Mental Health Support & Resources for Older People
What is meant by mental health?
The World Health Organisation defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which every individual realises their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.” Mental wellbeing is about being cognitively, emotionally and socially healthy – the way we think, feel and develop relationships – and not merely the absence of a mental health condition.
Key Organisations for Mental Health Support
Peak bodies, advocacy groups and other organisations
Mental health information and support services; including sections relating to diverse population groups, and online forums.
Mental health information, education and support services for consumers and health professionals. Particular focus on mood disorders.
National platform for Australian mental health services and multicultural communities’ to access resources, services and information in a culturally accessible format.
Free confidential service, directory of mental health and wellbeing information, support and services from Australian health providers. Includes information for diverse population groups.
Eating disorders information, resources, support organisations and services for consumers, families, carers and health professionals.
Fact sheets, information, support around mental health and illness, for consumers, families and health professionals.
Victorian based unit providing resources and training to help health professionals and organisations incorporate diversity into mental health care.
For Consumers
Resources to use, together with consumers, to support their needs in managing the mental health of older people
Personal stories and online forum for discussing mental health. Suitable for people living with mental health conditions, carers and health professionals.
Mutual help program for people with a mental illness – online community-based Grow groups.
Online course designed for Indigenous adults to learn how to manage depression and anxiety, through breaking unhelpful habits and learning core psychological skills.
Internet-based treatment clinic for people with mental health problems, includes information, clinical assessment, and treatment programs for anxiety disorders.
Information about mental health and referral system from health professionals. Telephone services and information sheets.
Free online and telephone service for those living with anxiety and depression. Includes free online assessment and courses to develop skills to better manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Guide to reducing the stigma around mental illness.
Information, resources and online community for those who are bereaved by suicide.
Sources of support for people with depression and anxiety.
Multilingual mental health resources.
Mental health fact sheets in Bengali, Simplified Chinese and Nepalese. Anxiety fact sheets in numerous languages.
Mental Health Resources for Health Professionals
Information, resources, and educational programs to assist health professionals
Anglicare’s free Suicide Prevention for Seniors Program equips aged care workers with the knowledge to help prevent suicide.
Professional organisation for Mental Heath Nurses in Australia. Includes information, networking, journal, resources and events.
Online toolkit for health professionals to designed to facilitate discussions with men experiencing homelessness about mental health.
Booklet aimed at health professionals in community or residential aged care with strategies to promote emotional wellbeing and mental health in older people.
Reports and Policy
Research papers, reports, reviews and guidelines providing a deeper, evidence-based perspective
Research report discussing difficult life events in mature aged Australian and their coping strategies.
Report and recommendations from a project based on interviews with older lesbian, gay and trans Australians. Covers discrimination, depression, anxiety and mental health.
