An online mental health tool just launched will help Hawkesbury people find support services quickly and easily.
If you’re not sure what it is you’re feeling, it asks if you or the person you’re worried about is:
- Fearful/worried/anxious
- Sad/down
- Extreme highs or lows
- Hearing voices or seeing things
- Confused, disoriented and/or suspicious.
It then directs you to a good starting point for services that deal with those problems, listing options such as GP, psychologist, psychiatrist, mental health nurse etc, with numbers to ring.
Designed for tablets, smartphones and other devices, the tool will help navigate more than 200 local mental health programs and services within five clicks.
The site www.MentalHealthHelp.com.au has a built-in search function to find a service or you can just select from a range of feelings that will direct you to the most appropriate services for the type or severity of the potential mental health problem.
It provides quick navigation to mental health services in an emergency or crisis situation or to other services dealing with problems such as drugs and alcohol and gambling, or help with employment, emergency relief, housing and accommodation.
The tool also provides general mental health advice and accurate comprehensive information about getting help, treatment and support.
Mental Health Help has been developed with mental health consumers, carers, local organisations and the wider community as part of the Partners in Recovery (PIR) Program.
PIR is a federal government initiative led by the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network (NBMPHN) in collaboration with other organisations committed to supporting the recovery of people experiencing long-term mental illness.
The PIR program provides support for people with severe and persistent mental illness who have complex needs and require assistance from multiple agencies across different sectors.