot concentrate or control their moods and stop enjoying things they usually like.If this lasts for longer than a couple of weeks, it is time to get help.What can you do for yourself if you are depressed?

◆ Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling.◆ Eat, sleep and exercise. Go for walks, go to the beach, play some sport.◆ Relax. Listen to music, read, do some art.◆ Keep in touch with friends.

What can you do for a friend who is depressed?◆ Listen to them, and let them know they are important to you.◆ Help them to laugh. Encourage them to keep in touch (you might have to put in the extra effort).◆ You can hang out with them and do the things they like doing.◆ Talk to them about where to get help.

What can you do as a parent or carer for a young person who is depressed?◆ Find the time to talk and listen to them.◆ Talk to them openly about your concerns.◆ Ask them what you can do to help. Don’t blame yourself.◆ Remind them of their good points. Remind yourself too.◆ Without hassling, encourage them to eat, exercise and do the things they like

to do.◆ Keep up your own interests.◆ Encourage them to get help. Get help for yourself too if you feel stressed.◆ Don’t give up.

Where can I get more information?Talk to your general practitioner (GP) or make contact through one ofthe many avenues listed on the contact pages in this booklet.Source: NSW Health www.health.nsw.gov.au

Schizophrenia is a mental illness that may affect someone’sfeelings, thoughts, perceptions and behaviour.

◆ It can affect anyone regardless of gender, race, culture orintelligence.

◆ It may be severely exacerbated by substance abuse.◆ It is NOT split personality and is NOT multiple personalities.◆ Currently, the most effective treatment involves a

combination of medication and psychological interventions.◆ It is important to seek professional help.

Source: NSW Health www.health.nsw.gov.au

24 hour mental Health Access line

1300 369 968*if you are concerned about yourself or someone who may have a

mental illness, contact the 24 hour mental Health Access line. your call will be answered by a mental health professional.

* this line is only available to people phoning from the north coast Area Health service area (ie)tweed Heads in the north to Johns river south of port macquarie and west to the dividing range.

in An emergencyAlWAys diAl 000poisons informAtion centre131 126

nortH coAst AreA HeAltHservicelismore base HospitalLismore Base Hospital (LBH) is the majoracute care provider and referral hospitalfor the North Coast Area Health Service.Uralba St, Lismore Ph: 6621 8000lismore Adult mental Health inpatientunitThe Lismore Adult Mental HealthInpatient Unit is a 40-bed admission unitdesigned to care for people experiencingan acute episode of mentalillness/disorder. The clinic provides carefor voluntary and involuntary patients.Hunter St, Lismore Ph: 6620 2240NCAHS has an eight-bed Child andAdolescent Mental Health Inpatient Uniton the LBH site.bonalbo Hospital & community HealthClarence Way, Bonalbo Ph: 6665 1203Bonalbo Community Mental HealthServices: A psychologist with the mental

health team based at Casino doesoutreach visits to Bonalbo, as

does a Mental Health Nursewho makes fortnightly

visits.Kyogle memorial

HospitalSummerland

Way, KyoglePh: 6632

1522

Emergency Services: Operate from 7am-3:30pm Monday to Friday. Peopleneeding help outside these hours will beseen at the General Wardmurwillumbah district HospitalEwing Street, Murwillumbah Ph: 6672 1822Emergency Service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Ewing Street, Murwillumbah Ph: 6672 0230nimbin Health multi purpose centreCullen Street, Nimbin Ph: 6689 1400Emergency Service 24 hours a day, 7 days a weekurbenville community Health45 Beaury Street, UrbenvillePh: 6634 1600urbenville community Health – childpsychologyA Psychologist is available from the FarWest Outreach Service to work withchildren 0-16 and their families whocannot access existing services atBonalbo or Kyogle.goonellabah – child and familyHealth centre37 Oliver Avenue, GoonellabahPh: 6625 0111

community HeAltHBONALBO 6665 1203GOONELLABAH 6625 0111KYOGLE 6632 1522LISMORE 6620 7687MURWILLUMBAH 6670 9400NIMBIN 6689 1288URBENVILLE 6634 1600

community mentAl HeAltHservicesBONALBO 6665 1203KYOGLE 6630 0488LISMORE 6620 2300MURWILLUMBAH 6670 9400NIMBIN 6689 1400

ncAHs mentAl HeAltHwww.ncahs.nsw.gov.au/mental-health/This website aims to provide sufficientinformation to guide and assist you infinding out about mental health servicesfor people of all ages across the NorthCoast area. This site also includesinformation about Mental Health NonGovernment Organisations.

