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Taking care of your mental health
Many aspects of life are affected by a pandemic. Most people have little experience of an event like COVID-19 and it can be quite overwhelming when your health, social life, employment, and financial situation are impacted. While it’s normal to feel anxious or uncertain during this time, you can seek help if these feelings start to affect your everyday functioning.
  • Lifeline 13 11 14
  • Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
  • Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36
  • MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78
  • Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

If you need to see a doctor, call your local practice. The staff will help you decide whether you require a face-to-face consultation, or a consultation over the phone or by video (telehealth).

Telehealth is designed to protect you, your GP, and the wider community by reducing the number of people visiting GP waiting rooms, where the virus could potentially spread.

If you have symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, headache, cough, sore throat, or muscle aches, your doctor may refer you to a Respiratory Clinic or an Emergency Department.

If you need a prescription your doctor will send this directly to your local pharmacy where you can collect it, or your pharmacy may be able to deliver it to your home.

This Australian Government Department of Health fact sheet for patients outlines how patients can get their medicine if they are confined to home due to COVID-19.

It is important to look after your mental health during this time. If you are feeling worried or anxious about COVID-19, there are steps you can take.

Scroll down for a list of free resources and links:

  • The 24/7 Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service has been developed by Beyond Blue to address the growing mental health impact of the pandemic, including fear about the virus, financial stress, family stress, anxiety and loneliness. Call 1800 512 348.
  • My Compass (Beyond Blue): A personalised self-help tool to manage mental health stress in COVID-19.
  • The Department of Health’s Head to Health’s COVID‑19 support page offers tips for maintaining good mental health, information on how to access mental health services, information for parents, and how to keep older Australians safe and connected by helping them get established online. To receive frequent mental health updates on coronavirus, subscribe to the Department of Health’s enews.
  • National Mental Health Commission campaign to deal with COVID-19 stress: Sharing stories about coping – #Wereinthistogether
  • Kids Helpline: A 24/7 support service to help children through the COVID-19 pandemic is available free of charge to all Australian children. Call 1800 55 1800, or use the email or web chat service.
  • LifeinMind: Providing vital connections to resources designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of those experiencing an indirect or direct impact from COVID-19.
  • headspace: Support for young people, including how to cope with stress related to COVID-19.
  • Lifeline: Managing your mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak. Call 13 11 14
  • Emerging Minds: Helping parents and carers best support their children and reduce worry and distress.
  • Black Dog Institute’s tools and resources can be accessed by anyone, anywhere to help deal with feelings of anxiety and stress associated with COVID-19.
  • If you know children or young people who are feeling concerned by the situation, this 6-minute video from SchoolTV can help your family feel informed.
  • Mindspot: 10 Psychological Tips for Coping with Coronavirus (COVID-19).
  • Queensland Mental Health Commission resources relating to COVID-19.
  • Mind Australia: Supports people dealing with mental illness, as well as their families, friends and carers; provides specialised therapies for complex behaviours and needs including people who have intellectual disability along with mental ill-health.
  • Community Services Industry Alliance (CSIA) has collated useful information and links to mental health supports for community groups and people that may have been impacted by COVID-19.
  • Remember – stay on top of the facts, but limit your exposure to the hype!
07 February 2022