COVID-19 mental heath

Looking after your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

As COVID-19 is an ever-evolving situation, it's important to practice self-care, check in with others and remain physically distant but socially close. Below is a list of mental health resources we've compiled to help you maintain mental health and wellbeing.

Do you need help now?

  • If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000)

If you are in distress, call:

  • Lifeline, who provide 24-hour crisis counseling, support groups and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14.
  • Suicide Call Back Service provides 24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal. Call 1300 659 467.
  • beyondblue also provides 24/7 counselling over the phone and has chat and online support groups. Call 1300 22 4636

Resources for everyone

  • Head to Health hubs free mental health support for people in the Murray PHN region who are struggling with the impact of the pandemic. Call 1800 595 212 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
  • Beyond Blue is delivering a new 24/7 support service specifically designed to help people through the COVID-19 pandemic available free of charge to all Australians. See below for CALD translated resources.
  • headtohealth is an online gateway funded by the Australian Government that can help you find free and low-cost, trusted phone and online mental health resources.
  • Black Dog Institute have released information for looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak.
  • Ramsay Health have some useful information and tips regarding stress, worry and anxiety during coronavirus (COVID-19) situation
  • APMHA HealthCare has developed a flyer for consumers with some answers to frequently asked questions and tips for staying mentally and physically well
  • The National Mental Health Commission launched #InThisTogether, a national conversation sharing practical tips online to support the mental health and wellbeing of Australians
  • The Australia Psychological Society has prepared a guide outlining some useful strategies which can help both adults and children cope with the stress or anxiety experienced as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
  • Swinburne University have created mentalhealthonline: A Practical Guide to Video Mental Health Consultations.

For health professionals

  • DRS4DRS provides medical professionals and students with support and referral options. They have a 24/7 helpline. In NSW call 02 9437 6552 and in Victoria 03 9280 8712.
  • RACGP offers a free service to foster a culture of self care amongst GPs. For counselling appointments, including in a crisis call 1300 361 008.
  • The Victorian Doctors Health Program offers a free, confidential service. Call 03 9280 8712 or free call 24/7 1800 991 997
  • TEN - The Essential Network for health professionals is a mobile app that connects and provides fast, easy, anytime access to evidence-based tools, resources, programs and specialists from the Black Dog Institute.
  • The Australian Psychological Society developed a wellbeing resource for staff and providers based on content discussed in their webinar, including managing stress/multiple demands, sleep and increased tension/conflicts

Health professional resources

For individuals with a lived experience of mental illness

  • VMIAC is providing information, updates and links to wellbeing resources.

For older people, their carers and families

For children

  • Emerging Minds has a selection of resources to assist parents and carers to best to support their children and reduce worry and distress
  • headspace provides support to young people aged 12 - 25 years old and has phone, online and chat services available
  • Kidshelpline offers support via phone, email or WebChat
  • ReachOut provides support, tools and tips to help young people and parents

For culturally and linguistically diverse communities

Beyond Blue has translated information about their 24/7 Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support line in the following languages: