Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

Mi Networks

The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (MIFA) has member organisations across Australia, with close to 100 ‘front doors’ in metropolitan and regional locations.

MIFA's national mental health information and referral service, Mi Networks, assists people affected by mental illness and those who care about them by providing information, support and links to the kind of on-going assistance they may need.

Currently, MIFA has member organisations operating in most states and territories of Australia. These include:

Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW
Mental Illness Fellowship of WA
Mental Illness Fellowship of South Australia
Mental Illness Fellowship of North Queensland
Mental Health Carers Tasmania
Mental Health Fellowship of Australia (NT)
Mental Illness Fellowship of Queensland
Mental Health Foundation ACT
Aftercare
SOLAS
Bridges Health & Community Care

For more information:

Call 1800 985 944 from anywhere in Australia (Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm)
Free and confidential service
Check the website for more details and online resources

Last reviewed: October 2019

Information from this partner

Found 18 results

Smoking and mental illness

Why change smoking habits? People with a mental illness can, and do, quit smoking, for a number of very good reasons.

Read more on Mi Networks website

Antipsychotic Medication

The best treatment for psychotic illness usually includes a combination of antipsychotic medication, psychological therapy and community support. This pamphlet answers commonly-asked questions about antipsychotic medication (antipsychotics).

Read more on Mi Networks website

Complementary Therapies and mental illness.

What are complementary therapies? These are ways of helping yourself stay healthy which complement medical treatment. While these can be useful, care needs to be taken, especially when you have a mental illness. Some people use them instead of medical treatment or without consulting their doctor – this can be dangerous as substances used in ‘natural’ therapy are not required to undergo the same rigorous tests for safety as prescribed medications. The term ‘natural’ is also misleading, as most prescribed medications are actually derived from natural substances too.

Read more on Mi Networks website

Mind + Body. Looking after your physical health when you have a mental illness.

Looking after our physical health is important for everyone, but it can be an extra challenge if you have a mental illness.

Read more on Mi Networks website

Suicidal behaviour and self-harm

Suicide in Australia Suicide means not only a tragic loss of a life but also great sadness and soul-searching by the family and friends of the person who has died, as well as in the wider community. Over 2,000 Australians die from suicide every year. For every person who dies in this way, it is estimated there are at least another 30 people who attempt suicide. Death by suicide is highest for men aged between 25 and 34 and those over 80, although suicidal behaviour is more common in women than men. There is a significant association between mental health problems and suicidal behaviour. Of those who die by suicide, many – probably a majority – have experienced a mental illness such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Read more on Mi Networks website

How to help when someone is suicidal

If you believe someone is thinking about ending their life, it’s natural to feel panic or even want to avoid thinking about it – however, there are a number of practical things you can do to help . . .

Read more on Mi Networks website

Something is not quite right about the way someone close to you is behaving

You are worried. Is it serious or is the moodiness, irritability and withdrawn behaviour a stage to grow out of? Are drugs involved?

Read more on Mi Networks website

Schizophrenia

What is Schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is an illness, a medical condition. It affects the normal functioning of the brain, interfering with a person’s ability to think, feel and act. Some do recover completely, and, with time, most find that their symptoms improve. However, for many, it is a prolonged illness which can involve years of distressing symptoms and disability.

Read more on Mi Networks website

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (sometimes called PTSD) is a form of anxiety disorder. Some people develop this condition after they have experienced a traumatic event. This event might be a serious accident, physical or sexual assault, war or torture, or a natural disaster such as a bushfire or a flood. Strong reactions such as fear, horror, anger, sadness and hopelessness are natural after events like these, of course. In most cases, these feelings will pass after the normal working-through of emotions and talking things over in your own time with family, friends or colleagues.

Read more on Mi Networks website

Has someone close to you gone missing?

Has someone close to you with a mental illness gone missing? If so, you are not alone. Around 35,000 people go missing in Australia each year, and it is thought that many have a mental illness. Mental illness can affect someone’s ability to cope with life, which may lead them to decide to go away without telling anyone.

Read more on Mi Networks website

Find a health service

GP (General practice) Pharmacy Emergency Departments Hospitals

Need more services?

Enter a location

{{prefLabel}}

Use current location

Check your symptoms Find a health service

24 hour health advice you can count on

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice