Master J* began coughing in April 2019 when he started school, which he loves. A dry night time cough which got really bad at bedtime, continued throughout the night while he slept, and woke him at 5am. Master J often coughed until he vomited. In the past Master J had had croup, an ear infection and molluscum contagiosum.

I met with Master J eight months after he started coughing, in December 2019. 
   
Mum noticed the cough got worse during the full moon time when Master J also became extra sweaty when asleep – often wetting his pillow. He loves eggs and meat, eats a lot, often having runny stools. He has a fear of ghosts and monsters and always wants a light on.  

​ 
Homeopathic medicine evaluates symptoms into meaningful data – also including key information about the individual to make an holistic prescription. 

CALCAREA CARBONICA (calcium carbonate) is a homeopathic medicine prepared from the middle layer of oyster shells. Commonly referred to as Calc carb, this medicine might be helpful for kids who have lots of coughs and respiratory issues, who tend to sweat a lot especially on their head during sleep and are affected by or can get worse during a full moon. These kids love to eat eggs, have great appetites and many fears particularly of ghosts and monsters. Most Calc carb kids have had ear infections and you can usually see a few warts.   
​
Master J was given Calc carb in December 2019 - within seven days his cough had reduced to an occasional daytime cough without vomiting.    

By March 2020, Master J’s parents become convinced he has a ‘behavioural cough’ because he always coughed during the day but not while asleep. There has been no vomiting with the cough since December. Master J has been coughing for almost one year.

A homeopathic medicine often given to kids who have a family history of respiratory issues in the parents and grandparents, symptoms which change, a history of dry (or wet) coughs from 5am onwards, runny stools, night sweats and night coughs which don’t wake them up, was given.   
 
In April the cough was still present but it had reduced, no longer driving his mother crazy. May, no cough. June, no cough – The family have been on holiday down South to the cold which greatly aggravated Master J’s cough this time last year.

 
Is there evidence for homeopathic medicine in the treatment of coughs? Yes.

Homeopathy in the Age of Antimicrobial Resistance: Is It a Viable Treatment for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections? (2018)
Multiple peer-reviewed studies were found in which homeopathy had been used to treat URTIs and associated symptoms (cough, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, otitis media, acute sinusitis, etc.) Results for homeopathy treatment were positive overall, with faster resolution, reduced use of antibiotics and possible prophylactic and longer-term benefits. In the light of antimicrobial resistance, homeopathy offers alternative strategies for minor infections and possible prevention of recurring URTIs.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Homeopathic Syrup in the Treatment of Cold Symptoms in Young Children (2016)
​The severity of cold symptoms compared to baseline values found that improvements in sneezing, cough and the composite cold score were significantly greater at both the first and second assessments among those receiving the cold syrup compared to placebo recipients. The homeopathic syrup appeared to be effective in reducing the severity of cold symptoms in the first day after beginning treatment.

Homeopathic Medicine for Acute Cough in Upper Respiratory Tract Infections and Acute Bronchitis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial (2014)
After 4 and 7 days of treatment, cough severity was significantly lower in the homeopathic group than in the placebo one. Sputum viscosity was significantly lower in the homeopathic group. We concluded that the homeopathic syrup employed in the study was able to effectively reduce cough severity and sputum viscosity, thereby representing a valid remedy for the management of acute cough induced by URTIs.
 

*Master J’s year - long cough has been published with the permission of his parents who have checked and confirmed the content. 

     
​       In Australia, antibiotic use is high compared with other developed countries.

Did you know that in 2015 in Australia 30,000,000 (yes, 30 million!) antibiotic prescriptions were made - that’s more than 1 prescription for every Australian!


A five year Australian study, released in 2017, found that antibiotics were prescribed for upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) at rates four to nine times higher than those recommended by national clinical guidelines. Prescribing within the guidelines would reduce the number of antibiotics dispensed by nearly 90% for some conditions.

 
Antibiotics are being overprescribed and dispensed in Australia for conditions for which there is no evidence of benefit, including influenza (52.2% of patients) and acute bronchitis (92.4% of patients). 
​

                                 Why do we need to reduce our use of antibiotics?
​
The World Health Organization has stated that antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats to human health.


