There are a number of telephone support services available for people who require emotional support. While the practitioners on the end of the line may not have direct experience with ME/CFS, many are familiar with the grief, loss, pain and required lifestyle changes that accompany chronic conditions.
Lifeline - 13 11 14
http://www.lifeline.org.au
Provides a counselling service to people needing help with emotional and social problems (24/7).
Life Goes On (Formerly Can-Survive Hopeline) - 1300 364 673
http://www.lifegoeson.org.au
Provides counselling for sufferers of serious illnesses and their carers, friends and families (24/7).
Relationships Australia - (03) 9261 8700
http://www.relationships.com.au
Provides counselling for couples facing difficulties in their relationship.
Women’s Information & Referral Exchange - 1300 134 130
http://www.wire.org.au
Free information service for women. Confidential support and referral service.
Men’s Line - 1300 78 99 78
Men’s Line Australia is a dedicated service for men with relationship and family concerns.
Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800
http://www.kidshelp.com.au
A free and confidential telephone counselling service for 5 – 18 year olds.
Nurse On-Call - 1300 60 60 24
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/nurseoncall/
A phone service that provides immediate, expert health advice from a registered nurse (24/7).
Griefline - (03) 9596 7799
Telephone counselling service for anyone experiencing loss or grief. 12 noon to 3 am, 7 days a week.
Suicide Line - 1300 651 251
http://www.suicideline.org.au
Confidential 24/7 telephone counselling, support and referral.
For longer-tern support, consider talking to a psychologist about any emotional issues related to having, and coping with, ME/CFS.
