At the beginning, we had no idea where to turn. It taught me that whenever we find ourselves facing a crisis or going through a really difficult time, to feel part of a supportive community makes such an enormous difference.  

Sure, being part of a community doesn’t remove our problem but it can certainly ease the burden and help us start to put the pieces back together.

Australians living in rural and regional areas face a unique set of challenges. It can be having to deal with the devastating effects of drought or floods, suddenly finding yourself unemployed or living a long way from those you love and the kind of services most Australians take for granted. We know people in rural and regional Australia are incredibly supportive of one another and remarkably resilient but when you add a mental illness to the situation it can be really tough to deal with.

Thankfully, the internet is now providing us with the opportunity to connect up and find support wherever we might live.  It’s the reason why SANE Australia has just launched our Online Forums in partnership with mental health organisations right around Australia. 

With professionally trained moderators, the SANE Forums provide a safe and anonymous way for all Australians touched by mental illness to connect with others who have ‘been there’ and experience their support. There is one forum for families and carers of people with a mental illness and a second forum for those living with mental illness themselves.

Please check out the 

SANE Forums at: www.sane

forums.org

J. Heath,

Chief executive officer,

SANE Australia.