#GettingThroughThisTogether provides practical tips to stay connected and mentally well during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

#GettingThroughThisTogether builds on the success of #InThisTogether launched in response to the pandemic in March, and acknowledges the continuing challenges for many Australians, as we navigate the compounding impacts of the pandemic.

Six months on, research conducted by a number of organisations, governments and universities has identified, and confirmed, the impacts of pandemic lockdowns and restrictions on at-risk groups, as well as the broader community. This includes the social and economic stressors challenging our collective mental health and wellbeing such as unemployment, access to education, financial insecurity and uncertainty.

Christine Morgan, CEO of the National Mental Health Commission said: “We have been affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in different ways. The reality of the longevity of COVID-19 and its uncertainty has set in, and along with it comes fatigue and frustration as some jurisdictions are forced to return to, or canvas, increased restrictions.”

“When we know how difficult something is, it is usually harder the second time. This is particularly the case for young people and the vulnerable.”

#GettingThroughThisTogether has prioritised key at-risk groups including:

• Women and children who are living in unsafe homes and victims of family and domestic violence
• People struggling with financial stress and distress due to unemployment
• Young people, especially those who are undertaking year 12 and at university
• Women who shouldered a large share of the household burden during the first lockdown and are facing it once again
• People who are already vulnerable, living by themselves or have been disconnected from their community and support services

#GettingThroughThisTogether acknowledges the stressors and difficulties of COVID-19 and provides simple and practical tips to support Australians’ mental health and wellbeing.

Commission Chair, Lucy Brogden, said the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians remains a key pillar of the national response to COVID-19. 

“GettingThroughThisTogether has been developed in collaboration with our country’s leading mental health organisations and social issues experts. The advice and tips build on the core evidence-based findings since March 2020 to support Australians’ mental health and wellbeing, and respond to the experiences we are living with now, and likely to be living with over the coming months.”

There are 10 new practical tips developed in collaboration with more than 20 mental health and social service organisations to help all Australians to get through these extraordinary times:

• There is no place for domestic or family violence - help is here
• Caring for yourself helps you care for others
• Financial stress is real stress – seek free support today
• It’s better not to bottle up your feelings – Take steps to change your drinking habits
• Make a routine that works for you
• Your support can make a difference – connect with people each day
• Choose me time over screen time
• Play your part - feel good by doing good
• Help is available if you reach out
• Make a break a regular thing

“We need to care for one another, despite being physically separated. We need to check in with family and friends by calling them or connecting via video if we can. The power of a person’s voice rather than typed words on a screen can be very powerful way to make a real connection, and we need to be heard,” said Ms Morgan.

“It is important we make a decision to get through this together. Help is available in many forms if and when you need help, or you know someone who needs help. Please connect with one of the many free support lines available or seek help with your GP or with one of the professional services.”

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Helplines and Resources

We encourage you to check in with yourself and others during this challenging time and seek support when you need it. If you need to talk, these free support lines are here to listen 24/7:

Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Line 1800 512 348
headspace 1800 650 890
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline1800 250 015
1800RESPECT 1800 737 732

For free Financial counselling support contact
National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007 Monday - Friday 09:30am – 4:30pm               
Small Business Help 1800 413 828 Monday - Friday 09:00am – 5:00pm     

Visit www.coronavirus.beyondblue.org.aufor online mental wellbeing and support resources and discussion forums.
Or visit www.headtohealth.gov.authe digital mental health portal for more resources and support options.          __________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank You

We would like to give a special thank you to all the organisations and representatives for their contribution to the #GettingThroughThisTogether conversation.