MissionResourcingSA_BR_RGB_trans

Solidarity and Justice

Main Menu

Quicklinks Menu

Lent Event 2012KCOSAYCOCovenanter's NewsGodly Play ConferenceFind a Playgroup

Contact Us

For more information about who's who, visit the Mission Resourcing SA staff page

Phone: 08 8236 4243
Fax: 08 8236 4201
Email: mr@sa.uca.org.au
Street Address: 2nd Floor, 212 Pirie St., Adelaide SA
Postal Address: GPO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001, AUSTRALIA
RSS Feed Subscribe to Mission Resourcing Events Feed
SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend
solidarityandjustice_banner
Mental Health PDF Print E-mail

mental_health_toon

It is said that 1 in 5 people in their lifetime will experience lasting mental ill-health. Each of us has either experienced it or knows someone well who has. Mental ill-health is not often talked about but is a part of each of our lives. Here you will find some information on various health conditions, where to seek help and what is currently in the media on these issues.

The Uniting Church stands in solidarity with marginalised people. Those with mental ill-health are often overlooked and misunderstood – by our society, our government, our caregivers and even family and friends. Mental health is a current key focus of the Moderator and Solidarity & Justice worker. Stand by for further activity and campaigning from us in the coming year.

If you are looking for support, the Uniting Church in South Australia has three chaplains working in mental health and Uniting Care Wesley delivers a range of services in this area.

Mental Health Week

Mental Health Week aims to activate, educate and engage Australians in mental health issues.
Read more

For emergency support please contact:

Lifeline (24 hours) 13 11 14;
Kids Helpline (ages five to 25) 1800 55 1800;
MensLine Australia (24 hours) 1300 78 99 78.

Suicide

Australia has one of the highest suicide rates in the world and yet, the silence on suicide is deafening. The annual road toll has fallen below 1400- compare this with the latest suicide statistics of 2008, where 2191 people took their own lives. Michael Carr Gregg (Childhood psychologist) says that despite this, policies are working because he has seen a 40 per cent decline in youth suicide since 1997. Read more

Warning!
If you feel like you are going to harm yourself, it is important to contact someone to talk about it now. Or contact your local hospital casualty department. If you are with a friend who is saying he or she is going to commit suicide now, stay with them. You could phone an emergency number, call for help from family or friends, or try and get your friend to the casualty department of your local hospital. It is important to also get some support for yourself as soon as possible.

In South Australia, phone Crisis Care on 13 1611 in the evening or on weekends or, if you are over 18, the Assessment and Crisis Intervention Service (ACIS) on 13 1465.

To seek more information:
Lifeline
Child and Youth health
Suicide prevention
Beyond blue

For more resources and support click the image below and visit the website.

No Secret

Symptoms checklist

Beyond blue provides online assistance for those who are wanting to guage where their own mental well being is at.
If you are concerned about your mental health, please phone:

  • Lifeline 131144 or
  • Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

and make an appointment with your family doctor for help.

For congregations

Mental Health ministries offers free downloadable resources, articles and brochures for your use.

How congregations can respond
Worship resources
Bulletin resources
Brochures (including "Creating Caring Congregations")
Handouts
Articles (Including "Why Clergy might be reluctant to address Mental Health issues")

What's in the media?

Mental Health in Australia. With Patrick McGorry and Allan Fels - 1min Video

Doctors in Britain are increasingly prescribing books and reading to treat illness. Now, bibliotherapy is taking hold in Australia.  Read More

Triple J's Hack podcast on Mental Health in schools. Read More

'Choose life' read and hear about Dr Jane Burns speaking on the crucial issue of teen suicide. Read More

The key to better mental care lies in community, not hospitals. Read More

Talk to your kids. Read More