Mental Health Support

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Five Ways to Wellbeing | BounceTogether

Mental Health Support

Do you or someone you know need some support? It's a challenging time for many at the moment and it's normal to be feeling anxious and distressed.

Sometimes, just by calling and talking things through, your situation can become easier to manage.

Find someone to talk to through one of the following helplines: 

  • Lifeline - 13 11 14 (24 hours) or www.lifeline.org.au

  • Beyond blue: 1300 22 4636 (24 hours) or www.beyondblue.org.au

  • Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (24 hours) or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

  • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24 hours) or www.kidshelpline.org.au

  • Eheadspace: 1800 650 890 or www.eheadspace.org.au

  • MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 (24 hours) or www.mensline.org.au

  • Qlife: 1800 184 527 (3 pm-12 am) or www.qlife.org.au

  • Head to Help: 1800 595 212 or www.murrayphn.org.au

  • With RESPECT: 1800 542 847 or www.withrespect.org.au/covid-19

  • Centre for Non-Violence: 1800 884 292 or www.cnv.org.au

  • Good Shepherd: 1300 121 130 or www.householdrelief.org.au (COVID Hardship Support Hotline)

  • Better Health Channel: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

  • 5 Ways to Wellbeing: https://5waystowellbeing.org.au key messaging includes ConnectBe ActiveKeep LearningBe Aware and Help Others.

  • Seeking SUPPORT with Anxiety/OCD: 

    Since the start of the pandemic, the service CARES 4ME has recruited 70 more volunteers and extended its operating hours, so more Victorians can access the support they need, when they need it. 

    This funding will deliver the new CARES 4ME program to be run by ARCVic, that caters to those who require ongoing support. 

    CARES 4ME program matches clients to trained volunteers with lived experience of anxiety. Volunteers provide emotional support and practical guidance to help people work through their individual needs and to develop anxiety management strategies.

    This initiative continues to fill the gaps in the system during the pandemic and ensuring Victorians get the specialized support they need, by providing regular check-ins.

    Since the start of the pandemic, the Government has invested more than $220 million into mental health services, to help Victorians reaching out for help with stress, isolation and uncertainty during and after the coronavirus pandemic.  

    For OCD and anxiety support call ARCVic on 1300 269 438. 

  • Who is eligible for the CARES 4Me program?

    • Anyone experiencing symptoms of anxiety
    • You do not have to have a diagnosed mental illness
    • You may be receiving psychological help with other support services and need additional emotional support
    • You may be a carer, parent or partner caring for a loved one affected by anxiety 

    ARCVic CARES 4Me Program 

  • Other mental health resources and support service are available at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/mental-health-resources-coronavirus-covid-19

     

Apps and Tools to stay connected

Want to stay informed on coronavirus?

Need help to practice self-care?

Need help to connect with family and friend?

Coronavirus Australia app

iOS download here.  

Android download here 

Calm Harm

The Check-in

healthdirect symptom checker

 

Headspace

Chats for life

Australian Government WhatsApp channel for COVID-19

Daylio

Gather My Crew

COVIDSafe app

eMoods Bipolar Mood Tracker

HouseParty

I am sober

Friend line

MoodMission

 

PAUSE

 

 

Tips for Self Isolation 

Connect: 

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Due to COVID19 restrictions we have been in isolation, not been able to see our families and friends. Now that we are in Step 3 of the Regional Roadmap you can stay connected in the following ways:  

■ Talk to someone on the phone  via calls, text messaging or social media (e.g. Facebook, WhatsApp).

■ Stay Connected – Reach out in different ways to stay in touch. HHV video

■ Reach out to an old friend  or someone you haven’t  spoken to in a while

■ Send letters or postcards by mail

■ Join an online book club or start one with friends.

■ Have a virtual weekly dinner with friends or family

■ Get your friends together for a  group chat on HouseParty or Zoom

Be active:

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■ Regular physical activity plays an important role in maintaining and improving good physical and mental health. Healthy Heart of Victoria has amazing tips on how to get active at home. Click Getting Active at Home(PDF, 688KB) for more information.

■ Find an online exercise workout

■ Play your favourite song and  dance to it

■ Get some fresh air in your backyard

■ Do some gardening

Take Notice: 

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■ Take in your surroundings

■ Reflect on the positives and what you can be grateful for

■ Open windows to let fresh air  into your home

■ Have flowers or potted plants in your home that you can nurture and enjoy

Keep learning: 

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■ Research something you’ve always wanted to know more about

■ Read a book or magazine

■ Download podcasts

■ Play cards or a board game,  or complete a puzzle

Help others:

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■ Make time to have meaningful conversations with friends  and colleagues

■ Check up on family and friends  by email or phone

■ Say thank you to those people  who help you

■ Reach out to your neighbours