Links - Consumers and carers
PLEASE NOTE: These external websites are provided by parties external to beyondblue. While we endeavour to make to sure these links are accurate and appropriate, beyondblue cannot take responsibility for the content of websites maintained by external providers.
If a link is found to be inaccurate, outdated or inappropriate, please contact us.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety Recovery Centre
Information about anxiety disorders, their management and links.
ADAVIC (The Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria)
Information about Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, Agoraphobia, Generalised Anxiety and Depression, and support services.
Reconnexion: Treating Panic, Anxiety, Depression and Tranquilliser Dependency.
Information on anxiety and depression (including postnatal depression), related research and publications.
Social Anxiety Australia
Information on social anxiety and panic attacks, first-hand accounts from people living with these conditions and links.
Anxiety Disorders Alliance
Information on anxiety disorders, related resources and support groups.
Anxiety Network Australia
Information on anxiety disorders, related programs, workshops and courses - as well as stories from people living with these disorders.
Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety Disorders (CRUfAD)
Information about depression, anxiety and its management.
Climate.tv - interactive e-health
Developed by medical experts, this is a self-management system for people with depression and anxiety.
Reconnexion: Treating Panic, Anxiety, Depression and Tranquilliser Dependency
Information on benzodiazepines (tranquillisers and sleeping pills), guidelines on how to use them safely, and strategies for sleep and anxiety management.
SANE Australia
Mental health-related information, tips, links and online help.
GROW
Details of weekly depression and anxiety-related support group meetings, various social activities and group leader training weekends.
Victims of Crime
Information and referral in relation to trauma and anxiety.
e-couch
e-hub's latest interactive self-help program includes modules for social anxiety, generalised anxiety and depression. It provides self-help training drawn from cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal therapies as well as relaxation and exercise. Participation is free and anonymous. Modules for panic disorder, bereavement and relationship breakdown will be deployed in 2010.
BlueBoard
Online support group for people affected by depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and borderline personality disorder. It aims to destigmatise mental disorders, and to provide support, hope and opportunities for sufferers and carers to share successful coping strategies. The group is run as a moderated bulletin board with strict protocols to enhance safety. Participation is free and anonymous.
Beacon
Provides consumers and professionals with information about e-health online applications for mental health and physical health disorders. Websites throughout the world are reviewed and ranked by a panel of health researchers Consumers are invited to submit rankings and comments. Participation is free and anonymous.
Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia
The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia is a non-government, not-for-profit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organisation with branches in every state and territory dedicated to helping people with serious mental illnesses, their families and friends. Such illnesses include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders and anxiety disorders.
Bipolar Disorder
Black Dog Institute
Information on depression (including during and after pregnancy) and Bipolar Disorder - specifically looking at causes, treatments, symptoms, getting help and current research findings.
Depression and Mood Disorders Association
Mood disorder-related information (e.g.depression and bipolar disorder), support groups and links.
Even Keel
Information on mood disorder-related conditions (e.g. bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, phobias), issues (drug and alcohol use, self-harm) and links.
SANE Australia
Mental health-related information, links and online help for people affected by mental illness, their families and friends.
BlueBoard
Online support group for people affected by depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and borderline personality disorder. It aims to destigmatise mental disorders, and to provide support, hope and opportunities for sufferers and carers to share successful coping strategies. The group is run as a moderated bulletin board with strict protocols to enhance safety. Participation is free and anonymous.
Beacon
Provides consumers and professionals with information about e-health online applications for mental health and physical health disorders. Websites throughout the world are reviewed and ranked by a panel of health researchers Consumers are invited to submit rankings and comments. Participation is free and anonymous.
Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia
The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia is a non-government, not-for-profit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organisation with branches in every state and territory dedicated to helping people with serious mental illnesses, their families and friends. Such illnesses include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders and anxiety disorders.
Chronic illness
Alzheimer's Australia
Information on dementia.
Arthritis Australia
Information on arthritis.
Asthma Foundations of Australia
Information, advice, education, counselling and support for people with asthma.
Breast Cancer Network Australia
Information about breast cancer.
Canteen
Information for young people living with cancer.
Diabetes Australia
Information about diabetes.
Kidney Health Australia
Information on kidney health.
