COVID-19 and your health and wellbeing

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Coronavirus and your physical health

The Department of Health and Human Services website provides information and guidance about the current outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) including :

Stay alert and continue to:

  • Make sure you wear a face mask/face covering when outside your home
  • Keep 1.5 metres away from anyone you don't live with
  • Wash your hands - and cough and sneeze into your elbow
  • Stay home when unwell - if you have symptoms, get tested.

 

Coronavirus and your mental health

The outbreak of coronavirus and the need to keep physically distant from others is a stressful time for everyone. It’s natural to feel fear, worry or anxiety, especially with the constant cycle of news and updates.

During this time it’s important we do things that will help us cope and maintain good mental health. Children, in particular, may be worried or upset and it can be helpful to find information on how to talk to them about coronavirus.

It is important to look after yourself and your loved ones who are struggling. The Department of Health and Human Services’ website outlines the steps you can take to feel less worried and help you stay positive.

The Federal Government has a range of resources available on its Head to Health website, including self-help options and information on accessing mental health services during COVID.

The National Mental Health Commission also has information and support, including links to online forums and tips for staying mentally healthy.

A new 24/7 support service specifically designed to help people through the COVID-19 pandemic is now available free of charge to all Australians.

The Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service has been developed by Beyond Blue to address the growing mental health impact of the pandemic, including fear about the virus, financial stress, family stress, anxiety and loneliness.

The service offers easy access to a broad range of practical supports from online wellbeing tips, self-help tools to phone counselling from trained mental health professionals and peer to peer support.

If you need to talk to someone about how you are doing, you can call Beyond Blue to speak to a trained counsellor on 1800 512 348.

Headspace has also put out a mental health guide for young people.

Download: Peninsula Health's Food for Mental Wellbeing.

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Support services

These organisations service the Mornington Peninsula on an ongoing basis and offer a range of support services for the community. If you need assistance please get in touch directly with them. All services are likely to experiencing higher than normal call volumes and requests for assistance currently. You can find further information on assistance here.

Coronavirus Health Info Line (24/7)

1800 020 080

 

Advice and information on coronavirus.

Department of Health and Human Services

 

1300 650 172

Services and programs to support and enhance the health and wellbeing of all Victorians.

 

Lifeline

 

13 11 14

People experiencing personal crisis requiring immediate support and suicide prevention services.

 

Beyond Blue

 

1300 224 636

Information and support for people experiencing mental health issues.

 

1800 Respect (family violence)

 

1800 737 732

People experiencing family violence as well as family and friends.

 

DirectLine (drug and alcohol)

 

1800 888 236

People seeking alcohol and other drugs information, advice or referral.

 

Headspace

 

1800 650 890

9769 6419 (Frankston office)

Tailored and holistic support for young people aged 12-25 years.

 

Kids Helpline

 

1800 55 1800

Kids aged 5-25 years needing support

Maternal Child Health Line

 

13 22 29

Support for families to care for babies and young children until they start school.

 

My Aged Care

 

1800 200 422

Support for people requiring aged care services.

 

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

 

1800 800 110

Support for eligible people with a disability.

 

Carer’s Victoria

 

 

1800 242 636

Carers of people with disability, mental illness, chronic health issue or age-related condition.

 

Nurse on Call

 

1300 60 60 24

Professional, immediate health advice from a registered nurse.

 

Gambler’s Help Line

 

1800 858 858

People with gambling problems and those close to them affected by their gambling.

 

Wellways Helpline (mental health)

 

1300 111 500

People experiencing mental health issues as well as their family, friends and carers.

Child Protection (DHHS)

 

13 12 78

 

South East Centre Against Sexual Assault (SECASA)

 

1800 806 292

Victims/survivors of sexual and physical assault (aged 4 onwards, any gender)

 

Grief Line

1300 845 745

People experiencing grief, loss or trauma.

 

 Protecting Older Australians  1800 171 866

Support for Senior Australians who are feeling isolated