There has been a distinct increase in resistant infections such as methicillin-resistance in Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Australia since 2006.

 
Resistance to antimicrobials occurs when bacteria change to protect themselves from these drugs. When this happens, infections that could once be treated or prevented with antimicrobials can become life-threatening.


Antibiotics are the most commonly prescribed type of antimicrobial – so improving the way we use antibiotics helps fight antimicrobial resistance.


Over 40% of Australians had at least one antibiotic dispensed to them in 2017. 

                        Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Australia (AURA)

Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Australia (AURA) is our national surveillance system. Data collected by AURA is being used to help doctors, health professionals, and governments take the right action to reduce antimicrobial resistance in Australia.


‘In patients aged under 65 years, the highest rate of dispensing (of antibiotics) was for children aged between two and four years’. A key finding from 2019 AURA report.

       
          The most common reason antibiotics are prescribed for Australian children?

Acute otitis media - middle ear infection.

However, over the past 30 years, expert opinion has swung against doctors giving antibiotics for this problem.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners recommend that middle ear infection (otitis media) in non-indigenous children between the ages of two to twelve years should not be treated with antibiotics unless there are signs of widespread infection.

                                                       
                                                           The good news?

There was a decline in antibiotic dispensing in 2016 and a further decline in 2017, the first downward trend since the late 1990s.
 
But…
• More than 50% of people with colds and upper respiratory tract infections were prescribed antimicrobials when they are not recommended by current prescribing guidelines.
• Antibiotics are being prescribed for acute bronchitis and flu, for which antibiotics are never recommended.
• Around 50% of all antibiotic prescriptions were ordered with repeats when they may not be needed. 
 
Antibiotics treat some bacterial infections, but for many common conditions, such as colds and flu, they are not effective at all. For your own personal health, you should only take antibiotics for infections caused by bacteria. Antibiotics will not help if you have a viral infection, and you run the risk of experiencing side effects and contributing to antimicrobial resistance. 

          There are three things you can pledge to do to reduce antibiotic resistance:

• I will not expect to be prescribed antibiotics for ordinary colds and flu.
• I will only take antibiotics when they are needed and in the way they have been prescribed.
• I will make a greater effort to prevent the spread of germs by practising good hygiene.

You can make an official NPS Medicinewise Antibiotic resistance pledge
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Also, please consider the food you buy remembering that certified organic foods in Australia prohibit the use of any antibiotics (and growth hormones).

​The Australian Government and industry collect data to monitor antimicrobial resistance in pigs, chicken meat, chicken eggs and salmon, having the fifth lowest level of antibiotic use in food producing animals of countries examined in a 2016 review. 

    

​       Can complimentary medicine can play a role in reducing antibiotic resistance?

The results of a 2016 study published in 2016 in the British Journal of Medicine (BMJ) showed that practices which employed GPs with additional training in complementary medicine, such as homeopathy, prescribed 22% fewer antibiotics.

​     Homeopathic medicine and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in children.
​
Homeopathy merits consideration as an early treatment option in uncomplicated URTI of children and is increased by the problem of the overuse of antibiotics, particularly in pre-schoolers.
 
The Effectiveness and Safety of a Homeopathic Medicinal Product in Paediatric Upper Respiratory Tract Infections With Fever The results of this Randomized Controlled Trial point to potential benefits to decrease the public health risk of antibiotic resistance due to an antibiotic sparing effect, and that homeopathy may also be able to contribute and contain at a public health level the rising problem of antibiotic resistance. 

                                           Homeopathy is increasingly popular.

In Germany, 60% of the people have used homeopathic medicine, with the great majority (87%) of users reporting positive experiences, most frequently for colds and flu.

Homeopathy is the most commonly used complementary medicinal treatment for German children, It is estimated that 28% of infants are treated with homeopathy during their second year of life and, 16% of all homeopathic medicines used in children are for flu or rhino pharyngeal complaints.

A study from France showed that patients managed with homeopathic medicine for URTI had significantly lower consumption of antibiotics compared to conventionally managed patients, while achieving comparable clinical outcomes.  

