Resources for Mental Health Illnesses

Welcome to my website’s “Resources” section, your gateway to valuable information and support related to mental health. You will find various links and resources on this page, including media interviews, personal stories related to my mental health experiences, and helping others. You will also find links to other sites useful for browsing. There is also a section on cancer and mental health; this section will develop over time, and more links will appear. In the meantime, feel free to check out the contents of this page.

Links to External Websites

I have included links to media interviews and stories I’ve submitted based on my mental illness and helping others. Simply click on the bold text to be taken to the links below.

My Website for the Inca Trail Trek – Visit my website which is dedicated to the Inca Trail adventure I undertook on behalf of the Leukaemia Foundation back in May of 2016. You can see recounts of the trail along with pictures.

My interview for the Voice On Fire Series with Terri Mitchell – An interview I took part in back in May of 2020 discussing Mental Health and some of the ways in which I’ve managed to keep on top of my mental health. Well worth having a watch.

My interview with Tess from Write to Heal on Instagram – An interview with Tess from Write to Heal on September 25 discussed mental health illnesses

My interview for Yahoo News on Mental Health in Children – This interview was based on the ‘Most Critical Question’ I asked when confronted with a suicidal daughter. I’m happy to announce that since this interview my daughter is feeling much better and that makes me very happy.

My story which is featured in NIB Journal – My story was featured in the NIB Journal along with a number of other stories from others who suffer from mental illness as well. Very interesting read. Click the link and on the page, click the Mental Health Issue button on the right side of the screen

Cancer and Mental Health

Owing to personal experience in this area, I am now starting to collect and make available mental health articles and links related to cancer diagnosis and treatment. This is a new site section, so it will grow slowly over time.

Mesothelioma and Mental Health – Caring for your mental health after a mesothelioma diagnosis is essential for a better quality of life and improved treatment response. It’s normal to feel sadness and anxiety in the face of such a diagnosis, given the challenges it brings, including treatment side effects, disclosing the condition to loved ones, family dynamics, and the fear of mortality.

Nowadays, medical professionals recognize the vital role of mental health in treatment outcomes, so mental health support is often integrated into mesothelioma care plans. Mesothelioma’s emotional toll underscores the need for positive coping strategies to maintain a higher quality of life post-diagnosis. Common mental health conditions linked to mesothelioma include depressive spectrum disorders and anxiety and stress disorders, which may require treatment. Click here to read the full article.

Guide to Discussing Cancer with Kids: When children are affected by terminal cancer, in themselves or family, coping is difficult. Helping a young person cope with cancer is an important responsibility. Parents, older siblings, teachers, and other adults play a crucial role in helping them understand, deal with negative emotions, go through treatments, and mourn when the worst happens.

At Mesothelioma.net, it is our mission to provide families and children with discussions about cancer, localized treatment facilities, alternative therapy practices, financial aid, and so much more. Click here to read the full article.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: Support and Understanding – Autism is a developmental condition leading to communication, social, and behavioral challenges, affecting how individuals perceive and interact with others. The autism spectrum encompasses a broad range of symptoms and behaviors, with varying abilities in thinking and problem-solving. Some require extensive daily support, while others may not. Autism can significantly impact education and employment, with 85% of college-educated individuals with autism remaining unemployed. The quality of life for those with autism depends on support from authorities and societal attitudes. Click here to read the full article.

Mental Health Resources for Australia

In this section, you can find a template for a mental health crisis plan as well as a list of the counselling services available in Australia.

This is by no means a complete list of every single service available, so make sure you also do your own research.

When filling out the plan, it helps to have the counselling services list open as well so you can select the service that best suits your needs and put it into your plan.

Links to Mental Health Websites

Mental Health Online – An initiative of Swinburne University’s National eTherapy Centre and funded by Australia’s Federal Department of Health, offers free online mental health services and programs. Users can access self-assessment tools, self-help resources, and professional support to better understand and address their mental health needs. By providing these services at no cost, Mental Health Online ensures that mental health care is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

Head to Health – is an Australian government initiative that provides a digital platform connecting individuals with trusted mental health resources and services. The website offers access to a variety of evidence-based resources, including apps, online programs, websites, and phone services for diverse mental health concerns. Users can search for tailored support based on their needs, preferences, and situations. Committed to confidentiality, Head to Health ensures user privacy and secure handling of personal information, ultimately aiming to improve mental health outcomes in Australia.

Mental Health Crisis Plan

Template – Download and fill out and keep in an accessible location

Mental Health Counselling Services

Click here to download a list of important counselling services provided by external support organisations.

General Mental Health Resources

List of Different Anti-Depressant Medications and their categories

Table of medications courtesy of https://www.nps.org.au/consumers/antidepressant-medicines-explained#types-of-antidepressants

List of Different Anti-Psychotics and Risk of Weight Gain

Table of medications courtesy of https://www.bap.org.uk/articles/antipsychotic-medication-and-weight-gain/