These resources can be useful for your friend – and for yourself. You can call the hotlines yourself to seek advice on the best ways to support your friend.
Online and phone services
Gambler’s Help Youthline
Phone: 1800 262 376
Website: http://www.responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au/
Description: Given the similarities between problem gaming and gambling (and sometimes gambling via games) young people can call for a free, confidential chat anytime.
On the website, check out the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s Gambling is No Game campaign.
Kids Helpline
Phone: 1800 551 800
Website: http://www.kidshelp.com.au/
Description: Kids Helpline offers a free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Youthbeyondblue
Phone: 1300 22 4636, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Website: http://www.youthbeyondblue.com/ Chat on-line 4.00pm – 10.pm
Description: Around 550,000 young people aged 16–24 years live with depression or anxiety. Youthbeyondblue aims to empower young people aged 12–25, their friends and those who care for them to respond to depression and anxiety
Headspace
Phone: 1800 650 890
Website: http://www.headspace.org.au/
Description: Free online and telephone service that supports young people aged between 12 and 25 and their families going through a tough time
Gambling Help Online
Phone: 1800 858 858 24/7 free and confidential service
Website: http://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Description: Provides free, anonymous, 24/7 online support, self-help tools and information for identifying and dealing with problem gambling Australia-wide
ReachOut
Website: http://au.reachout.com/
Description: ReachOut is an Australian online youth mental health service that aims to help people under 25 stay connected and get through tough times. The site has practical tools, forums and information in a safe and anonymous online environment. You may find it useful in seeking advice on how to help your friend as well as find it a good resource for yourself!
Face to Face Services
South Australia
Relationships Australia SA
Phone: (08) 8223 4566
Website: https://www.rasa.org.au
Description: A South Australia-based not for profit, secular, community organisation that provides a range of services, including counselling.
Gambling Help Services
Website: www.problemgambling.sa.gov.au
Description: This web site, operated by the South Australia Department for Communities and Social Inclusion has a range of resources related to gambling, including a list of face to face services throughout the state of South Australia.
National
Relationships Australia
Phone: 1300 364 277
Website: http://relationships.org.au
Description: If you live outside South Australia, the national office of Relationships Australia can assist you in finding services available to your friend in their local area.
Call them on 1300 364 277 or visit the website.
Other Useful websites and articles
NIIRA
Website: http://www.niira.org.au/resources-for-public
Description: The Network for Internet Investigation and Research in Australia, (NIIRA) is a website run by researchers specialists of internet-related disorders. While a lot of the stuff on their site is aimed at parents and counsellors, older gamers may find the articles interesting.
Black Dog Institute
Website: http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/
Description: The “black dog” was Winston Churchill’s way of referring to his depression. The Black Dog Institute combines expertise in clinical management with research and applies it to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders. It has loads of great information and videos.
Children of Parents with Mental Illness
Website: http://copmi.net.au/kids-teens-young-adults.html
Description: If one of the reasons your friend games too much is to cope with family members with mental illnesses, this site offers a range of advice and links to services.
