Remember that you are not alone.
You may be feeling confused or sad about what you have read on this website or there may still be some questions that you would like answered. You may need someone to talk to about how you are feeling at the moment.

Here are some ideas:

1. Talk to one of your parents or another family member about how you are feeling and ask them any questions.
2. If they cannot answer your questions it might be a good idea to make an appointment for you or your family to see the doctor, social worker or nurse who is looking after the person with a mental illness. Your parents may need to ask the person with the mental illness if this is OK.

It is useful to know what each of the people who are treating your relative or friend at the hospital or community psychiatric clinic do.

Remember that it is important that you feel that you are being listened to, when trying to seek assistance. So if you approach someone for assistance and it doesn't work out, that is not the end of the line, keep on telling your story until you find out the information or get the help that you need.

Other suggestions:

• School - there are School Psychologists, Nurses & Chaplains, who may be able to give you some information and support
• ARAFMI provides support and information to families and friends of people who have a mental illness. Someone will be available to talk with you individually or with a parent, relative or friend. Appointments can be made after school hours. ARAFMI may be able to put you in touch with other young people who care about someone with a mental illness
• Samaritans Youthline - if you are feeling a bit down or having trouble coping and would like a caring listening ear, contact numbers are (08) 9388-2500 or 1800-198-313 for country callers
• PET (Psychiatric Emergency Team) - provide emergency help for people with a mental illness who are in crisis. Most services operate on a 24 hour, 7 days a week basis. If they cannot help they will refer you to someone who can. The Psychiatric Emergency Team (PET) in Perth can be contacted on (08) 9224-8888 or for rural callers, Freecall 1800-676-822
• Kids Help Line - provide a confidential and anonymous free telephone counselling for all 5 to 18 year olds in Australia to deal with any problems they are having (e.g. relationship problems, child abuse, self image, school problems, drug use, emotional problems etc.) Can also help young people get in touch with appropriate services in their area. Callers can choose to speak with the same counsellor they have previously spoken to and they can choose the gender of the counsellor they wish to speak to. Freecall 1800-551-800