Beyond Blue

Change takes time. Beyond Blue is here to support parents, carers and young people to navigate the social media restrictions for under 16s happening from December 10. For more information and resources, please visit the eSafety Commissioner website and online hub. Link in comments.

We're celebrating 25 years of Beyond Blue — and the 25 voices who’ve shaped our journey. Meet Paul — a former Police Detective Sergeant whose powerful journey through trauma, depression, and recovery has shaped his mission to break the stigma around mental health. Since 2004, as our first and longest standing speaker, Paul has shared his story at over 100 events to inspire hope, spark honest conversations, and remind us all that recovery is possible.

If you are feeling isolated, tired all the time, overwhelmed and/or are having trouble sleeping, you may be heading for or experiencing burnout. Swipe to read top tips and advice from Nasalifya Namwinga, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Adjunct Professor Sophie Scott OAM, and Beyond Blue Lived Experience speaker Peta Sitcheff.

Change can be hard, and it takes time. Beyond Blue is here to support parents, carers and young people to navigate the social media restrictions for under 16s happening from December 10. Feel free to use these conversation prompts to start the discussion with your young people. Some tips to get started: - Start the conversation early (don’t wait until December) - You don’t need all the answers to start (consider finding out together) - Stay calm and curious and empathetic – don't judge - Use open-ended questions – let them share - Validate emotions – change is hard, it takes time - Focus on strengths – highlight your young person’s skills and capabilities Many young people will feel strong emotions about these changes, but it could impact their mental health in a more concerning way. Keep an eye out for signs of concern, such as withdrawal, isolation, irritability, heightened emotions or loss of interest in other activities. Beyond Blue is here for you 24/7 on 1300 224 636 or via webchat at beyondblue.org.au. More resources - link in comments.

Ahead of the Federal Government’s social media restrictions for young people under 16 starting 10 December, we’re working with headspace, ReachOut Australia and yourtown social enterprise (Kids Helpline) to encourage young people, parents and carers to start preparing for the changes now. More info and advice - link in comments.

We’re proud to celebrate a major milestone: Zoetis has now contributed $1 million to Beyond Blue over ten years, supporting mental health in rural and regional Australia.  This partnership has helped provide free, confidential counselling and mental health advice to over 17,000 people through Beyond Blue’s 24/7 Support Service.  Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey. Together, we’re making a real difference. 

Victoria is on the cusp of an extraordinarily important step toward self-determination for First Nations Peoples. The Statewide Treaty Bill is expected to pass the upper house soon. The Treaty brings an opportunity for healing, power-sharing and formal recognition of sovereignty, where First Nations Peoples will have a greater say in the matters that directly impact their communities, rights, and futures. Dr Jill Gallagher AO, VACCHO CEO recently welcomed the introduction of the Bill, stating, “We know that people thrive when they can set their own course in life and when they can make choices about what works best for them and their families based on their own experiences, talents and aspirations”. Beyond Blue stands strong in our advocacy and support for better mental health and social and emotional wellbeing outcomes for First Nations Peoples. As this debate plays out in the Victorian Parliament, it’s our hope that people will use this moment to pause and consider how their actions impact others. First Nations Peoples are reporting persistent experiences of racism, which cause real harm to mental health and wellbeing. Calls to 13YARN are at an all-time high. Regardless of your views, we urge you to keep respect front of mind and check out the resources on engaging in respectful debate and calling out racism when you see it (link in comments). Whatever your views, Beyond Blue is here for you and crisis support from First Nations workers is available from 13 YARN. Image credit First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria

Running a small business can be tough, especially as we come into the festive season. Help is available - Beyond Blue offers free, confidential support - New Access for Small Business Owners - designed to help small business owners and sole traders manage stress, anxiety and overwhelm. https://bit.ly/4fYEYMD

We're celebrating 25 years of Beyond Blue — and the 25 voices who’ve shaped our journey. Greg is one of them. From personal challenges to diagnosis and recovery, he’s using humour and honesty to challenge stigma. 💙Find out how Greg got well sooner.

Think that AI is the only solution to Australia's productivity crisis? Think again. 🎙️ Think Again, with Beyond Blue is a bold new podcast whose first season discusses workplace mental health. Join Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman AO and a panel of top Australian workplace experts as they challenge our thinking and offer fresh perspectives for leaders and managers. Listen today on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.