It's time to talk

It’s Time to Talk about Mental Health

Victorians have faced some tough times lately – from droughts to bushfires to a global pandemic. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve been through – everyone needs help from time to time.

Almost half of all Victorians will experience mental illness in their lifetime, but most people still feel too uncomfortable and uncertain to talk about it.

The Victorians featured in It’s Time to Talk about Mental Health have shared their stories to illustrate how we can all experience different mental health challenges.

If you or someone you know is struggling – don’t wait. It’s always the right time to talk about mental health.

You can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636. In an emergency, call 000.

Fast facts about mental health

• 1.3 million Victorians will this year experience mental illness.
• Over a lifetime, one in two Victorians will experience mental illness.
• Half of those who experience mental health issues won’t get help.
• At least $11 billion is lost in productivity every year due to mental illness.
• More than 76,000 Victorians are registered clients at mental health services.
• Mental health services gave support more than 2.4 million times last year.
• In 2018, only 1.1 per cent of the Victorian population accessed specialist mental health treatment, despite around 3 per cent needing it.
• It is estimated that 65,000 people attempt suicide in Australia each year*
• Suicide is now the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 44 in Australia.
• You can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636. In an emergency, call 000.

*Beyondblue

Where to get help

Telephone and online support for mental health issues

In urgent mental health and crisis situations, dial ‘000’

Mental health helplines are a great resource if you are struggling with mental health issues. Speak to someone who will listen and can give you appropriate advice and tell you the steps to take to get help.

Find someone to talk to by calling one of the following helplines:

• Suicide Call Back Service – call 1300 659 467 for this free service for people having suicidal thoughts or family or friends affected by suicide.
• SuicideLine – call 1300 651 251 for free and anonymous support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week across Victoria.
• Kids Help Line – call 1800 55 1800 for free counselling for young people between the ages of five and 25.
• Lifeline – call 13 11 14 for this Australia-wide crisis support and prevention service.
• beyondblue – call 1300 22 4636 for support for issues relating to anxiety and depression.
• headspace - National Youth Mental Health Foundation
• eheadspace - provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 - 25 and their families and friends. Tel: 1800 650 890
• SANE Australia Tel. 1800 18 SANE (7263)
• Need Help? Chat live with a SANE Helpline Advisor (Available Monday-Friday, 10am-10pm AEST). Tel: 1800 187 263.
• SANE Forums are full of people who want to talk to you and offer support.
• Your local GP (doctor)
• Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria) Tel. (03) 9427 0406
• Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria Tel. (03) 9830 0533 or 1300 ANXIETY (269 438)
• ReachOut Australia helps under 25s with everyday questions through to tough times