1. The importance of a good support network

2. If you’re worried about someone, never be afraid to ask R U OK?
This simple question & the smallest acts of kindness have the potential to change a life.
You might like to create an event on RUOK? Day in September. This is national day of action that aims to prevent suicide by encouraging Australians to connect with someone they care about and help stop little problems turning into big ones by asking family & friends: "Are you OK?”
has lots of information, resources & practical advice to ask RUOK and be prepared for an answer

3. Family and friends are an important part of your support network.
Empathy and understanding are absolutely key as is love, but so are boundaries.
Nothing heals like the promise of unconditional support, but it’s important that others respect your personal space.

4. In the best case scenario, parents, guardians or carers are supportive and understanding, and even go to the initial consultation with you, if you want them to. This might help take a lot of the guesswork out of things for your doctor.

5. Sometimes, parents or guardians can be not so supportive or in denial about young people’s mental health problems.
But if you’re 16 or older, you can get your own Medicare card, and your doctor can refer you to see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other health professional and have up to 10 sessions which Medicare will help to pay for under the Mental Health Care Plan, depending on who you see.
Check for the latest information regarding health in Australia; or with your Medicare Local on

6. School can also provide important support and could help you with special consideration for exams and things like that.
You might not want your school to know what you’re going through, but in most cases, if the school is aware of what is going on for you, they can support you in your help-seeking and recovery journey.

7. It can also be helpful if your parents, guardians or carers are in touch with the school to know what the school is doing to help you get through things.

8. And so, never be afraid to ask for help – the sooner, the better!