While lots of attention has been placed on keeping ourselves physical fit and well sanitised to reduce the spread of coronavirus, we think there needs to be a stronger conversation around protecting our mental wellbeing.
Allied health practitioners are in the business of keeping you fit and well, but we’re also a valuable resource for emotional support. The pandemic has placed a significant strain on individual and communities worldwide, highlighting the need to look out for the welfare of each other even more closely.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between 15 and 44 years of age. With the latest restrictions in Victoria, many of us are yet again faced with a lengthy period of isolation which in turn will have a dramatic impact on our mental health.
Thankfully, there are many public health initiatives aimed to provide you with the support you need. Whole Body Health & Wellness also have an experienced psychologist and clinical psychologist offering face-to-face or telehealth consultations.
Here, we’ve put together a list of adult and children mental health resources you can access if you’re feeling stressed, anxious or depressed. Download these resources Mental Health Support Services to keep on hand and share with others here.
Adult mental health resources
Mindspot
Australia’s only free therapist-guided digital mental health treatment.
www.mindspot.org.au
Beyond Blue
Promoting good mental health for individuals and communities affected by anxiety, depression and suicide.
www.beyondblue.org.au
LifeLine
24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
www.lifeline.org.au
This Way UP
Online courses have been clinically proven to help.
www.thiswayup.org.au
Black Dog Institute
A free mental health assessment tool developed by clinicians.
www.onlineclinic.blackdoginstitute.org.au
MyCompass
A personalised self-help tool for your mental health.
www.mycompass.com
Head to Health
A website designed to help you find the right digital mental health resources based on your needs.
www.headtohealth.gov.au
Panda
Support to help expectant and new parents anxious about coronavirus.
www.panda.org.au
Download the adult’s mental health resources: Mental Health Support Services – Adult.
Children mental health resources
Kids Help Line
24/7 phone and online counselling for youth (5-25yrs).
www.kidshelpline.com.au
Kid Helpline Circles
A free peer support group for young people (13-25yrs) facilitated by Kids Helpline Counsellors.
www.kidshelpline.com.au/khl-circles
eheadspace
Internet chat, email or phone support for young people (12-25yrs) with a range of issues.
www.headspace.org.au/eheadspace
Niggle
A free self-help toolkit app for youth (5-25yrs) for all things related to mental, social and emotional wellbeing.
www.kidshelpline.com.au/niggle
ReachOut
Practical tools, support and moderated forums to help youth get through everything from everyday issues to tough times.
www.reachout.com
The Check-In
An app to help young people (4+yrs) take the fear out of having a conversation with a friend who might be struggling.
www.beyondblue.org.au
The BRAVE Program
An interactive program aimed at the prevention, intervention, and treatment of anxiety (3-17yrs).
www.brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au
BITE BACK
Free online activities, psycho-education and positive psychology aiming to promote wellbeing and resilience in young people.
www.biteback.org.au
Download the children’s mental health resources here: Mental Health Support Services – Child.