The Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (Deni MHAG) continues its digital and poster campaign, with a focus on raising awareness of confidential and free helplines.
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This month we focus on the Kids Helpline - a service committed to providing a free and confidential, 24/7 counselling service for young people aged 5-25.
Qualified counsellors at Kids Helpline are available via webchat, phone or email any time and for any reason.
Kids Helpline has been operating since 1991 and the helpline has responded to over 8.5 million contacts since then.
For some young people, connecting with Kids Helpline has been a life-saving experience, while for others it’s about practical help and emotional support at the critical moment they need someone to listen.
“A lot has changed since the introduction of the Kids Helpline and we need the community to know and understand this is not just a line for you who are feeling at risk,” Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group member Lourene Liebenberg said.
“Some parents still feel that a call to the Kids Helpline reflects on their parenting, or that the child has felt unsafe in their home – a bit of stigma that remains from the time when the Kids Helpline was regarded as a crisis line only. A lot has changed.
“Our communities have changed, the issues kids face have changed and the ways the Kids Helpline counsellors engage with and help young people have changed.”
Mrs Liebenberg said while Kids Helpline is there for young people at risk of suicide or at risk of harm for any other reason, the helpline is also there for kids to talk through any issues they might be having.
“It could be that they are feeling a bit stressed, or have worries about friendships or relationships, or need strategies to deal with exam stress – it literally is for anything, any time. No problem is too big or too small.
“Deni MHAG wants to assure parents that encouraging their kids, teenagers, and young adults to use this resource is safe and helpful. The helpline is staffed by qualified counsellors.”
The Kids Helpline also has a large resource bank for parents and carers, and an online community called ‘My Circle for Parents’.
It is a free, safe, and confidential online community for parents, carers and supporters of kids, teens, and young adults.
Discussions in the community are safeguarded by specially trained clinical moderators.
Parents and carers can chat to other parents, get tips for those tricky life moments and transitions, or sit back and learn!
The website is easy to navigate. Jump online today www.kidshelpline.com.au and see how this can be helpful to you and your kids.
Eating disorders and body image issues
Data suggests that more than one million Aussies are currently experiencing an eating disorder, but less than 25 per cent of them receive treatment or support.
Eating disorders don’t discriminate based on age, gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.
It is unlikely that one single thing will lead to an eating disorder developing.
It is much more likely to be a combination of risk factors, including genetics, emotional factors, and cultural influences.
There are lots of different eating disorders, the most well known being anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating disorder.
Whilst they all look different and have different behaviours attached to them, body image issues are common to all of them.
Successful treatment and complete recovery from an eating disorder is possible.
However, eating disorders are a complex mental illness, and therefore people who experience an eating disorder need expert treatment and support.
The first step to recovery from an eating disorder or body image issue is often seeing a health professional, such as your GP.
The Butterfly National Helpline also offers free and confidential support.
It is open seven days a week from 8am to midnight, and can be contacted on 1800 334 673.
A range of support groups are also available for those affected by body image or eating disorders, and this includes support groups for anyone who cares about them.
The Butterfly Foundation (www.butterfly.org.au) also offers support programs, with key topics and areas of challenge.
‘In the Wings’ is the foundations free single session consultation, providing evidence based assessment and psycho-education for people with a referral from a general practitioner. Online referral forms are available on their website.
Don’t know where to start? Call the national helpline and they will help guide you seeking support.
Eating disorder treatment is also available in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.
This means that if you have an eating disorder, you can access inpatient and community-based treatment with a multi-disciplinary treating team, closer to home.
Mental health clinicians, dietitians, nursing staff, doctors, and psychiatrists may form part of your treating team when you access care.
This service can be accessed by calling Accessline on 1800 800 944.
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