nsW HeAltHAccess the website atwww.health.nsw.gov.au, then click onA-Z Health Topics and choose“Mental Health” in the “M” list.

lifeline 13 11 14For urgent assistance – a 24-hourtelephone counselling service.www.lifeline.org.au

The website provides access to a varietyof self-help tool kits with informationabout issues such as mental illness,depression, panic attacks, suicideprevention etc. There is also acomprehensive online national databaseof low-cost or free health and communityservices offered throughout Australia.

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800www.kidshelp.com.auKids Help Line offers free confidential 24-hour telephone counselling servicesfor 5- to 25-year-olds in Australia.

beyondblue 1300 224 636www.beyondblue.org.auwww.youthbeyondblue.comThe beyondblue info line provides callerswith access to information and referral torelevant services for depression andanxiety-related matters. youthbeyondblueis aimed at young Australians.

AlcoHol And drug informAtion service

1800 422 599 or (02) 9361 8000

cAnnAbis prevention And informAtion centre 1800 304 050www.ncpic.org.au

mensline 1300 789 978www.menslineaus.org.auDedicated service for men withrelationship and family concerns.

sAne 1800 187 263www.sane.orgSANE Australia is a national charityworking for a better life for peopleaffected by mental illness, their familyand friends.

sAlvo cAre line 1300 363 622www.salvos.org.auCounsellors will offer a listening ear andhelp you work through a range of optionswhich might include information andreferrals.

veterAns & veterAns fAmilies counselling service1800 011 046www.vvaa.org.auA 24-hour service for Vietnam Veteransand their families.

24 hour mental Health Access line

1300 369 968*if you are concerned about yourself or someone who may have a

mental illness, contact the 24 hour mental Health Access line. your call will be answered by a mental health professional.

* this line is only available to people phoning from the north coast Area Health service area (ie)tweed Heads in the north to Johns river south of port macquarie and west to the dividing range.

mentAl HeAltH AssociAtion of nsW 1300 794 991

Anxiety disorders informAtion line 1300 794 992www.mentalhealth.asn.auThe development of mental healthinitiatives leading to increasedcommunity awareness and knowledge ofmental health issues.

good tHerApy AustrAliA 4382 6269www.goodtherapy.com.auOnline directory for anyone seeking acounsellor, psychotherapist orpsychologist. Browse profiles ofaccredited practitioners in any part ofAustralia.

HeAdspAcewww.headspace.org.auA comprehensive website and one-stop-shop service that is youth-specific.headspace employs a range of differenthealth workers and programs, includingGPs, psychologists, alcohol and drugworkers.

orygen youtH HeAltHwww.oyh.org.auYoung people can access high-qualitymental health, and drug and alcoholservices provided in friendly, accessibleenvironments.

reAcH out!www.reachout.com.auA web-based service which aims toinspire young people to help themselvesthrough tough times.

reAcH out! centrAlwww.reachoutcentral.com.auExplore how your thinking, behaviour andfeelings all interact with each other, andto help you improve and learn new lifeskills.

tHe inspire foundAtionwww.inspire.org.auInnovative and practical online programsthat prevent youth suicide and improveyoung people’s mental health andwellbeing.

somAzonewww.somazone.com.auFocus is on health and lifestyle issuessuch as mental health, drug use,relationships and body image. Factsheets and advice on seeking help.

itsAllrigHt 1800 187 263www.itsallright.orgSANE’s website for young people with aparent or friend affected by mentalillness.

moodgymwww.moodgym.anu.edu.auAn online treatment program, where youcan learn the Cognitive BehaviourTherapy (CBT) techniques that are usedto prevent and treat depression.

depressionetwww.depressionnet.org.auAn independent resource for information,help and support.

tHe blAcK dog institutewww.blackdoginstitute.org.auInformation on depression and bipolardisorder.

