Navigating the mental health maze When you first realise that something isn’t quite right – it might be hard to know where to go for information, advice & support.

Often the first place people will turn to is the internet. There are many reputable youth-friendly websites where you can get information about how you’re feeling & explore options for getting help or helping someone you care about. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Some reputable youth-friendly websites are: www.headspace.org.au www.eheadspace.org.au www.blackdog.org.au www.BITEBACK.org.au www.reachout.com www.ruokday.com.au www.youthbeyondblue.com www.lifeline.org.au www.kidshelp.com.au

Trusted family & friends can play an important role in giving support and help you work through things, with hope and encouragement that that things will get better.

GUIDANCE OFFICER The first step for a young person in need of help is simply talking to someone they trust, respect or look up to – anyone they think may understand or give good advice. That person may not necessarily be able to provide professional help that is needed, but they may be able to provide support through the help-seeking journey and help to find the most effective help.

If you have a GP (General Practitioner) or doctor, he or she is the best person to get an initial assessment from. A good tip is to book a long consultation. Your doctor might prescribed medication if you need it. If you have a headspace centre near you, you can access doctors & other health professionals all in the same place. So, depending on your doctor’s assessment you may be referred onto one of the following  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TEACHER NOTES: www.blackdoginstitute.org.au has Fact Sheets including ‘What to expect from a mental health consultation’ The referral process may vary according to health professionals, services, & access

Your Guidance Officer/s can give you common sense advice and problem-solving strategies, listen and help you resolve some issues. They are usually a psychologist & can refer you onto other services within your community, which could be 

…another psychologist in your local area. Psychologists have a university degree in psychology, specialising in human behaviour and help people both mentally and emotionally. They can offer treatment based on changing behaviour (often one of several types of psychotherapy) without relying on medication.

There are also psychiatrists who have even further training in medicine and can offer treatment based on changing behaviour (often one of several types of psychotherapy) AND prescribe medication. It is important to remember that everyone has the right to choose who they see. It can be good to ‘shop around’ for the right doctor for you – it’s not unusual for this to take some time – so, persist until you find someone you ‘click’ with. It is also important to be patient and to work with your doctor to get to a diagnosis, as it can often take some time to get an accurate diagnosis.

Getting a diagnosis can bring about a number of different reactions. But relief is felt by a lot of people – finally they can understand why they’ve been feeling the way they have & do something about it to get on the mend.