ONLINE SELF HELP

While most students look forward to a break from school, holidays can be a difficult time for some.

Young people often use the internet for help and support, as well as seeking help from parents, friends, teachers and psychologists. Online self help programs can help to prevent and manage mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. These services are free of charge, anonymous and confidential, available 24/seven.

1) https://www.eheadspace.org.au/ - A secure space where you can chat or email qualified youth mental health professionals. Email any time and get a response from a clinician or online chat available seven days a week, 1pm-1am (AEST). Headspace centres are now available in Fremantle, Broome, Albany and Osborne Park (Drop in to make an appointment or see the website).

2) http://www.kidshelp.com.au/ - Email a counsellor (counsellor@kidshelp.com.au) or chat to one online Monday-Friday, 2-8pm and Saturday and Sunday, 9am-7pm. Telephone 1800 55 1800.

3) http://www.lifeline.org.au/ - Online crisis support chat for suicide prevention. Available 7.30am-10.30pm(AEST) Monday to Thursday. Telephone 13 11 14.

4) http://au.reachout.com/ - Inspires young people to help themselves through tough times. It has hundreds of fact sheets and personal stories about a wide range of health and lifestyle issues and a database where you can look for quality services. Also on the following social media:

facebook.com/ReachoutAus

twitter.com/Reachout_Aus

youtube.com/user/ReachOutAus

myspace.com/reachoutaus

5) http://oyh.org.au/ - Orygen Youth Health aims to ensure young people are able to access high-quality mental health, and drug and alcohol services provided in friendly, accessible environments.

6) http://www.drugs.health.gov.au/ - National Drugs Campaign provides information for young people about different illicit drugs and provides details about where to get help.

7) http://ecouch.anu.edu.au/welcome - Self-help program for social anxiety, generalised anxiety and depression. Also modules for panic disorder, bereavement and relationship breakdown. Participation is free and anonymous.

8) http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome - Interactive program that teaches cognitive-behaviour therapy skills for preventing and coping with depression. Participation is free and anonymous.