Welcome to the dNet ‘Treasure Chest’ of links!

Here you will find links to a range of quality Australian depression related websites.

We have grouped the links into ‘Categories’ below. Some websites cover a range of categories and where this happens, we have included the links in all relevant categories.

Alcohol, Drugs and Depression

This section contains resources on addiction, and how this can affect already existing mental health issues. Among these are also information and links on where you can get help if you are struggling with addiction.

Alcohol and drug use Beyond Blue has several resources about Drug and Alcohol usage. This can both lead to, and result from, depression. Many people with depression or anxiety use drugs and alcohol to try and cope.

Alcohol & Depression – OnTrack Program This is a free, online, self-paced program and is for people with risky levels of drinking and low mood. You must be aged over 18 years to register for the program.

Drug Abuse The Australian government’s Healthdirect website gives information on drug abuse and where to get help. It includes information on specific illegal drugs as well.

Dual Diagnosis Australia & New Zealand for persons with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

Apple Pie for the Mind Formerly known as Mental Wellness Online, this site was started by The Health Retreat in order to bring affordable help on mental health issues to the masses.

Comorbidity of Mental Disorders and Substance use A report by the National Drug Strategy on the relationships between addictions and depression

Rural issues – alcohol and depression Is a report by the Better Health on there being a strong link between excessive alcohol consumption and depression. Self-medication with alcohol is a common, but unsafe and ineffective coping strategy for farmers and other people living in rural and remote areas. Statistics show that country men in particular consume more alcohol than is considered healthy.

Understanding Addiction: How Addiction Hijacks the Brain Harvard Medical School and Helpguide.Org Collaboration on understanding how Addictions affect the brain.

Anxiety disorders

ADAVIC – Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria Support groups that provide friendship, encouragement and recovery management. Our aim is to assist people that suffer from Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety and Depression.

Anxiety New Zealand Trust The Anxiety New Zealand Trust is a NZ based organisation whose purpose is to stimulate awareness and education of the anxiety, phobic and compulsive disorders with depression, alleviate the suffering of those involved, and provide input into the research of the cause.

ARCvic (Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria) – provides support, recovery and educational services to people and families living with anxiety disorders.

Crufad – Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression A site that educates and helps people with anxiety and depression. Some great self help services.

Head to Health This Australian government provided website contains a fountain of information on a broad range of mental health issues, including this section on Anxiety.

OCD & Anxiety Helpline For support, information and referrals. Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm. Phone (03) 9830 0533 or 1300 269 438.

MindSpot Clinic – An internet based treatment clinic for those living with mental health conditions.

Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health at the University of Melbourne undertakes world class trauma related research, policy advice, service development and education. Our innovative services help organisations and health professionals who work with people affected by traumatic events.

Way Ahead has information about an Anxiety Self- Help Program and Anxiety Support Groups. It also provides the The Anxiety Disorder Support Information Line – 1300 794 992 which focuses more specifically on anxiety disorders. Operating hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm

Depression & Bipolar Disorder

ABC Health and Wellbeing – Depression The Depression Library page from ABC’s Health and Wellbeing, includes articles, stories, transcripts and other links to depression resources

Balance NZ Balance NZ is a charitable trust that makes a difference in the lives of those affected by mental health issues with a focus on mood disorders. It also provides online support groups and many other great resources!

Better Health Channel The Better Health Channel provides online consumer focused health information. All information on the site is quality-assured, reliable and regularly reviewed.

beyondblue: the national depression initiative A well designed site giving information on the BeyondBlue organisation and depression. As the Commonwealth Government’s response to the challenge of Depression in Australia, in addition to information for Professionals, Carers and Consumers, here you can also find out about a range of projects being undertaken around Australia.

Bipolar Wellness Centre Developed by Canadian group CREST.BD, this online centre provides comprehensive resources to learn about managing bipolar disorder and improving your quality of life.