National Heart Foundation of Australia
Information on a range of heart-health topics.
National Stroke Foundation
Information on stroke.
Parkinson's Australia
Information on Parkinson's disease.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
Information on prostate cancer.
The Cancer Council Australia
Information about cancer.
The Continence Foundation of Australia
Information on preventing and managing incontinence.
Chronic Illness Alliance
An alliance of chronic illness organisations, which aims to build a better focus in health policy and health services for all people with chronic illnesses. The website includes a list of national and state-based chronic illness organisations.
MS Australia
Information on Multiple Sclerosis.
Now What - a website for young people living with cancer
Now What is a website for young people dealing with cancer (young people who have cancer, have a sibling, parent or friend with cancer, or whose sibling, parent or friend has died from cancer).
The Australian Aphasia Association
Information and support for people with aphasia, their family and friends.
Consumer rights
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
Information on your rights and how to protect them, including information specifically for people with disabilities.
Mental Health Law Centre
Legal information for people with mental illness - covering issues like being an involuntary patient, guardianship, medication and making complaints.
The Mental Health Advocacy Service - NSW
The Mental Health Advocacy Service is part of Legal Aid NSW. The service provides free legal advice and assistance about mental health law and the Guardianship Tribunal. Relatives and friends are also welcome to contact the service. Legal Aid will pay for the telephone call if you are outside Sydney.
Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC)
Information on current consumer-based publications, laws, research and discussion papers. (The word 'consumer' means a person with a mental illness.)
Centrelink
Information on how people with mental illness and their carers can get the support they are entitled to, including sickness allowance, disability support pensions and psychological treatment.
Disability Services Australia
Information on the rights of people with disabilities.
The Australian Health Insurance Association
Private health insurance related information from the Australian health industry's peak representative body.
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) People
Multicultural Mental Health Australiau
Mental health information translated into many languages...also links to culturally- relevant mental health services, including state/territory- based transcultural mental health centres.
Postnatal Depression
Post and Antenatal Depression Association Inc (PaNDa)
Provides information to women and their families affected by antenatal and postnatal mood disorders on the causes and symptoms of these disorders, as well as types of treatments and support services are available.
The North Queensland Postnatal Distress Support Group (NQPNDG)
Information on the causes of PND and recovery patterns of these disorders. There is also information about and contact details for the North Queensland Postnatal Distress Support Group and other related services in the area.
Black Dog Institute
Information on depression (including during and after pregnancy) and Bipolar Disorder - specifically causes, treatments, symptoms, getting help and current research findings.
Good Beginnings
Information on parenting children and details of support services for new parents.
Tresillian
Information on parenting children and details of support services for new parents.
Karitane
Information on parenting children, including a section on managing postnatal depression, and details of support services for new parents.
Sunraysia Postnatal Depression Support Network
Information and support network for women in the Sunraysia region (Mildura VIC) who are experiencing or have recovered from postnatal depression.
Belmont Private Hospital
Belmont Private Hospital website provides information and resources relating to all aspects of mental health services and treatment programs provided at Belmont Private Hospital, including a private inpatient service for treatment of perinatal mental health disorders.
The Parent-Infant Research Institute - Infant Clinic
Providing psychological treatment (individual and group) to families experiencing adjustment difficulties during pregnancy and the postnatal period. Most services are covered by Medicare or free of charge as part of a research project.
Miracle Babies
Support for families during their journey through a Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the transition to home and onwards.
Depression
Black Dog Institute
Information on depression (including during and after pregnancy) and Bipolar Disorder - specifically causes, treatments, symptoms, getting help and current research findings.
Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety Disorders (CRUfAD)
Information about depression, anxiety and its management.
Sunrise Foundation
The Sunrise Foundation delivers purpose-built preventative education programs for elite athletes across all sports addressing depression.
SANE Australia
Mental health-related information, links and online help for people affected by mental illness, their families and friends.
BluePages
Comprehensive, evidence-based information about depression and its treatment (including medical, psychological and alternative therapies). BluePages also includes interactive depression and anxiety quizzes, descriptions of the experience and symptoms of depression, a relaxation download, and extensive resources for help. Participation is free and anonymous.
