Share the Load

23 hours ago

2 min read

In Deni, we look out for each other.

This Mental Health Month, we’re reminding each other that connection goes a long way.

And sometimes one of the most important ways we can connect is by helping each other Share the Load.

Sometimes life gets heavy. Work, family, finances, relationships, grief, health worries or just a whole lot of little things happening at once can start to pile up.

That’s when connection can really matter.

Sharing the load goes both ways. It might mean recognising that you’re not travelling so well yourself and talking to someone you trust. Or it might mean noticing that a mate seems quieter than usual, isn’t turning up, or just doesn’t seem themselves — and taking the time to check in.

You don’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes a conversation is simply the place to start.

Finding the right help

If you’re struggling, your GP is a good place to start. Tell them how you’re really feeling and what has been happening in your life.

Where appropriate, your GP can prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan and refer you to the right service. A plan can give you access to Medicare benefits for up to 10 individual mental health treatment sessions each calendar year.

Some providers charge a gap fee, while others bulk bill, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost.

Deniliquin also has a range of local counselling and mental health support services, including private counsellors and free support options.

To find local services and the support that might be right for you, visit https://www.denimentalhealth.org.au/local

Living in a rural community doesn’t mean all your options have to be local. Mental Health Treatment Plans and psychology services can also be accessed through telehealth where Medicare requirements are met.

For example, MIDOC offers online Mental Health Treatment Plan consultations that are bulk billed for eligible patients, while services such as MeHelp and Interrelate provide online psychology that can be bulk billed with an eligible Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral.

You don’t always need a referral

There are also services you can contact yourself.

TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter) provides free, confidential counselling for people working in trades, construction, farming and other blue-collar industries, as well as their loved ones.

You can call or text 0488 846 988, Monday to Friday, 8am–10pm AEST, and receive up to eight free sessions with the same counsellor. No GP referral is needed.

MensLine Australia provides free professional counselling for men 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Call 1300 78 99 78, or use its online chat counselling service. No GP referral is needed.