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Coping with Distressing News
Content warning: Mentions of distressing news.
News of distressing events is everywhere. You may be affected by wars and conflict in the Middle East, the attempted Booloo terrorist attack, events in the United States, or other world news.
It's understandable to feel lots of different emotions - terrified, worried, angry, sad, confused, helpless and numb - about what you're seeing and hearing.
headspace Cannington is here to support young people and communities affected by war, conflicts, and news of distressing events.
What can I do now?
- Chat with friends, family, or a counsellor about how the news is affecting you and worries about loved ones or your home country
- Call Witness to War (1800 845 198, 7am-4pm AWST) - Free telephone hotline for anyone in Australia affected by overseas conflicts or distressing news. Chat to a trained multilingual counsellor
- Take breaks from the news and social media
- Look after yourself - try to eat well, spend time with friends and family, and do things you enjoy
- Remind yourself what you can and can't control
- Check in on how your loved ones are going
- Find something small, positive, and realistic you can do to contribute to a cause
FREE Supports
| Witness to War |
1800 845 198 Phone hotline 7am-4pm AWST |
For anyone in Australia affected by overseas conflicts or distressing news. Chat to a trained multilingual counsellor |
| 13 YARN |
13 92 76 Phone hotline available 24/7 |
For mob, speak with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander counsellor |
| Lifeline |
13 11 14 (Phone hotline) 0477 13 11 14 (Text message) Available 24/7 |
For anyone in Australia |
| Kids Helpline |
13 11 14 (Phone hotline) Available 24/7 |
For young people aged 5 to 25 |
| ASeTTS (Perth) |
The Association for Services to Torture & Trauma Survivors offers counselling & programs |
For those new to Australia who are humanitarian entrants or refugees |
| Communicare (Cannington) |
9251 5777 / bridgetobelonging@communicare.org.au Available during open hours |
For those new to Australia in the last 5 years, including refugees and migrants |
| headspace Cannington |
Available during open hours
|
For young people aged 12-25 with mild to moderate mental health challenges We have a no wrong door policy: No young person will be turned away without being connected to suitable services that best meet their needs, either at headspace Cannington or other services in the local community. |
| eheadspace |
1800 650 890 Phone call or webchat |
For young people aged 12-25 |
| Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service |
Aboriginal Medical Service (East Perth, Midland, Maddington & Mirrabooka) 1800 311 888 |
For Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people |
| Helping Minds |
9427 7100 Available during open hours |
For people supporting a loved one with a mental health challenge |
| Communicare |
Individual support, parenting workshops, info sessions, peer group meetings 9251 5777 / parenting@communicare.org.au Available during open hours |
For parents of a child who live in local government areas: Armadale, Belmont, Canning, Gosnells, Kalamunda, Serpentine-Jarrahdale, South Perth & Victoria Park |