BlueBoard
Online support group for people affected by depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and borderline personality disorder. It aims to destigmatise mental disorders, and to provide support, hope and opportunities for sufferers and carers to share successful coping strategies. The group is run as a moderated bulletin board with strict protocols to enhance safety. Participation is free and anonymous.
Beacon
Provides consumers and professionals with information about e-health online applications for mental health and physical health disorders. Websites throughout the world are reviewed and ranked by a panel of health researchers Consumers are invited to submit rankings and comments. Participation is free and anonymous. .
Reconnexion: Treating Panic, Anxiety, Depression and Tranquilliser Dependency
Information on anxiety and depression (including post-natal depression) and details on related research and publications.
Reconnexion: Treating Panic, Anxiety, Depression and Tranquilliser Dependency
Information for people taking benzodiazepines (tranquillisers and sleeping pills), and information for people who have become dependent on benzodiazepines This site suggests strategies for sleep and anxiety management and provides guidelines for the safe use of tranquillisers.
Anika Foundation
Helps support research into adolescent depression.
GROW
For people recovering from depression, anxiety or mental or emotional distress, this site provides information on how to get involved with a range of activities These activities include weekly group meetings, social activities, residential community and training weekends.
depression.com.au
This is an Australian depression information resource with links to depression support services, related sites, psychologists and therapists in your area.
Depression Guide
Depression Guide is a searchable index of articles and personal stories, related to depression - including symptoms, causes, types of depression and treatments.
Working Well
Supports people in the workplace living with depression.
Back from the Brink
First hand knowledge to consumers, caregivers, and the workplace on how to prevent and overcome depression.
MoodGYM
A popular interactive program that teaches cognitive-behaviour therapy skills for preventing and coping with depression. MoodGYM has been extensively researched and its effectiveness has been demonstrated in randomised controlled trials. Participation is free and anonymous.
Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia
The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia is a non-government, not-for-profit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organisation with branches in every state and territory dedicated to helping people with serious mental illnesses, their families and friends. Such illnesses include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders and anxiety disorders.
E-Health
Please see beyondblue's directory of e-mental health services and therapies.
Climate.tv - interactive e-health
Developed by medical experts, this is a self-management system for people with depression and anxiety.
MoodGYM
A popular interactive program that teaches cognitive-behaviour therapy skills for preventing and coping with depression. MoodGYM has been extensively researched and its effectiveness has been demonstrated in randomised controlled trials. Participation is free and anonymous.
VirtualClinic
Free Internet-based education and treatment programs for people with anxiety and depression.
BlueBoard
Online support group for people affected by depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and borderline personality disorder. It aims to destigmatise mental disorders, and to provide support, hope and opportunities for sufferers and carers to share successful coping strategies. The group is run as a moderated bulletin board with strict protocols to enhance safety. Participation is free and anonymous.
Beacon
Provides consumers and professionals with information about e-health online applications for mental health and physical health disorders. Websites throughout the world are reviewed and ranked by a panel of health researchers Consumers are invited to submit rankings and comments. Participation is free and anonymous.
Eating disorders
Bridges Association Inc (WA)
Information and support for all people affected by eating disorders in WA.
The Butterfly Foundation
Support and referral for people with eating disorders and their families (national).
The Butterfly Foundation (NSW)
Information for people with eating disorders, their family and friends in NSW.
Eating Disorders Association Inc (QLD)
Support and referral for people with eating disorders and their families in QLD.
Eating Disorders Association of South Australia
Information and support for people with eating disorders, their friends and families in SA.
Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria
Support and information for people with eating disorders and their families in Victoria.
Tasmanian Eating Disorders Website
Information about services, resources and support groups for around Tasmania.
Beacon
Provides consumers and professionals with information about e-health online applications for mental health and physical health disorders. Websites throughout the world are reviewed and ranked by a panel of health researchers Consumers are invited to submit rankings and comments. Participation is free and anonymous.
Family and friends
Carers Australia
The latest information, research, policies and services for people caring for someone with an illness or disability, including mental illness.
SANE Australia
Mental health-related information, links and online help for people affected by mental illness, their families and friends.
itsallright.org
Information and links to help and support young people who have a friend or family member with mental illness.
COMIC (Children of Mentally Ill Consumers)
Children of Mentally Ill Consumers or COMIC is a group of people who have parents with a mental illness. The website has resources and information on support groups.