Blues Pages This Blue Pages provides information about depression, treatments, resources and prevention to consumers. It was developed by the Centre for Mental Health Research (CMHR), Australian National University (ANU) and CSIRO Mathematical & Information Sciences (CMIS).

I am Back From The Brink has first hand knowledge to help overcome Depression.

KidsNet – depression section Depression related resources and information for children with depression.

McMan’s Depression and Bipolar Web

MindSpot provides online and telephone treatment for people living with depression and anxiety. They also provide a screening assessment, referrals and free treatment at the MindSpot Clinic if eligible.

Head to Health This Australian government website is a great information source for all things mental health!

MindSpot Clinic – An internet based treatment clinic for those living with mental health conditions.

Mood Tracker This online mood tracker is suitable for bipolar disorder as it has a scale of -3 (severely depressed) to +3 (severely elevated), or anyone else who experiences fluctuations in mood. It is possible to put in hours of sleep you’ve had, what medication you’ve taken and when, note levels of anxiety and irritability, and write a journal entry at the same time.

MyDr – Post Natal Depression The Post Natal section from MyDr website – Find out what you need to know about postnatal depression and its effects on women and their families.

N.I.C.K. Foundation David Buttifant, the Sports Science Director of the Collingwood AFL team, was struck by his own personal tragedy, with the suicide of his 20 year old son in 2009. Buttifant has established the N.I.C.K. Foundation to help foster self-belief and well-being in our youth.

PaNDa (post & ante natal depression association inc) PaNDa is a Victorian based self-help support group formed by women who have experienced some form of postnatal depression.

Pendulum.org An excellent (USA) site that focuses on Bipolar Disorder (manic depression) with information, books, research & more.

The Black Dog Institute You will find a wealth of information on depression and other mood disorders. As part of the Prince of Wales Hospital in NSW, this website provides a reliable information resource (with a ‘clinical’ perspective) and also offers the opportunity to participate in a variety of research projects investigating mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder etc).

Family & Friends

Bereaved by Suicide Centre for Intense Grief Therapy This website provides information on available support groups and other resources available for those affected by suicide or grief.

Bipolar Caregivers This website provides comprehensive, accessible information for caregivers of people with bipolar disorder.

Carers Association of Australia Carers Associations – This is an Association for the Carers of Australia. Each state has a separate website.

Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI) for family members across Australia where a parent has a mental illness and for people who care for and work with them.

GROW has a service called “GROW-Better Together” which is a peer support service for caregivers of people living with a Mental Illness.

Mental Health Carers Australia A national advocacy group promoting the needs of mental health carers. National helpline 1300 554 660.

National Network of Adult and Adolescent Children Who Have a Mentally Ill Parent/S (NNAAMI) A personal site of people who have experienced growing up with parents who have mental illnesses. NNAAMI was established to provide assistance for one another via self-help support, discussion and counselling groups.

Survivors of Suicide Bereavement Support Assoc Inc (SOSBSA) A non-profit and charitable self help association formed by and for people bereaved by suicide.

Young Carers – NSW The Young Carers Project at Carers NSW provides services for young people, 25 years or under, who help care for a family member or friend who has an illness, disability, drug or alcohol or mental health issue. Visit their interactive website to read young carer stories, post questions to the project workers and read frequently asked questions.

Legal services in Victoria

We get a number of people contacting us asking for help to find legal type services for issues arising from the impact of having depression.

‘Beowulf’ has compiled the following list of Victorian community services that you may find helpful for legal related issues..

Australian Human Rights Commission Information about Discrimination.

Barwon Community Legal Service Provides advice about general legal matters, welfare rights and family violence to people who live in the Barwon/Geelong region.

Darebin Community Legal Centre Provides legal advice about crimes compensation to people who live, work or study in the Darebin region.

Disability Discrimination Legal Service Community Legal Service that specialises in Disability Discrimination Legislation.

Federation of Community Legal Centres Victorian Community Legal Centres and Concerns about the Law.