Anxiety netWorKwww.anxietynetwork.com.auFor people who live with anxietydisorders, their carers, relatives andhealth practitioners.

bluepAgeswww.bluepages.anu.edu.auInformation about depression and itstreatments.

tHe butterfly foundAtionwww.thebutterflyfoundation.org.auSupports Australians with eatingdisorders.

druginfo cleAringHouse 1300 858 584www.druginfo.adf.org.auAccess to information about alcohol andother drugs, and drug prevention.

trAnsculturAl mentAl HeAltH centre 9840 3800www.dhi.gov.au/tmhcPromotes access to mental healthservices for people of non-Englishspeaking background.

scHizopHreniA felloWsHip of nsW 1800 985 944www.sfnsw.org.auCommitted to improving thecircumstances and welfare of peopleliving with schizophrenia, theirrelatives and carers, andprofessionals working in the area.

cArers nsW 1800 242 636www.carersnsw.asn.auProvides information, referrals, adviceand support for carers.

dementiA Helpline 1800 100 500www.alzheimers.org.au

ArAfmi 1800 655 198www.arafmi.orgThe Association of Relatives And Friendsof the Mentally Ill has information aboutsupport people who can deal withenquiries from families and friends on arange of mental illnesses by telephone.Currently there is one group in TweedHeads and one at Grafton.Tweed Valley Mental Health CarersNetwork (a branch of ARAFMI NSW)phone (07) 5506 7336.

groW 6621 3737 (lismore) or 1800 558 268www.grow.net.auLismore: Confidential, anonymous, nondenominational 12 Step program formental illness recovery and personalgrowth, mutual phone support, individualgroups in different towns.

depArtment of community serviceswww.community.nsw.gov.au

is someone else’s drug problemsaffecting your family?Living with someone who has a drug or alcohol problem can take its toll on a spouse, partner orother members of the family, including children.e affected person’s problems become everyone’s problems if you have to live with it.Many people are regularly using legal drugs in ways which can and do cause harm − to themselves and toothers.It is easy to be trapped into making someone else’s problem our own. You have to work out which aretheir problems and which are your own.It is possible for you to improve your quality of life, even if they do not want to change their drug andalcohol-related behaviour.

How to tell the difference between your problems and their’sRead the checklist. If you answered “yes” to three or more of these questions, then you have problemswhich are affecting your life. You may benefit from talking to someone who can help you to understandthe way you’re feeling.

◆ Do you worry about how much they use?◆ Do you lie about their drinking and drug use?

◆ Do they get angry if you try to discuss their drinking or drug use?◆ Do you complain about how much time or money they spend on their alcohol or other

drugs?◆ Have you been hurt or embarrassed by their behaviour when they’re drunk or stoned?

◆ Do you resent doing jobs around the house that you think are their responsibility?◆ Are you scared or nervous about their behaviour a lot of the time?

◆ Do you act or make decisions on the basis of what you think is best for them,rather than listening to your own feelings?

◆ Have you lied or covered up for them because of their drinking or drug use?◆ Do you cover up your feelings by pretending that you don’t care about

them or their drug use?◆ Are you afraid of the future?

◆ Do you sometimes wish they or you were dead?◆ Do you lose your temper a lot?

◆ Do you believe no one could possibly understand how you feel?◆ Have you ever thought of calling the police because of their

drinking or drug use?◆ Have you threatened to leave because of their drinking or drug

use?◆ Have you ever left because of their drinking or drug use?◆ Do you feel nobody really loves you or cares about what

happens to you?◆ Do you sometimes think that you are going crazy?◆ Do you ever change your plans because you’re scared of what

they might do?◆ Have you ever play-acted to keep everything calm?Source: NSW Health