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Understanding the support options available

We recognise that it’s not always easy to find the right help, at the right time, for either yourself or someone you care for. We also recognise that it’s not always easy to understand the supports that are available.

This section explains how the mental health, drug and alcohol and suicide prevention systems work to help you to understand what support is available and how to access it.

Mental health and social and emotional wellbeing supports

We will all experience difficult times in our lives. During these times, it is normal to feel more sad or worried than usual, or to just feel “not quite right”. When these feelings of sadness, worry, or “not quite right-ness” don’t go away, it can be helpful to seek support. For most people who are in this position, support can be accessed through a range of mental health and social and emotional wellbeing services.

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Suicide prevention and bereavement supports

If someone’s life is in danger, call 000.

If you are feeling suicidal, help is available.

There are many crisis helplines and online supports that you can access at any time of day or night. You can speak to an experienced and qualified counsellor on the phone or through webchat, or connect with others through online forums.

Drug, alcohol and addictive behaviour support

If you or someone you know needs help to manage the use of alcohol and/or other drugs, there are a range of supports available. These supports are often referred to as AOD services.

Drug alcohol addictive behaviour
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Grief support

Grief can affect anyone at any time. You may experience grief if a person or a pet dies, a relationship ends, or if you experience a miscarriage. Whatever may have triggered your grief, there is support available to help you manage during this time.