ARAFMI (Association for Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill)
Provides information on support services for families and friends of people with mental illness and/or psychiatric disability. Please see below for the link to the ARAFMI in your state or territory.
Mental Health Carers NT
Formerly NT ARAFMI
Cyclops ACT
Website for young people with a family member who has a mental illness. Find information about illness and disability, about caring for someone and where to get help when things are tough.
National Network of Adult and Adolescent Children who have a Mentally Ill Parents Victoria (NNAAMI)
This site is run by a group of people who have experienced life with a mentally ill parent - the aim is to provide assistance for each other, via self -help support, discussion and counselling groups.
Children Of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI)
Contains a database of programs and support services already operating across Australia to support children and families where there is a parent with a mental illness. It also provides access and downloads for a wide variety of resources and support materials and programs, as well as tips provided by its users that have worked for them.
BlueBoard
Online support group for people affected by depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and borderline personality disorder. It aims to destigmatise mental disorders, and to provide support, hope and opportunities for sufferers and carers to share successful coping strategies. The group is run as a moderated bulletin board with strict protocols to enhance safety. Participation is free and anonymous.
Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia
The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia is a non-government, not-for-profit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organisation with branches in every state and territory dedicated to helping people with serious mental illnesses, their families and friends. Such illnesses include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders and anxiety disorders.
Siblings Australia
The website provides a range of information, resources and opportunities for peer support. Through AIFS and Siblings Australia research we know that siblings of people with additional needs are at risk of depression. The aim of the website is to support siblings and grow their resilience and mental health.
Financial counselling
MoneyHelp
Not-for-profit Victorian Government service providing free, confidential financial counselling advice for Victorians experiencing job loss or reduced working hours.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (GLBTI) People
Freedom Centre
Support for young people (under 26) and their communities to be informed, happy and healthy about their sexuality and gender.
Twenty10 a place to be you
Support for young GLBTI people, their families and communities.
Coming Out Australia
Information, resources and interactive activities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people about 'Coming Out'.
Transgender Victoria
Advocate for all transgender people.
Organisation Intersex International
Advocacy and information for intersex people around the world.
The Gender Centre
Information, support and services for people with gender issues.
Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria (GLHV)
Health information for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people
Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO)
Information and advocacy for people living with HIV AIDS and links to state and territory organisations.
Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) Support Group Australia
Peer support, information and advocacy group for people affected by AIS and/or related intersex conditions, and their families.
Gay and Lesbian Switchboard
Telephone counselling, information and referral service for Victoria and Tasmania's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual (GLBT) community.
Qnet online community
Online community for gay, lesbian, bi, transgendered and intersex people under the age of 25.
Not So Straight information and referral website for young people
Information and support about sex and sexuality.
Open Doors support service
Support to young people who identitfy as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Transgender (LGBT) or who are exploring or questioning their sexuality and/or gender identity.
Grief and Loss
SuicideLine
Information on why a person becomes suicidal, how to help someone who is suicidal, what to do in an emergency and how to cope with a death by suicide.
The National Association for Loss and Grief
Information on counselling and support services, seminars, publications and links for people who are experiencing grief following the loss of someone close to them.
Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement
Gref and bereavement related information and resources, links to websites and low cost or free counselling services and a message board.
National Association for Grief and Loss
Grief and bereavement related resources and links to services and websites.
The Compassionate Friends
Information, support and referral for families (including siblings) dealing with issues around grief and loss.
Parents of Suicides (PoS) / Friends and Families of Suicides (FFoS)
Online suicide bereavement support for parents, friends and families who have lost a loved one by suicide.
Mental Health
Australian Psychological Society (APS)
Australian Psychological Society (APS).
InfraPsych
Complete psychiatric information service providing patients, and those who care for them, with the tools required for quality care and self management. Provides information on what a psychologist does and how find one.
Australian Association of Exercise Sports Science
Explains what services exercise physiologists provide and how to find one in your area.
SANE Australia
Mental health-related information, links and online help for people affected by mental illness, their families and friends.
Just Look
An online national database of low-cost or free health and community services offered throughout Australia.
Good Therapy
Information about what to expect from therapy and tips on how to find a therapist.
Mensline Australia
Information and support for men, especially around family breakdown or separation. This service provides anonymous telephone support, information and referral.
