Resources Available for the Mentally Ill

If you are a sufferer of mental illness or a family member caring for someone with mental illness you may at times feel extremely lonely and isolated.  You are not alone.  There are many of you out there.  What you may not know is there are groups and organisations in existence who can provide much needed support, respite and more.  These organisations are there to assist.  You are entitled to access their services.  You deserve their support.

• Arafmi Queensland - This stands for Association of Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill.  They are a Brisbane based organisation and provide support for families and friends of people with a mental health problem.  This includes Support Groups, Counselling, Carer Connect, Education and training, Respite for families, Information and referral and most impressively a 24 Hour telephone support line   tel: 32541881. The telephone support line also has a number for Regional Qld tel: 1800 351881.
• GROW - Australia wide GROW is weekly meetings of small groups of people (held in your local area) who have experienced depression, anxiety or other mental or emotional distress, who come together to help each other deal with the challenges of life.  It can be extraordinarily liberating and affirming to share problems with others who are encouraging and accepting, and facing similar issues.  tel: 1800 558268
• Stepping Stone Clubhouse - Located in Coorparoo, Brisbane; Stepping Stone Clubhouse Inc. provides a non-institutional setting where adults with a mental illness give each other support as they work to rebuild their confidence, self-esteem, social and vocational skills. A very small annual membership applies. tel:  38471058
• Lifeline - providing 24 hour crisis telephone support for people suffering anxiety, depression, loneliness, abuse and trauma, physical or mental wellbeing, suicidal thoughts or attempts, stresses from work, family or society and information for friends and family. tel: 13 11 14
• SANE Australia - is a national charity working for a better life for people affected by mental illness through campaigning, education and  research.  SANE conducts innovative programs and campaigns to improve the lives of people living with mental illness, their family and friends.  It also operates a busy Helpline and website. tel: 1800 187263
• beyondblue - is a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related disorders in Australia. beyondblue is more a resource provider but it's website does offer extremely valid information and links for additional help               tel: 1300 22 4636

By no means is this a full and conclusive list of what is available.  If you are seriously needing help I would recommend contacting your local hospital immediately and/or calling one of the above listed helplines.  These organisations exist to assist you.  Their staff are trained and qualified to help and you are most deserving of this help.