Among adult homeopathy users in the United States, respiratory and ear, nose, and throat complaints are the most commonly treated conditions.

The First Survey of Australian Homeopathy indicate that ten percent of visits to a homeopath were for general lung, ear, nose and throat complaints. 

Homeopathic medicine, Acute otitis media - middle ear infection and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) in children.

The public health and individual risks of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and conventional over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in the treatment of children with acute otitis media (AOM) and upper respiratory infections (URTIs) are significant.

Homeopathic medications as clinical alternatives for Symptomatic Care of Acute Otitis Media and Upper Respiratory Infections in children.   

This paper shows that at a practical level, homeopathy offers several advantages over conventional OTC drugs for children:
1. Fewer and less serious side effects.
2. Earlier onset symptom improvements.
3. Lower costs, with reduced use of conventional drugs.

The theme of significantly faster onset of improvement seen in children and adults with homeopathy than with conventional treatment has been shown across studies in multiple countries, in, for example, a 2007 study of 1577 children with acute respiratory and ear complaints. 

Most real-world outcome studies in adults and children (but not all) show that homeopathy substantially lowers costs and reduces use of conventional medications in primary care populations.
 
Based on the evidence, homeopathic medicines offer one viable strategy for treating Acute Otitis Media and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in children to reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics and the associated worldwide problem of drug resistant organisms – antimicrobial resistance. 

   

​      Over 200,000,000 people use homeopathic medicine on a regular basis, worldwide.

​Homeopathic medicine is not a one size fits all over the counter prescription. It needs to be skillfully prescribed for the symptoms the person is suffering not for the name of the disease or condition.


Homeopathic medicine recognises mental, emotional and physical symptoms, and has a systematic way of utilizing a symptom via a rubric. A rubric is a clinically verified symptom found in the repertory -an index of homeopathic medicines by symptom. 
​
​
​Repertorization, the process of translating symptoms into clinically usable data, is a scientific, systematized standard unique to homeopathic medicine. For example, a dry cough at night which improves after drinking, with a hoarse, cracked voice might look like this:

Homeopathic medicines are prescribed in accordance with clinically verified symptoms.
 

Always seek medical advice first and in emergencies.


Working with a registered homeopath is recommended – Australia’s best homeopaths here 

Washing your hands is the most effective way to stop the spread of gastro, colds and flu!

We all need to wash our hands more often and thoroughly, especially:

• after the toilet or changing a nappy
• before, during and after preparing food
• after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing (ideally use a hanky or the crook of your arm instead of into your hands which you still wash anyway!)
• when hands are visibly dirty
• as soon as you get at home
• after shopping, using public transport and facilities
• after touching money; using the eftpos key pad or money machine
• after handling or patting animals
• before and after taking care of someone who is sick
• when you enter and leave a healthcare facility

How to wash hands correctly: Use a bar of soap – it doesn’t need to be antibacterial. 
​

• 1. Remove all jewellery, even rings, to reach all surfaces on your hands.
• 2. Wet hands with running water (preferably warm).
• 3. Apply soap. Normal soap is just as good as antibacterial soap.
• 4. Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces, including the back of your hands and        between your fingers.
• 5. Rub hands together 20 seconds.
• 6. Rinse hands, making sure you remove all soap.
• 7. Turn off tap using the towel or paper towel.
• 8. Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean hand towel or air dryer if in a public toilet.

Where I come from in New Zealand, local Maori always wash their hands after leaving a sacred site, significant place or cemetery, and at school all kids learn ‘horoi o ringa ringa’  wash your hands clean.

 
Children need to wash their hands as often as adults and singing a song can make it fun!

To the tune of ‘happy birthday’ sing:  
‘Wash my hands so good and clean
Wash my fingers and in between
Watch the germs all go away
Now they’re clean, I’ll go and play’
(singing twice gives a 20 second hand wash.)


Babies should have their hands washed too using a wet, soapy flannel and always making sure the soap is rinsed off and their hands dried thoroughly.

