DO YOU NEED HELP FOR SOMEONE ELSE?
Being on the sidelines when someone else is struggling with mental illness is not easy. The feelings of helplessness and hopelessness can be overwhelming at times. Often our emotions and fears cloud our ability to respond with kindness and empathy and we need to recognise when it is time to seek professional HELP for our loved ones. There are options even if the person at risk is not willing to seek help themselves.
If you believe someone else is a danger to themselves or others, seek help NOW. If it is an emergency dial 111 (NZ) or 000 (AUS). Otherwise you can visit your local emergency department or call the mental health crisis team - (New Zealand - 0800 611 116 and Australia 1800 629 354).
RESOURCES AND HELPLINES FOR FAMILIES & LOVED ONES:
NEW ZEALAND:
Supporting Families -Offers support, education and information for families of those suffering from mental illness
Kina Trust - Offers support for family members struggling with a loved one's drug or alcohol abuse
Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) - offers support and counselling for starting the conversation if you think a loved one is at risk of suicide
Common Ground - Offers support for family, friends and parents supporting young people in struggle
After a Suicide - A website offering practical information and guidance to people who have lost someone to suicide
AUSTRALIA:
R U OK? - A website about starting conversations and how to broach the difficult subject of whether someone is OK
Carer Gateway - Offers support services and resources for carer's
Lifeline 13 11 14 - A counselling service that can provide guidance for helping those in crisis