Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
Emotional distress, mental illness, and suicide can affect anyone regardless of language, place of birth, religion or culture.
Australia is a unique, rich and diverse society that is made up of a range of cultures, backgrounds, religions and ethnicities and it is these experiences that make our society what it is today. Every person deserves to live in a society that respects and promotes individuality, dignity and diversity and supports people to live a meaningful life.
For many Australians however, experiences of discrimination, isolation or additional challenges due to their cultural background, ethnicity, religion or beliefs are prevalent and these experiences may have an impact on individual, family and community mental health and wellbeing.
If you, or someone you care for is in need of support, please call Lifeline to speak to a trained Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or text Lifeline on 0477 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or chat online (24 hours / 7 days). We are here to listen. Translated services are available.
Experiences and signs, you or someone you care about may need support include:
- Feeling lonely or isolated
- Feelings of shame or hopelessness
- Feelings of nervousness or worry
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, muscle tension, weight loss or gain
- Changes to appetite or sleep patterns
- Changes in behaviour such as increased use of alcohol or other drugs, irritability or withdrawal from social occasions
- Experiences of discrimination or abuse.
Support services and resources
Embrace Multicultural Mental Health
Embrace Multicultural Mental Health (the Embrace Project) is run by Mental Health Australia and provides a national focus on mental health and suicide prevention for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. It provides a national platform for Australian mental health services and multicultural communities to access resources, services and information in a culturally accessible format.
Transcultural Mental Health Centre
The Transcultural Mental Health Centre provide state based support in NSW which has produced a variety of resources about wellbeing and mental health available for all to download in a wide range of community languages.
Translating and Interpreting Service National
TIS National provides access to interpreters over the phone or to attend an appointment in person. The majority of TIS National services are free to non-English speakers. Generally, the organisation you are contacting will accept the charges for the service. The organisation has an immediate phone interpreting service and a pre-booked phone interpreting service.
Visit: www.tisnational.gov.au
Call: 131 450
Head to Health
Head to Health can help you provides information on phone and online support, mental health support and resources.
Visit: Head to Health Website