Dr Monica Plane the very talented Chiropractor also makes soap!
Monica’s soaps are hand made using only the purest natural ingredients and can be purchased from the clinic.

Monica’s personal favourite? Spearmint and lemongrass.

My favourite Soap by Monica is Almond Milk Confetti – uplifting and soothing. Beautiful!



Effective hand washing is essential to the prevention of health care associated (nosocomial) infections and the transmission of antimicrobial resistance aka superbugs.
​
Research shows that improved hand washing among healthcare workers:

• reduces the spread of germs in hospital settings
• protects both patients and healthcare workers
• reduces the number of healthcare associated infections.

2019 Australian hand washing data from over 1000 public and private healthcare organisations including 971 hospitals shows an average handwashing rate of 86%. Nurse compliance is 88.6% followed by doctors at 74.4%.
​
By profession, Dental Therapists are the best hand washers at over 90% across the board.


Western Australian hospitals have improved access to hand hygiene products. Your healthcare worker should always perform hand hygiene in front of you. If you don’t see them do it, remind them!

This recent article on the topic is well worth reading 


Horoi o ringa ringa! 
​

References:     https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Facts-about-hand-hygiene
                        https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hand-washing
                        https://www.hha.org.au/

Eighteen year old Mandy* presented to the Pilbara Natural Medicine Clinic in June 2017 with extreme fatigue and headaches. Suffering for a full two and a half years after developing glandular fever caused by the Epstein Barr virus, Mandy finally found relief with homeopathic medicine. 


​A very high achiever, Mandy had been so debilitated she was unable to complete her final term of year twelve and was currently studying for her science degree online. Just after her sixteenth birthday, Mandy developed a cold. She also had headaches and fatigue. Her condition deteriorated and seven days later she could not eat or drink, was photophobic, sleeping the whole day and, had painful cervical (neck) glands.
​
For a few months Mandy consulted various GP’s who tried to help by suggesting electrolytes and probiotics. Then crisis point was reached with Mandy being raced to the emergency department. “I felt I was going to die.” She was admitted, given IV fluids for dehydration and a blood test which revealed infectious mononucleosis (commonly referred to as glandular fever) (Rubric 1) caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and, low iron.

Two years later, June 2017, Mandy ‘couldn’t get out of bed’. She was sleeping for twenty hours due to headaches which ‘feel like there is no fluid in my brain, and my brain is knocking the walls’ (Rubric 2) ‘I want to sleep through the pain, lay down to sleep so I don’t feel it.’ Mandy was waking with very puffy eyes and face (Rubric 3) and the only time she had energy was when drinking alcoholic cider ‘it gives me energy, I can dance all night’ (Rubric 4). Mandy constantly worried that her whole life would be like this. (Rubric 5).
​

WHAT IS HOMEOPATHY?

Homeopathic medicine recognises mental, emotional and physical symptoms. Homeopathic medicine is prescribed in accordance with clinically verified symptoms – not on the indication that X medicine is known to assist with X condition so therefore might help Mr X’s problem – which is standard practice in other systems of medicine.


IN THE PRACTICE OF HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE, WHAT IS A RUBRIC?

Homeopathic medicine has a systematic way of utilising a symptom via a rubric. A rubric is a clinically verified symptom found in the repertory – an index of homeopathic medicines by symptom. Repertorisation, the process of translating symptoms into clinically usable data is a scientific, systematised standard unique to homeopathic medicine which recognises mental, emotional and physical symptoms. The repertory used for this case analysis was: The Essential Synthesis. Edited by Dr. Frederick Schroyens. London: Homoeopathic Book Publishers and Archibel S.A. 2007.


RUBRICS IN THIS CASE HISTORY FOUND IN THE REPERTORY 'THE ESSENTIAL SYNTHESIS'

(1) Generals; MONONUCLEOSIS.
(2) Head; STRIKING; against the skull, sensation as if brain were.
(3) Face; SWELLING; morning, on waking.
(4) Generals; FOOD AND DRINKS; Alcohol, amel.
(5) Mind; DESPAIR; health, of.
(6) Skin; ERUPTIONS; herpetic, circinate.
(7) Stomach; THIRST; unquenchable.
(8) Generals; HEAT; palpitations with.
(9) Mind; COMPANY; desire for, alone agg, when.
(10) Rectum; DIARRHOEA; grief, from.


