Information is important, but it is virtually useless if you don’t take action. If the person struggling keeps doing what they have been doing, it is highly improbable that things will improve spontaneously. Just take one positive step today.

Guidelines for support

You aim should be to encourage the person who is struggling to agree to take one positive step today.
Most success usually comes if you propose the “path of least resistance” – consider these preferred options:
- Seeing their regular GP
- Calling the company’s Employee Services Provider (if relevant) and agreeing to meet a counsellor
- Calling a helpline
- Completing the www.BlackDogInstitute.org.au anonymous depression self test
The greater their distress the more insistent you should be – offer to make appointment and accompany them to the surgery if they are comfortable with this.

Support
Professionals		Contact
	Local doctor (GP), or find a GP near work that specialises in mental health
	EAP service to speak to a counsellor	Details may be listed on Intranet or contact HR if unsure
	beyondblue have a list of GPs with an interest in mental health issues – search by postcode	www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 224636
	Find a Psychologist through the Australian Psychological Society – search by postcode	www.psychology.org.au 1800 333 497
Help Lines	Lifeline 24/7 telephone counselling service	13 11 14
	Beyondblue Info Line	1300 22 4636
	Mensline 24/7 Support for men dealing with relationship and family issues	1300 789 978
	Kids Help Line 24/7 Telephone and online counselling for your people between 5 & 18	1800 55 1800
	Domestic Violence Helpline 24/7 telephone service for people affected by domestic violence	1800 656 463
	Suicide Call Back Service For suicidal, carers, and bereaved 7 days: 10am – 8:30pm	1300 659 467
	Mental Health Information Service (NSW only)	1300 794 991
	SANE Australia Helpline Weekdays 9-5 – mental health advice	1800 688 382
	Gay & Lesbian Counselling Line Weekdays 9-5 – mental health advice	1800 184 527
	Veterans Line	1800 043 503
	Telephone Interpreter Service If English is not your first language please call the Telephone Interpreter Service	131 450

Support resources

How to ask RUOK and support services - download here
I’m not OK and support sources - download here

Information Partners

www.lifeline.org.au
www.BlackDogInstitute.org.au
www.sane.org
www.ReachOut.com.au
www.SuicidePreventionAust.org
www.SuicideCallbackService.org.au
www.IamBackFromTheBrink.com
www.beyondblue.org.au
www.mentalhealth.asn.au

Mental Health at Work Websites

Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace
The Federal Government in association with ORYGEN Research Centre (University of Melbourne) and the Mental Health Council of Australia, has developed a free self paced elearning course, Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace. A free copy can be accessed by calling 1800 464 800 or visiting:
www.jobaccess.gov.au

Workplace Health Promotion Network
Is facilitated by the Mental Health Council of NSW for organisations that are interested in promoting good mental health in the workplace.
www.whpn.org

Working Well
Run by www.DepressionServices.org.au , this site provides practical advice to Australian employers and employees about working with mood disorders. Also has a discussion board.
www.WorkingWell.org.au

Best Practice in Managing Mental Health in the Workplace
A free copy of this Australian report by author and mental health commentator Graeme Cowan. Also available is a podcast of an interview Graeme conducts with Lynne McAtamney from Telstra about the implementation of their innovative Mental Health and Resilience programs.
www.iambackfromthebrink.com/work.html

beyondblue National Workplace Program
beyondblue runs a workplace program facilitated by psychologists.
www.beyondblue.org.au

Depression Calculator
This is an interesting concept from Canada which enables you to estimate the cost of depression to your organisation. Although it is Canadian, there are lots of similarities between our two countries.
www.depressioncalculator.com