It’s important to look after your mental health during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
We recognise the feelings of anxiety and concerns many people may be experiencing during this time, especially for those in lockdown, self-isolation or quarantine.
There are a number of ways to support your mental health during this period:
- Book a Telehealth phone consultation with your GP for a chat.
- Seek professional support from a counsellor/psychologist early if you’re having difficulties*.
- Remind yourself that this is a temporary period of isolation to slow the spread of COVID-19.
- Remember that your effort is helping others in the community avoid contracting COVID-19.
- Routines sound dull, but they’re good for our mental health. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time, eat at regular times, shower, and change your clothes. This will help you to manage your days and adjust when life starts to go back to normal.
- Try to maintain physical activity.
- Manage your stress levels, and if needed, increase your coping strategies (for example, listening to music, watching your favourite shows, meditation or exercise).
- Keep taking your medication. Phone your GP or pharmacist to find out how to get any new prescriptions you may need. If you’re staying at home and that’s disrupting your routine, set reminders to take your medicine when you need to.
- For those already managing mental health issues, continue to take any prescribed medication, continue with your treatment plan and monitor for any new symptoms.
* The Australian Government will now provide 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions under a GP Mental Health Care Plan for people subjected to further restrictions in areas impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for more information.
There are plenty of ways to support other people, or be supported if you are feeling anxious or uncertain.
Where to go for help:
If you are experiencing an emergency always call 000.
- Telephone support service for Victorians to help you find the best mental health support. This is not a crisis service.
Victorian Department of Health
- COVID-19 related mental health support services. This is not a crisis service.
- 24/7 crisis support service for people who are having difficulty coping or staying safe.
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
- 24/7 mental health support crisis call back service.
- 24/7 free online and phone counselling for people living, working, or studying in Melbourne’s northern, central and western suburbs. This is not a crisis service.
- Coronavirus mental wellbeing support service. This is not a crisis service.
- Services to help support those affected by complex mental health issues. This is not a crisis service.
- Online and webchat support and counselling for 12-25 year olds, their family and friends. This is not a crisis service.
- Free telephone and online service for people with stress, worry, anxiety, low mood or depression. This is not a crisis service.
Brother to Brother 1800 435 799
- 24/7 new crisis line for Aboriginal men has been set up to provide extra support during the COVID-19 pandemic. The line is staffed by Aboriginal men, including elders, to promote a culturally-safe service.
For youth focused mental health and support services:
Orygen Digital – Moderated Online Social Therapy (MOST)
For specialist areas:
- 24/7 Victorian family violence support service.
- 24/7 confidential counselling, information and support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse via phone or online chat.
- 24/7 confidential alcohol and drug counselling and referral service. This is not a crisis service.
- 24/7 free confidential online, telephone and face-to-face counselling, advice and information about gambling harm. This is not a crisis service.
- 24/7 professional telephone and online support and information service for men. This is not a crisis service.
Switchboard Victoria 1800 184 527
- Phone and web counselling, information and referral service for LGBTQI people. Web counselling through QLife Webchat. This is not a crisis service.
- Digital mental health resource to support you through COVID-19. This is not a crisis service.
- Free online tools, practical tips and strategies to support your emotional well-being. This is not a crisis service.
- Useful resources to support health practitioners and community members during COVID-19. This is not a crisis service.
For multilingual mental health resources:
- Coronavirus translated mental wellbeing support service. This is not a crisis service.
Transcultural Mental Health Centre Resources
- Several resources in multiple languages about wellbeing, stress and coping with disaster. This is not a crisis service.
Translating or interpreting:
For translating or interpreting call 131 450 first and tell them your language. Click here for COVID-19 translated resources. SBS Radio is also broadcasting COVID-19 news and information in your language.