After repertorisation of the rubrics, Mandy was given a homeopathic medicine for people who have suffered attacks on the immune system, excessive weariness and weakness, mononucleosis, chronic fatigue, constricting sensations in the brain, headaches, immune deficiency and diarrhoea from emotions. She was given a 30c potency on 02 June 2017.

 
*Mandy, not her real name, has given consent to publish her story.
​

​IS THERE RESEARCH ABOUT HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE FOR HEADACHE?
​
Homeopathic medicine is evidence based medicine when prescribed in strict accordance with homeopathic philosophy, theory and laws by a trained professional. The following three clinical studies were conducted concerning headaches and homeopathic medicine.

Homeopathic treatment of migraine in children: results of a prospective, multicenter, observational study. A significant decrease in the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine attacks was observed and, consequently, reduced absenteeism from school.

Homeopathic treatment of chronic headache – a prospective observational study with 2-year follow-up. This observational study of patients seeking homeopathic treatment because of headache showed consistent improvements over the 24-month period. 

Observational study of quality of life in patients with headache, receiving homeopathic treatment. Over 60% of the cases experienced an improvement in pain and the limitations caused by pain, as well as in limitations in social activities and health in general.

In 2013, the Canadian College of Homeopathic Medicine conducted a trial on children suffering from migraines. The trial was open, non-randomised and twelve countries worldwide took place. At the end of the three-month trial period there was a high percentage of children whose migraine symptoms had clearly improved, plus the time taken off school had diminished substantially.

To read another case history about migraines in children and teens on the Aurum Project website click here.

​
MORE ABOUT EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS - HHV-4 - INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS - GLANDULAR FEVER.

Epstein-Barr virus or HHV-4 is associated with infectious mononucleosis, also called glandular fever or ‘kissing disease.’ Referred to as ‘mono’ Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) distorts the white blood cells causing them to have only one nucleus and is one of the most common viruses worldwide. If infection occurs during adolescence or young adulthood EBV causes infectious mononucleosis 35% to 50% of the time. When younger children are infected, it causes little or no illness. Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis usually resolve within one to two months however, EBV or glandular fever in adults remains dormant or latent in cells in the throat and blood for the rest of the person’s life.

EBV can reactivate and is commonly found in the saliva of both healthy and infected persons. Clinical diagnosis is made via the characteristic triad of fever, pharyngitis and lymphadenopathy lasting for one to four weeks and, a blood test. Other symptoms may include swelling of the upper eyelids, photophobia, uvular oedema, nausea, anorexia, extreme fatigue, enlarged and painful spleen, dyspnoea, tachycardia, excessive perspiration, and a generalized rash.

The course of this disease has gradually lengthened as it increases in severity. In the 1930’s and 1940’s EBV was characterized by swollen glands and a sore throat, often occurring in autumn, and over in a week. By the 1960’s and 1970’s the disease was less selective in its time of onset, and could last two to three weeks. Patients were isolated and advised ‘no stress or alcohol’.

By the 1980’s EBV was evolving as recurrent episodes of swollen glands, pharyngitis, anorexia, extreme fatigue, excessive perspiration, dyspnoea and tachycardia, often affecting students at exam time, even students as young as nine, competitive athletes and high achievers. Many of these patients continue to suffer from constant or sporadic bouts of extreme weakness years after the initial onset of EBV.

Epstein-Barr virus has become one of a number of diseases included under the umbrella term diagnosis of ‘Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.’
​
This information about the history of EBV and glandular fever comes from: Vermuelen F. Monera, Spectrum of the Natural Kingdoms,Bacteria & Viruses. The Netherlands: Emryss Publishers. 2005.



​In this case history: Mandy, after suffering for a full two and a half years after developing glandular fever caused by the Epstein Barr virus, finally found relief with homeopathic medicine.

                                          Prescription March 2014: Staphysagria 200c; split dose.
 
