beyondblue Rural Awareness Campaign
Don't beat about the bush!
Help is available:
Download the Drought Information Card
Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance) Dial 000
Australian Psychological Society 1800 333 497
(Find a Psychologist)
beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636
Bush Crisis Line and Support Services 1800 805 391
(24 hour support for rural health practitioners and their families)
Centrelink (Info on all govt. benefits) 13 61 50
Centrelink Drought Assistance Line 13 23 16
Centrelink Farmer Assistance Line 1800 050 585
Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
Lifeline 13 11 14
Lifeline's "Just Ask" (Rural mental health information) 1300 13 11 14
Mensline Australia 1300 789 978
Parent Help Line (Child and Youth Health) 1300 364 100
Relationships Australia 1300 364 277
Rural and Remote Mental Health (South Australia only) 13 14 65
Rural Women's Telephone Counselling Service 1800 182 098
Trans-Help Foundation 1300 787 996
(Support for transport drivers and their families)
Women's Information Service 1800 188 158
Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance) Dial 000
www.abc.net.au/water/drought/ ABC News - Drought-related information
www.beyondblue.org.au Information on depression and where to get help
www.centrelink.gov.au Information on income support and referrals to counsellors
www.counsellingonline.org.au Online drug and alcohol counselling
www.crufad.org Information on depression, anxiety and its management
Online information and support forums
www.farmsafe.org.au Information on health and safety for farmers/families
www.kidshelpline.com.au Online counselling for young people
www.menslineaus.org.au Support for men with family and relationship problems
www.moodgym.anu.edu.au Online psychological therapy
www.psychology.org.au Australian Psychological Society - Find a psychologist
www.reachout.com.au Information to help young people through tough times
www.relationships.com.au Relationships Australia - relationships counselling
www.transhelpfoundation.com Advice and support for transport drivers/families
www.ybblue.com.au beyondblue's website for young people - info. on depression
www.rurallaw.org.au Drought Law Forum - free online information on the law for rural Australians
Tackling depression in tough times
Stress
It's important to note that stress is not depression, but acute distress, associated with tough times, can occur and may be a risk factor for depression if it persists.
Stress Busters - Helpful Hints
- Avoid isolation - spend time with friends and family.
- Find positive ways to "let off steam". Don't bottle up feelings.
- Try to eat well and get enough rest.
- Reduce caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and marijuana.
- Exercise every day. It improves well-being.
- Identify what is important and prioritise. Learn to say "no".
Depression Indicators
- Persistent feelings of sadness
- Feelings of failure, worthlessness or guilt
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Frequent anger or frustration
- Lack of confidence
- Poor concentration or indecisiveness
- Tiredness
- Sleeping problems
- Feeling sick and rundown
- Changes in appetite
- Overuse or reliance on alcohol, prescribed or illicit drugs
Depression is not a weakness, it's a serious condition for which effective treatments are available - medical, non-medical or a combination of both.
If you or someone you know has some of these common symptoms of depression and they've persisted for more than two weeks, please consult a doctor or other health professional.
With the right treatment, recovery from depression is common.
For more information on depression, treatments and where to get help visit www.beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 22 4636 (local call).
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