Find a Community Legal Centre CLCs provide general legal services to people in their local geographical area and can be found in metropolitan Melbourne, and in Rural, Regional & Remote Victoria.

Homeless Persons’ Legal Clinic The Homeless Persons’ Legal Clinic (HPLC) is run by the Public Interest Law Clearing House (PILCH) in Victoria. The HPLC provides free legal assistance to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Legal Services Commissioner Useful publication on ‘Working with your Lawyer’. Includes tips such as preparation for your first meeting, questions about the lawyers expertise, costs etc. The website is also the gateway for making a complaint about a Victorian lawyer.

Mental Health Branch Includes Chief Psychiatrist’s Guidelines and Program Management Circulars.

Mental Health Tribunal Appeal Forms, Selected Statements of Reasons, Annual Reports that include additional decisions.

VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) Guardianship and Administration, mediation options.

Victims Support Agency A central resource for victims of crime. Includes a helpline that is staffed by Victim Support Officers.

Victoria Legal Aid Regional Offices, Guidelines for Eligibility, Information, Publications.

Villamanta A Victorian Community Legal Centre that works solely on disability related legal issues.

West Heidelberg Community Legal Service Provides Victims of Crime Tribunal Assistance to the Banyule community.

Mental health – General

Australian Centre for Grief & Bereavement is the largest provider of grief and bereavement education in Australia. Their mission is to build the capacity of individuals, organisations and communities in order to enhance well-being following adverse life events.

COPMI For children of parents with a mental illness.

The Desk aims to support Australian tertiary students to help achieve mental and physical well-being.

EACH aims to improve the physical, mental and social well-being of individuals, families and communities.

Emerging Minds aims to actively promote the mental health and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and their families and carers in Australia.

Headspace provides mental health and well-being support, information and services to young people and their families across Australia.

Head to Health Website designed to help you access reliable and relevant information about mental health issues and services.

HOA Mental Health Association QLD Provides quality early intervention mental health services and programs that support the community to make mental health connections, develop mental health literacy and participate in employment as a foundation for recovery.

Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Vic) The oldest Mental Health Association in Australia. It is an organisation of professionals, sufferers, families of sufferers, related organisations concerned with mental health and concerned members.

Multicultural Mental Health Australia provides national leadership in mental health and suicide prevention for Australian’s from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. MHiMA links a wide range of state and territory mental health specialists and services, advocacy groups and tertiary institutions to promote the mental health and well-being of Australia’s diverse communities.

National Association for Loss & Grief A resource for people who have experienced a loss and are grieving and those who support them.

National Disability Services (NDS) National Disability Services is the Australian peak body for non-government disability services.

National Rural Health Alliance is the peak body working to improve the health of Australians in rural and remote areas. It comprises of 23 member bodies, representing both health consumers and service providers in non-metropolitan areas.

N.I.C.K. Foundation runs mentoring programs, leadership workshops and motivational talks for young adults and their parents. Their aim is to build self-esteem and understanding in young people and give them hope for the future.

Orygen Youth Health Australia’s largest youth-focused mental health organisation.

ReachOut is a national non-profit organisation formed in 1996 in response to Australia’s then rising rates of youth suicide. Their mission is to create opportunities for young people to help themselves and help others.

SANE Australia A national charity working for a better life for people affected by mental illness. A very current and dynamic website & organisation.

Sk’illness is the ability to find unique positives in living with a mental illness.

Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) SPA is a suicide prevention, education, training, community awareness and information organisation.

Switchboard is a volunteer organisation which provides free, anonymous and confidential counselling, referrals and information to the LGBTI community and it’s supporters in Victoria and Tasmania.

Twenty10 is a volunteer based organisation which provides free, anonymous and confidential counselling, referrals and information to the LGBTIQA+ community in NSW.

Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC) engages in a number of activities, which include information provision, advice, mutual support and self-help, individual, group and systemic advocacy, research and evaluation, and education and training.

WayAhead provides information about services and resources in NSW.

Workplace Mental Health Institute provides education and training to managers in the workplace to promote recovery from mental ill health among employees.