STAPHYSAGRIA for victims of an injustice being in a permanent state of suffering, ‘holding in’ all of their circumstances, grievances and perverse life events. Recurrent cystitis (bladder inflammation) with normal bacteriological tests, that is, bladder irritation of psychological origin.
Didier Grandgeorge M.D (8).  

From our friends over at PubMed… Cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder, can have infectious or non-infectious causes. Escherichia coli is the most common cause of infectious cystitis. Noninfectious cystitis can be due to a variety of causes and may even be idiopathic in nature such as interstitial cystitis (IC). Irrespective of the cause, cystitis can be acute or chronic depending upon the duration of the insult.

June 2015. No UTI’s since hospitalization in March 2014.
 
March 2019. No UTI’s since hospitalization in March 2014.  
‘I always had antibiotics on hand, I had cranberry pills, a Chinese remedy which I couldn’t tell you what was in it, Ural, and D-Mannose supplement – just ludicrous to think about that now!’
 
​
When prescribed in strict accordance with homeopathic philosophy, theory and laws by a trained professional, homeopathy is evidence based medicine. 

Efficacy of Homoeopathy in the Management of Cystitis After statistical analysis this study provides evidence to say that homoeopathic medicines are effective in managing cystitis.

An integrative approach to interstitial cystitis. A 17-year old female with a 2-year diagnosis of IC and dissatisfaction with her pharmaceutical drug was prescribed additional homeopathic medications. By the end of the second month, she discontinued use of the drug. By the sixth month of treatment, her symptoms had resolved.

Homeopathic medicine Cantharis modulates uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC)-induced cystitis in susceptible mice.

​
​Evidence based pharmaceutical medicine?
​

​
​As informed and educated people we seek the best treatments possible for ourselves and our families but are we being told the truth when it comes to accurate and evidence based affordable, effective, high value healthcare? It would seem that this depends entirely on where you look… 

​
Pharmaceutical companies are not legally bound to sell patients the best treatment, but they are obliged to provide profit for shareholders. Between 2009 and 2014, the industry received fines totalling $13bn for criminal behaviour that included illegal marketing of drugs, hiding data on harms and manipulation of results.

​Interested in learning more about complementary and alternative (CAM) medicine?  A great CAM initiative is the Your Health Your Choice campaign, providing up to date news and information where you can also sign up to express dissatisfaction with the current Australian CAM conundrum to our politicians.  

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​A bit more on evidence; Due to complaints of scientific misconduct, the leaked 2015 Australian NHMRC homeopathy report concluding no evidence for homeopathy has sat before an ombudsman for over two years…The 2015 report is actually the second version – the first homeopathy report of 2012 was buried - its findings remaining hidden from the Australian tax payers who funded it.  (9)

​Homeopathy improves menopausal symptoms when tested against placebo. This statement is referenced below by two randomized controlled trials (RCT’s);

Menopausal hot flashes: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. (10)
A study of one hundred and eight menopausal women concludes that BRN-01 (a registered homeopathic medicine) seemed to have a significant effect on the HFS (Hot Flash Score), compared with placebo. According to the results of this clinical trial, BRN-01 may be considered a new therapeutic option for hot flashes in menopausal women who do not want or are not able to take hormone replacement therapy or other recognized treatments for this indication.

Individualized Homeopathic Treatment and Fluoxetine for Moderate to Severe Depression in Peri- and Postmenopausal Women (HOMDEP-MENOP Study): A Randomized, Double-Dummy, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. (1)  A study of one hundred and thirty three menopausal women with major menopausal depression found Homeopathy and fluoxetine are effective and safe antidepressants for climacteric women. Homeopathy and fluoxetine were significantly different from placebo in response definition only. Homeopathy, but not fluoxetine, improves menopausal symptoms scored by Greene Climacteric Scale.

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To find out more about homeopathic medicine for menopausal symptoms contact your local registered homeopath . 

Need support or information around depression and anxiety, for yourself, a friend or family member in Australia?
Lifeline 13 11 14
Lifeline Crisis support chat (7pm-midnight AEDT only) 
In emergencies always call 000 ​