Lifeline
Links and a search facility that directs you to your local Lifeline centre.
Mental Health Associations/Foundations
Information on mental health, research, programs, services and links.
Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia
The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia is a non-government, not-for-profit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organisation with branches in every state and territory dedicated to helping people with serious mental illnesses, their families and friends. Such illnesses include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders and anxiety disorders.
Commonwealth Carelink
Information on community aged care, disability and other support services available locally, interstate or anywhere within Australia.
JobAccess
JobAccess a website and free professional telephone information and advice service. Users of the service can access confidential advice on matters relating to the employment of people with disability. The JobAccess advisory team includes a fully qualified Psychologist and Occupational Therapists who are experienced on all disability employment matters. This includes the range of Australian Government services and incentives available for people with disability, employers, service providers and co-workers. These include reimbursement of the costs of special and adaptive equipment, Auslan interpreting for job interviews and other work related activities, Deaf Awareness training for co-workers, wage subsidies and workplace modifications.
At Ease
This website can help you or someone you know recognise signs of mental health problems and act to improve and maintain health and wellbeing.
Aftercare
Information and referral on mental illness.
Victorian Mental Health Advice Line
The Mental Health Advice Line is a Victoria-wide telephone information service available to all Victorians seeking mental health information, advice and referral for themselves or another person.
Older People
Commonwealth Carelink
Information on community aged care, disability and other support services available locally, interstate or anywhere within Australia.
The National Association for Loss and Grief
Information on counselling and support services, seminars, publications and links for people who are experiencing grief following the loss of someone close to them.
Rural
SA Drought Link
Drought related information and links, including information on dealing with stress and tough times.
Substance abuse related disorders
Turning Point
Information about substance use-related disorders and their management and an online interactive counselling service.
The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)
Information about substance use-related disorders and their management.
Family Drug Help
Family-focused information about substance use-related disorders and their management.
Drug Info Clearinghouse
A searchable online library with drug and alcohol-related information.
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre
Evidence based information on cannabis and related harms. Cannabis Information and Helpline (free call) 1800 30 40 50.
Suicide prevention
Lifeline
Links and a search facility that directs you to your local Lifeline centre.
SuicideLine (VIC)
Information on why a person becomes suicidal, helping someone who is suicidal, what to do in an emergency and how to cope with a death by suicide.
Suicide Prevention Australia - SPA
Links and referrals to suicide prevention related helplines and services throughout Australia.
Support After Suicide
Information and resources for people bereaved by suicide as well as for professionals who are providing support including GPs and schools.
Suicide Call Back Service Website
Information and referral to assist people at risk of suicide, their carers, and people bereaved by the suicide of a loved one.
Young people
Youthbeyondblue
The youth website of beyondblue: the national depression initiative. Focusing on depression, anxiety and substance use-related disorders, this site is aimed specifically at young people and provides information, tips, personal stories and links.
Headroom
Information and advice on how to look after the mental health of children and young people. This site is for children, young people, their families and friends and includes information on bullying, stress, problem solving and friendship.
Somazone
Young people-focused information about drugs, sex, mental health, body image and relationships.
Reach Out!
Young people-focused information and advice on how to prevent and manage tough times - including an interactive program.
itsallright.org
Story-based information, advice and referrals for young people with a friend or family member who has a mental illness.
Kids Help Line
Email and web counselling for children and young people aged between five and18 years.
Headspace
Information an referral for young people on a range of mental health issues.
Climate Schools
Provides health education courses which aim to help students to gain knowledge about their health and wellbeing.
General health information
Better Health Channel
Comprehensive, trustworthy, easy to understand health and medical information quality assured by the Victorian Government.
Health Insite
Wide range of up-to-date and quality assessed information on important health topics such as mental health.
myDr.com.au
Comprehensive Australian health site with free information covering a wide variety of diseases and conditions, tests and treatments, health and fitness issues, medications, health support groups and more, including a section on mental health.
yourHealth
This Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing website is an engagement and consultation tool to enable Australians to provide their views to the Australian Government about options to improve the health system. Find out about reform suggestions and provide comment and feedback to the Government about your own health experiences and your ideas. Your contribution will then help the Government to make decisions in the future about how to improve the system.
