iChill

iChill is a research study examining self-help programs for improving the symptoms of anxiety. It aims to test whether anxiety can be prevented or reduced using interactive websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Australian Electoral Commission allowed to give out my contact information?

This study has been judged to be medical research of value to the community, and consequently the AEC is permitted to provide us with your contact details. Refer to the Supply of Elector Information for Use in Medical Research or call 132326 (Australian Electoral Commission General Enquires) for more information.

I haven't told the Australian Electoral Commission my current location – how did you find me?

The AEC finds out your current location from a variety of sources, including from rental agreements and phone and electricity records, so the AEC may have your current location listed even if you have not directly informed them of your address. Refer to the Electoral Roll Frequently Asked Questions or call 132326 for more details.

I have had previous contact with a hospital or a mental health service and I think you have contacted me specifically, not randomly.

We have not contacted anyone, including hospitals or doctors, to obtain information about people in this study. We have only used information from the AEC, who provided us with a random list of people living in the electoral districts of Sydney, Grayndler, Wentworth, North Sydney, and Lowe. Only names and addresses were provided – no other information. We are hoping to receive completed questionnaires from people who have had all kinds of mental health experiences.

I don't have any mental health problems, so why am I being given this survey?

You have been selected randomly for the survey from the electoral register provided by the AEC. It is important for our study that we receive responses from a broad cross-section of the community, including people who have no mental health issues.

How do I know the study is legitimate?

Feel free to call any of the project staff listed below to receive more information about the project.

What if I don't want to participate in the study?

Participation in the study is entirely voluntary. If you are not interested in participating simply ignore the letter and questionnaire.

Why should I participate in this study?

Our experience is that many people participate in our research trials because they want to contribute to medical research that may benefit others. If you participate in the iChill Study you may also find out more about how to improve your own emotional health, and learn skills that might help you deal with day-to-day living.

How can I obtain information about the results of the study?

Findings from the study will be posted on this website after the results are collated. If you do not have internet access and would like to be informed of study findings, please contact the project coordinator.

Where can I go for help?

We hope that this research will inform new ways to improve the mental health of Australians. However, given that this research deals with emotional issues, some participants may want more information or want to talk to a health professional. Your GP might be the first person to contact, or you could contact a counsellor or psychologist. Alternatively, a number of resources outlined below might provide additional support:

Lifeline: 13 11 14
A free, confidential, anonymous 24-hour telephone counselling service for people of all ages.

SANE Australia Helpline: 1800 187 263
www.sane.org
The website contains factsheets and other information about a range of mental health issues.

Feel free to also contact the researchers if you have any concerns about the study.