Self Help

E-couch is a self-help interactive program with modules for depression, generalised anxiety & worry, social anxiety, relationship breakdown, and loss & grief. A part of the Australian National University.

Mensline Australia (1300 78 99 78) is a professional telephone and online support, information and referral service, helping men to deal with relationship problems in a practical and effective way.

MoodSwings This site is an online self-help tool for people with bipolar disorder. Material used in this website is based on an effective face-to-face group program found to be successful in reducing episodes of illness.

MoodGYM An online interactive program that can help you to change negative thought patters and learn many other strategies that help in dealing effectively with depression.

myCompass An interactive self help service where you can track your moods, write about them, get information and receive tips.

This Way Up Online courses designed to help people with depression and anxiety. Courses can be completed under the supervision of your clinician, or as self-help.

WEBSITES WITH APPS

Digital Dog is a research group from within the Black Dog Institute working to use technology to solve mental health problems. One of the Apps they currently have created is called SnapShot, which we have listed below.

SnapShot is an app put out by Digital Dog (above) and is a confidential, password-protected tool that enables you to measure and monitor your mental health and well-being. It is designed for use among Australian adults. By assessing your general happiness, mood, and anxiety, as well as work stress, sleep, social support and alcohol intake, this app provides general feedback and options for online and offline help-seeking services in Australia.

dNET USER RECOMMENDED WEBSITES

The following are websites that have been recommended by members of our dNet online community and forum.

Mindfulness In Plain English This website contains an eBook in pdf format that explains mindfulness, written by Ven. Henepola Gunaratana.

www.healthfulchat.org is an international chat, forum and information service covering many health conditions incl. depression, anxiety, bipolar, obesity, physical disabilities, addiction, etc

http://www.ajahnbrahm.org/ – from dNet user Candle “This is a good site. I find his talks inspirational, helps me so much when I was going through a bad patch shortly after I resign from my job.”

Sleep

Healthdirect (Sleep Paralysis) An Australian government health information website.

Health Guide: Sleep Disorders (US) A good summary article with links to articles with tips for getting to, and staying asleep.

Review of Melatonin An article written by Dr Arlene Goldman about melatonin.

Sleep Health Foundation Fact Sheets A series of fact sheets outlining the importance of sleep for our physical and mental health.

Society for Reseach on Biological Rhythms An international scientific society promoting research into biological rhythms (including sleep).

Support Groups

If you know of any Support Group websites for people living with depression and/or other mood disorders, please let us know so we can include them here!

National

The Australia Counselling website provides an easy search tool to find counsellors and psychotherapists within Australia.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Links to information on support for people with mental illnesses, their carers and families.

Bereaved by Suicide Centre for Intense Grief Therapy This website provides information on available support groups and other resources available for those affected by suicide or grief.

The Black Dog Institute Provides a list of support groups for depression and other mood disorders throughout Australia.

Grow Provides peer support groups as well as courses, social activities etc for people with mental illnesses including depression. There are Grow groups throughout Australia & New Zealand.

Health Direct Australia Links to information on support for people with mental illnesses, their carers and families.

Men’s Shed A Place for Men to be Men, giving them somewhere to Talk and Learn. For Older Men it might be to learn how they fit into the Modern Man Mould, For Younger Men it might be to learn new skills.

Parents Beyond Breakup Support groups for parents going through separation throughout Australia 1300 853437.

ACT

Post and Ante Natal Depression Support and Information (PANDSI) Provides support, education and information for families in the Canberra/ACT region who are experiencing Antenatal Depression and/or Post Natal Depression. 02 6288 1936

SHOUT Self Help Organisations United Together 02 6286 4475

NSW

One Door Mental Health Provide local & national peer support services and recovery activities. 1800 843 539

The Black Dog Institute has a list of clinics and support groups for depression and other mood disorders in NSW.

