Coronavirus (COVID-19) Mental Health Information and Support

We encourage you to check in with yourself and others and stay emotionally and socially connected, especially to those that are self-isolating.

Health Information

COVID-19 has been the focus of conversations and media over the past few months. This can be overwhelming if you can’t switch off, and confusing if messages are conflicting. While information and restrictions will develop and change over time, we encourage you to refer to evidence-based and reputable sources, like those below that are updated regularly.

• Australian Government Department of Health COVID-19 Alert: is a live health information website providing up-to-date advice, recommendations and announcements. If you are concerned you can also call the dedicated National Coronavirus Helpline 1800 020 080.
• Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care: have developed factsheets for consumers, carers and clinicians to help them choose a digital mental health service, particularly during COVID-19.
• People with Disability Australia: has information about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and coronavirus.
• Multicultural Health Communication Service: provides translated resources from the Australian Department of Health and other organisations.
• World Health Organisation (WHO): provides international updates, advice and resources.
• Australian Government Study in Australia: provides international students with the latest essential health, visa, education and living support information as well as mental wellbeing support lines.
• MBS Online (Medicare Benefits Schedule): provides information for healthcare professionals on the new temporary telehealth services created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental Health Support

Accessing mental health and wellbeing support and staying connected is really important during this time. We encourage you to seek further support should you need it.

If you need emergency assistance, phone 000 for police, ambulance or fire services.

24/7 FREE National Support Phone Lines

The below support lines are available 24/7 if you need to talk.

• Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Line 1800 512 348
• Lifeline 13 11 14
• eheadspace 1800 650 890
• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
• 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732
• National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 1800 250 015
• Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36
• MensLine 1300 78 99 78
• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

Other Support Lines

These support lines provide free financial advice and counselling and are available Monday - Friday between 9:30am-4:30pm you may leave a message outside of these hours.

• National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007
• Small Business Help 1800 413 828 

Online Support 

• Beyond Blue have a dedicated COVID-19 online chat and an online forum for people to share their concerns and connect to support one another.
• eheadspace provides free online support and counselling to young people 12 - 25 and their families and friends
• ReachOut have online youth forums and online parents forums for COVID-19 offering peer support in safe and established online communities.  
• SANE have an active online lived experience forum focused on unpacking fact from fiction about COVID-19 and providing self-care strategies.
• eFriend is a free virtual peer support service where you can access 6 sessions with the same peer worker to support your mental health and wellbeing.  
• Red Cross COVID Connect is a free call back service (by registration via the website)  - to provide support and community connection to people who are feeling socially isolated as a result of COVID-19. Note: This is not a service for people wanting assistance with their mental health or those who require assistance in a crisis.

You can also get help from:

• A local GP or health professional. For information about accessing telehealth services speak to your local GP and support team. 

If you have been impacted by the Bushfires, you can access immediate free counselling and additional supports by contacting Services Australia 180 22 66.

Mental Health Information & Resources

The outbreak of COVID-19 and the ongoing media coverage may have you feeling concerned, anxious and uncertain. The following resources have been developed to support your mental health and wellbeing during this time.

• #GettingThroughThisTogether and #InThisTogether have been developed by the Commission together with leading mental health organisations, experts and spokespeople to encourage a national online conversation sharing practical tips to support the mental health and wellbeing of Australians during COVID-19.
• Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service is a dedicated website with information, advice and resources to help manage your wellbeing and mental health. 
• Head to Health have a dedicated landing page for mental health information to help you and your loved ones cope with feelings resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
• Life In Mind has developed a page consolidating resources available. This will be updated regularly.
• WHO #HealthyAtHome advice for staying physically and mentally healthy at home.
• Red Cross provides a range of practical advice to help look after your own and other's health and wellbeing during the COVID19 pandemic.
• RUOK? have shared a message on the importance of staying connected and how to make it part of daily routine

Young People, Parents & Teachers

• headspace have developed tips for young people on how to cope with stress related to coronavirus.
• ReachOut have developed resources and practical tips for young people on looking after their wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as specific tips for parents about how to talk to teenagers about COVID-19.
• Triple P Parenting have a guide, course and podcast for parenting during COVID-19.
• Emerging Minds have a video for parents on talking to children about disasters, traumatic events, or worries about the future.
• UNICEF Australia have information on how employers can support working parents during the coronavirus outbreak.
• Macquarie University's COVID-19: We've Got This Covered! provides information for families and schools.

Expecting and New Parents

• PANDA has information and support for expecting and new parents

Financial and Small Business

• National Debt Helpline has free advice and guides on how to tackle most debts.
• Ahead for Business provides information, programs and interventions that can help small business owners with planning, managing everyday business stressors and taking action for mental health challenges. 
• My Business Health provide support to small businesses and family enterprises, giving you easy access to tools, templates and tips to manage stress and proactively engage with running your business.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities

• Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia provides advice and resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on emotional wellbeing and staying healthy during the coronavirus pandemic.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities

• SBS has Coronavirus health and mental health information for those that speak a language other than English. 

Health Practitioners

• Phoenix Australia have resources to support health practitioners and community members during the pandemic.

Media

• WHO Social Stigma Guidelines for COVID-19 outlines safe language to use when discussing and reporting on COVID-19 to avoid social stigma. For those reporting on mental illness, we encourage you to refer to the Mindframe Guidelines.