Rural assistance

Help is available:
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 and remote health practitioners and their families)

Centrelink Drought Assistance Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 23 16 Centrelink Family Assistance and Parent Information Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 61 50 Centrelink Farmer and Small Business Assistance Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800 050 585 Kids Help Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800 551 800 Lifeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 11 14
(24 hour phone counselling)

Lifeline Information Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1300 13 11 14 Mensline Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1300 789 978 Relationships Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1300 364 277 SANE Helpline (Monday to Friday office hours) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800 187 263 Suicide Call Back Service Referral Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1300 659 467 Trans-Help Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1300 787 996
(Support for transport drivers and their families)

Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dial 000 www.abc.net.au/water/drought/ www.beyondblue.org.au www.centrelink.gov.au www.crufad.org www.depressionet.com.au www.farmsafe.org.au www.kidshelpline.com.au www.menslineaus.org.au www.moodgym.anu.edu.au www.psychology.org.au www.reachout.com.au www.relationships.com.au www.counsellingonline.org.au
ABC News Drought-related information Information on depression and where to get help Information on income support and referrals to counsellors Online drug and alcohol counselling

Information on depression, anxiety and its management Online information and support forums Information on health and safety for farmers/families Online counselling for young people Support for men with family and relationship problems Online psychological therapy Australian Psychological Society Find a psychologist Information to help young people through tough times Relationships Australia relationships counselling Advice and support for transport drivers and their families beyondblues website for young people info. on depression

www.transhelpfoundation.com.au www.youthbeyondblue.com

www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636

Tackling depression in tough times

Stress
Its important to note that stress is not depression. However, 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. Dont 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 is not a weakness, its a serious condition for which effective treatments are available medical, non-medical or a combination of both.

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 If you or someone you know has some of these common symptoms of Changes in appetite depression and theyve persisted for Overuse or reliance on alcohol, more than two weeks, please consult prescribed or illicit drugs 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).