Are you worried about a friend or loved one? Have you noticed that they might be feeling a little of out of sorts? Start a conversation with R U OK? and let them know it's okay to not be okay.
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World Suicide Prevention Day is on September 10, followed by RUOK day on September 11 aims to raise awareness around suicide prevention and to start meaningful conversations with friends who might be not be okay.
Suicide Prevention Australia CEO Nieves Murray said we could make a difference in the lives of those who might be struggling by having regular, meaningful conversations about life's ups and downs.
"Working together to prevent suicide, raise awareness and encourage conversations is important," she said.
ReFrame in Bowral offers a safe place for Highlands youth aged between 12 - 25 who might have a tough time managing stress, anxiety, feelings of sadness, school or family and relationships.
ReFrame's clinical coordinator Martin Lumetzberger said ReFrame was about normalising mental health and creating stronger community links for young people who might feel isolated or need someone to talk to.
"The walk - ins for [ the Bowral centre and on site GPs] are for anybody, the only criteria you need is your age. We are determined to normalise, not destigmatise, mental health," he said
"The truth of the matter is all the statistics and research from around the world show us that if we don't normalise feelings of anxiety, low mood, sleeplessness, relationship difficulties we are making people feel different. And that's actually counter to where people need to be, because what underpins our health is connection and a sense of worthiness.
"We are getting a lot of referrals weekly for ReFrame across GP's and non GP bases.
"People can walk in they can use our intake phone number, intake email, phone number they can have a chat and we can provide three hours individual therapy without seeing a GP and in that three hours we can help someone create a landscape about is counselling for them, maybe they would be happy to engage with a youth worker.
"Our youth workers are helping people find work, create resumes, go to job interviews.
"The youth workers don't have a limit on how much they can work with a young person either. If somebody is feeling a little anxious or concerned or a little isolated, a youth worker is a really good soft entry point to a service."
If you're worried about someone and feel they need professional support, encourage them to connect with a trusted health professional like their GP.
- ReFrame 0455 104 104 or email mhintake@communitylinks.org.au
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Beyondblue on 1300 224 636
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- QLife on 1800 184 527
- Headspace 1800 650 896
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