Victorians are in desperate need of mental health support, now more than ever before.

Job losses, financial stress, relationship breakdowns, and the loneliness of isolation – the fall-out from the pandemic has been enough to push so many into the depths of depression and anxiety.

We’ve already seen an increase in demand for mental health support services across the state. And with many COVID-19 government aid measures winding down, the situation is about to get worse for Victorians. 

Here at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, we’re bracing ourselves for an influx of people like Brendon who come to us in desperate need. Brendon spent years battling deep depression as a result of his Bipolar disorder. None of the medications worked for more than a few weeks at a time. So, when Brendon was able to try Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment through his private health cover at a specialist clinic, it was transformational. For the first time in his life, he saw positive long-term results without any side effects. It’s been three years since he’s had to take anti-depressants.

Sadly, TMS and many other treatments for severe mood disorders are currently only available at private clinics. That means so many people are needlessly unable to access treatments that could free them from the debilitating effects of mental health issues, and ultimately save their lives. 

That needs to change, and you can help.

Please will you give today to help open The RMH Advanced Interventions for Mood Disorders (AIM) Clinic at The Royal Melbourne? This public mental health clinic will offer life-changing treatments like TMS, for those who have nowhere else to turn.