Useful phone numbers, resources, mental health professionals and services to support the mental health of Highlanders.
There’s been a huge amount of work done around raising awareness of the importance of looking after our mental health and destigmatising mental health challenges many of us face (1 in 5 Australians experience mental health illness) and thankfully, these days there are many places and people to turn to if you need to reach out.
Here’s a list of useful resources, contacts and info if you or someone you know needs extra support.
And remember, it’s absolutely okay to ask for help.
Private Practice
Click here for a list of local psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists, art therapists and more.
Useful articles
We’ve spoken to some local mental health professionals who have shared some wonderful tips with us:
How to help your kids manage their mental health
How women can prioritise their health
How men of the Highlands can get proactive about their health
Coping strategies and study tips for teens in a global pandemic
Perinatal depression and anxiety awareness
Health checks for women and why they’re super-important
Managing stress and anxiety in uncertain times
10 Habits to adopt after lockdown
How reaching out can help us get through uncertain times
Tips for a healthier and happier relationship
Tips for working at home with your partner
Government and Community Run Mental Health Services
Wingecarribee Community Mental Health Service
Wingecarribee & Bowral Community Health Centre
Bowral Community Mental Health Services (at the hospital)
Rural Adversity Mental Health Program
ReFrame Youth Mental Health Service
The Man Walk – Bowral and Bundanoon
Useful contact numbers and websites
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 :: Available 24/7
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 :: Available 24/7
Lifeline 13 11 14 :: Available 24/7
MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 :: Available 24/7
QLife 1800 184 527 :: Available 3pm-midnight 7 days a week.
- Support for LGBTI community.
PANDA 1300 726 306 :: 1300 726 306 :: 9am-730pm Mon-Fri
- Perinatal anxiety and depression support.
SANE Australia 1800 18 7263 :: 10am-10pm Mon-Fri
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 :: 24/7
Open Arms 1800 011 046 :: Available 24/7
- Support for veterans and their families.
eheadspace 1800 650 890 :: 9am-1pm 7 days a week
- Support for young people aged 12-25 and their families.
Butterfly Foundation National Helpline 1800 33 4673 :: 8am-midnight 7 days a week.
- Support for people with eating disorders, body image and related issues.
The important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Ever.
There are so many amazing and skilled people available to help you, your friends or family if things are starting to get really hard and you can feel your mental health suffering.
Reach out.
