Mental Health & Wellbeing Awareness
For most, COVID-19 has changed the way we live and work for now. Our experiences differ for many reasons, including where you live and your type of
work. For some it’s meant working remotely, learning new ways to stay safe in the workplace or juggling restrictions with work and care responsibilities. No
matter what your age or circumstances are, it’s vital that you look after your mental health and know what support is available.
Looking after your mental health and wellbeing is just as important as your physical safety at work. We’re all trying to build new skills to be resilient in ways
we haven’t had to before. If you’re feeling concerned, it’s not only OK to ask for help, but essential. There are lots of supports available for people facing different challenges and you can find a list in the support section of the brochure.
For people already living with mental illness, it’s important to keep getting help. Treatment and care may change over time so use the phone and internet to stay connected to your support network.
Communication at work
With many things changing quickly, it’s important to keep communicating with your manager and your team. Be open and honest about concerns
you have about returning to work or the work itself. This will help you to address issues, reduce conflict and adapt to the changes.
Change in the workplace
Change can be uncomfortable and uncertain. Remind yourself it’s okay to feel off-balance as you and the team adapt to new ways of working and adapting in
the workplace. Take each day as it comes and be mindful of our different ways of coping with change.
Routine helps
Creating a new routine can help you settle back into the workplace or learn to adapt to new COVIDSafe ways. It is also an opportunity to think about activities
that you would like to build into your new routine during this fresh start. This could include using new ways of communicating and activities like exercise, meditation or reading.
Make time for you
Staying up to date with the latest information, changes and priorities can be tiring. It is important you build in time for sleep, exercise and time to refresh and recharge to help you manage this additional load.
Get support
Reaching out for support if you are feeling concerned can help you bounce back faster than keeping things to yourself. It may be with family and friends or through professional supports, but we all need support and advice from time to time.
24/7 services offering counselling and support
Head to Health: The Australian Government’s digital mental health gateway provides a range of information, advice, and links to free and low-cost phone and online mental health services. www.headtohealth.gov.au
Beyond Blue: Coronavirus Mental Health Wellbeing Support Service provides support on a range of mental health issues and is available by phone or online via chat or email 1800 512 348 | https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/
Lifeline Australia: a crisis support service that provides short-term support at any time for people who are having difficulty coping or staying safe. 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au
Kids Helpline: a free, private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 years. 1800 55 1800 | www.kidshelpline.com.au
Suicide Call-Back Service: for anyone considering suicide, living with someone who is considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available. 1300 659 467 | www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
MensLine Australia: a telephone and online counselling service for men. 1300 78 99 78 | www.mensline.org.au
Open Arms: Veterans and Families Counselling: provides current serving armed forces personnel, veterans and their families free and confidential counselling, group treatment programs and community and peer networks. 1800 011 046 | www.openarms.gov.au
Face to face support
Your General Practitioner
If you or your family experiences persistent concerns, please talk to your local General Practitioner, who is your gateway to mental health and other health
services. www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services
Counsellors
The Australian Psychological Society provides a simple search tool to connect with a psychologist in your area via telehealth. Medicare-eligible Australians can access telehealth consultations during the coronavirus outbreak. Search to suit your needs at: www.psychology.org.au/Find-a-Psychologist
headspace
headspace provides free or low cost services to young people aged between 12 to 25 years old, their families and friends. headspace provides holistic care in
four key areas – mental health, related physical health, alcohol and other drug use, and social and vocational support. A map of headspace sites is available on
the headspace website. www.headspace.org.au
Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME)
AIME is an imagination curriculum and mentoring program aimed at keeping young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people engaged in education and
growing their aspirations.
AIME provides a platform for university students and community ambassadors to give back through mentorship, tutoring sessions, workshops and an established curriculum, across 33 locations as well as online and through partnerships with 250 schools. https://aimementoring.com/
Positive Partnerships Program
This program builds partnerships between schools and parents and carers to improve educational outcomes of students with autism. It provides current,
relevant and evidence-based information through workshops and online resources. www.positivepartnerships.com.au/
Online resources
Student Wellbeing Hub
The Student Wellbeing Hub provides age specific and tailored information online for educators, parents and students. You can access practical, evidenced-based strategies in plain language to help reduce the risk of anxiety and depression in children and young people. www.studentwellbeinghub.edu.au
ReachOut
ReachOut helps under 25s with everyday questions in tough times. The website has information resources and self-help tools so young people can take practical steps to understand and manage their mental health. The website also includes a safe, supportive and anonymous space for young people to talk to others and share what they’re going through. www.au.reachout.com
TEN – The Essential Network
An app supporting health professionals working in health, aged care and disability services to manage life and work through COVID-19. Download the app for Apple | Download the app for Android
