We recognise the feelings of anxiety and concern many people may be experiencing during this time.
Please be aware that you are now eligible to recieve 20 free councelling sessions under a mental health plan. You can access a mental health plan through your GP. Most GP's are doing phone consultations making this process even easier.
The following is some important and helpful advice from Beyond Blue, clinical psychologist Dr Michelle Lim and Lifeline Australia.
Videos in this series are: Dealing with loss of control Support and kindness Social isolation Routine
Source trusted information
Do you need to seek help with a mental health professional?
The Government is providing 20 bulk billed sessions with a mental health provider, if you get a mental health plan from your GP. These sessions are done over skype, so no contact is made.
You can find a mental health professional here
Tips for staying calm and healthy
In terms of your physical health, the most important thing you can do is maintain basic hygiene, particularly frequently washing your hands with soap or using hand sanitiser. For your mental wellbeing, there are a number of things you can do:
Maintain a healthy diet, exercise and sleep regime.
Talk to loved ones about worries and concerns.
Engage in hobbies and enjoyable activities.
Be prepared – ensure you have enough food, supplies and medication on hand. Ask for help collecting these items where possible.
Avoid or reduce your use of alcohol and tobacco.
You may feel stressed listening to the news, so make sure you receive information through trusted and credible sources, rather than social media. Make sure one of those sources is specific to your state. This will help you feel more in control. If you can’t access the internet, get a friend or family member to read to you or show you the most up-to-date information from credible sources
- cororonavirus section on this site
- Australian Government coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert
- World Health Organization – coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak