Looking after your mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak
We recognise that COVID-19 may be causing concern, worry and distress in the community. In times of need, our community must come together and support each other. There are actions you can take to ensure the wellbeing of yourself, your family, colleagues and your community.
Access good quality information
It’s important to get accurate information from credible sources such as those listed below. This will also help you maintain perspective and feel more in control.
- Australian Government coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert
- Health Direct – Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Head to Health – Australian Government mental health portal
- Symptom Checker – Australian Government symptom checker
Look out for each other
It is essential that we look out for each other at this time. If you’re worried about someone you know, pick up the phone and talk to them.
Lifeline, Beyond Blue and Kids Helpline are continuing to operate 24/7.
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
There are also some reliable online resources that have been put together:
- Beyond Blue: Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
- #InThisTogether: a collection of short videos from leading mental health organisations about taking care of your mental health during COVID-19
- Head to Health: information from the Australian Government about looking after your mental health
- Life in Mind: a landing page with links to lots of helpful resources from leading mental health organisations
Australian Government support
The Australian Government has announced a range of measures to support people through this time.
- JobKeeper payment for business
- Support for business and employers
- Support for individuals and employees
- Supporting individuals and households
Additional Mental Health funding
The Australian Government has committed an additional $74 million to mental health services to help Australians in distress during COVID-19. The measures announced in March include:
- A 24/7 phone counselling service led by Beyond Blue, staffed by accredited mental health professionals
- Additional funding for Lifeline and Kids Helpline to meet increased demand
- A dedicated mental health and wellbeing program for frontline health workers
- Expansion of the Community Visitors Scheme to ensure older people receive support
- headspace will increase its digital work and study service to help younger Australians in education and training
- Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) will develop a set of culturally appropriate mental health and wellbeing resources for First Australians
- Increased funding for Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) to bolster its free helpline
- A targeted mental health communications campaign as part of the broader COVID-19 campaign
- Expansion of the Head to Health gateway
- Investment in the Australian Psychological Society’s Find a Psychologist website
Most importantly during this time, keep an eye on yourself, your family and your community. Make sure that you follow guidelines including social distancing while out in public. One person can make a difference. We will get through this crisis together.
Lifeline: 13 11 14.
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
