Distress can be overwhelming, but no matter your situation, you can take steps to feel better.
The Distress Support Service is a new program being trialled in Darebin and Shepparton. It’s for anyone 18 years and over experiencing distress.
You can access free, short-term, and compassionate help through a Community Engagement Point near you.
The Distress Support Service is not a crisis support program, but it can help you manage your distress, and, if you like, connect you to longer-term services in your community.
Life can be overwhelming sometimes, and feeling distress is something most people will experience at some point.
Distress can take a wide variety of forms. It can be an unpleasant emotion, feeling, thought or behaviour, including:
feeling overwhelmed, worried or hopeless
feeling sad or unmotivated to do the things that you used to enjoy
feeling frustrated or "on edge"
feelings of self-doubt or low self-esteem
withdrawal from family or friends
physical symptoms like headaches, tension, increased tiredness, and changes to your eating or sleeping patterns.
Feelings of distress can be in response to life circumstances, such as physical ill health, the loss of a loved one, problems in your relationships with family or friends, losing your job or experiencing job insecurity, witnessing negative behaviours or events in the news or in person.
Whatever the cause, you are not alone, and help is available.
About the Distress Support Service
The Distress Support Service offers free, compassionate, short-term support over a 2-to-3-week period for anyone aged 18 years and over.
It was designed by people who have experienced distress and know how challenging it can be. This service can help people address difficult circumstances early on and equip them with tools and skills to manage their distress.
Community Engagement Point
You can access this support through a Community Engagement Point in your area.
Community Engagement Points are participating local organisations and services where staff are trained to respond compassionately and can provide a referral to the program’s Short-term Support Service, if you choose.
To find a Community Engagement Point near you, or to refer yourself to the Short-term Support Service email:
If you choose to accept a referral, someone from the Short-term Support Service team will get in touch with you within one business day.
The Short-term Support Service team will help you identify the cause of your distress and help you build tools and skills to manage and respond to that distress. The support you receive will be tailored to your individual needs.
The Short-term Support Service team includes peer workers – these are people who can connect with you through shared experience and understanding. They understand what it's like to be in your shoes.
If you choose not to accept a referral to the short-term support service, you will still receive information on how to access support later should you change your mind.
Eligibility
Anyone aged 18 years and over can get support from the Distress Support Service
Culturally safe support
The short-term support teams in both Darebin and Shepparton are committed to providing culturally safe support.
If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, you can talk to someone who understands Country, culture and community.
Cost
This service is free and does not require a Medicare card.