Way Ahead has Anxiety Support Groups and provides the The Anxiety Disorders Information Line on 1300 794 992 which focuses more specifically on anxiety disorders. Also provides the Mental Health Information Line on 1300 794 991. Operating hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm.

Queensland

Self Help Queensland Inc. A network of self help and support groups throughout QLD (07) 3852 5933

South Australia

SA Health provide a comprehensive list of mental health services available in South Australia.

Victoria

ADAVIC (Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria) Local Support Group Locations

ARCvic (Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria) Provides support, recovery and educational services to people and families living with anxiety disorders.

Collective of Self Help Groups (COSHG) (03) 9650 2005

Western Australia

Connect Groups is a fabulous place to start for anyone looking for a support group in WA. Connect Groups helps to support both groups and individuals and provides an online search facility to find support groups in your area within WA, as well as providing help to start a support group if there isn’t one handy to you!

Treatments

Advanced Neuropsychological Treatment Service (ANTS) Provides comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, which can address questions of diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. They also offer cognitive remediation for individuals who experience memory and/or other cognitive difficulties.

Australian Psychological Society (APS) Find a Psychologist Allows you to search for a psychologist in your local area.

Better Health Channel Provided by the Victorian Government, this website provides a ‘Find a Health Service’ for a range of healthcare professionals and services within Victoria only. If you live in Victoria, this is a very handy place to search for a range of professionals and services that can help with depression, anxiety, etc.

Centre for Clinical Interventions (CCI) WA offers a clinical service for adults suffering from anxiety, mood and eating disorders. They provide a number of FREE treatments including online courses.

The eCentre Clinic provides a range of online ‘treatment courses’ that are also research projects to help us learn more about the benefits available through online treatments. A great ‘win-win-win’ all round! Participation is free and we have had some great positive feedback regarding the helpfulness of these courses.

Good Therapy – Australia’s Mental Health Resource An Online Mental Health Resource that puts Australians in touch with the various kinds of therapy available in their community; helps them to make informed choices, and get the support they need. This web site includes a Directory of Practitioners, Public Forum, Calendar of Workshops and Book Shop.

International Society for Interpersonal Therapy The International Society for Interpersonal Psychotherapy (ISIPT) is a professional, scientific organisation whose mission is to provide accurate information on the application of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for a range of mental health disorders.

MoodGYM An online interactive program that can help you to change negative thought patters and learn many other strategies that help in dealing effectively with depression.

Reconnexion (Professional Service Provider) To inform and improve treatment outcomes for people who are experiencing tranquilizer dependency, anxiety disorders and depression.

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Find a Psychiatrist Allows you to search for a psychiatrist in your area.

Young people like us

The issues and challenges for young ‘people like us’ are often different from those for older people.

The following websites are specifically provided for younger Australians.

Alcohol and Drug Usage Beyondblue has information and resources on the effects of drug and alcohol abuse on young people, and how to go about getting help.

Child and Youth Health Provides an information service, for children and youth up to 25.

Headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation. There is a heap of really useful information, how to get help, stories from other young people and much more!

Kids Helpline provides 24 hour telephone support as well as a range of online help and support for both kids and teens & young adults. They provide free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.

Lifeline is always a good one to have handy as they offer 24 hour telephone crisis support and suicide prevention, as well as a range of other services that aren’t as well known – such as self help tool kits and more.

Open Doors (QLD) is a program for LGBTIQ young people aged 12 to 18 who are at risk of homelessness, and their families.

Orygen Youth Health is Australia’s largest youth-focused mental health organisation.

ReachOut provides a huge range of online information and services for young people aged 14 to 25 years, including online community forums. They also provide a range of activities for young people within the community. ReachOut also has information on how you can get the best help from services, as well as opportunities for you to connect with other young people like you.

Smiling Mind is a modern meditation for young people. It is a web and application program designed to help young people create balance in their lives.

Youth Beyondblue is the arm of Beyondblue that has a specific focus on young people aged 12 to 25 years.

Please let us know if you are aware of any other websites or services for young people so we can include them here.