Youth Issues
Mental Illness
Mental illness actually refers to a group of illnesses that are usually caused by a physical dysfunction of the brain. Although this cause is known, what triggers the illness is less clear.
There are two categories of mental illnesses. These are known as psychotic and non-psychotic illnesses. Psychotic illnesses are those which affect the person's ability to make sense of thoughts, feelings and external information. This category includes illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression).
Non-psychotic illnesses are those which cause a person to experience uncontrollable or exaggerated feelings of depression, sadness, tension or fear. This category includes illnesses such as phobias, anxiety, some forms of depression and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Although living with a mental illness can be a very disturbing and frightening experience, a range of support networks are available. The following web sites may help to provide some further information on where to get help if you think that you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental illness.
ARAFEMI: www.arafemi.org.au
Provides practical information about mental illness as well as contacts and support information for relatives and friends of the mentally ill.
Child and Youth Health - Mind and Body: www.cyh.com/cyh/youthtopics/usr_index1.stm?directory_id=4
Provides detailed information about a range of specific mental illnesses and disorders.
Kids Helpline: www.kidshelp.com.au
A 24 hour telephone and online counseling service for children and young people in Australia. Ph: 1800 55 1800
Lifeline: www.lifeline.org.au
A telephone counseling service in Australia. Ph: 13 11 14
Reality Check: www.realitycheck.net.au
Reality Check is a youth friendly site which explores issues and stories involving mental illness. The site also provides information on some specific mental illnesses including depression, psychosis and anxiety. The site also provides information on some specific mental illnesses including depression, psychosis and anxiety.
Mental Health Council of Australia: www.mhca.org.au
A list of mental health questions and answers.
SANE Australia: www.sane.org
Provides information about mental illness, including fact sheets on specific disorders and an online version of the SANE Helpline, 1800 18 SANE.
Somazone: www.somazone.com.au
Lists real questions from young people with answers from counselors about depression, emotional/mental health and suicide.
Victoria's Mental Health Services: www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth
The Victorian Government Mental Health Services web site providing information on a range of mental health issues.
For more info call Monash Youth & Family Services on 9518 3900.
Reviewed: 10 December 2008
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