With multiple states recording new cases of COVID-19 in the last week and many Australians experiencing lockdown, we wanted to share some digital mental health resources designed to support people through these uncertain times.
These changes may cause some people to feel anxious, stressed, or depressed, or people may already be dealing with mental health problems. There are a range of digital mental health resources available including counselling services, mental health treatment programs, apps, and information sites for anyone facing mental health and wellbeing difficulties.
Managing anxiety and stress during lockdown
Act-Belong-Commit
Keeping mentally healthy when isolated or spending a log of time at home
A list of ideas from Act-Belong-Commit to help maintain good mental health during isolation. These activities aim to help combat loneliness, anxiety, stress and strengthen mental wellbeing by helping people stay connected, motivated and encouraged to take time to look after themselves.
Black Dog Institute
Coronavirus: Resources for anxiety and stress
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/coronavirus-resources-for-anxiety-stress/
Black Dog Institute provides a range of tools and resources to support people through feelings of anxiety and stress. This includes information and resources for schools and young people, workplaces, health professionals, and patients.
Headspace
How to cope with stress related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-cope-with-stress-related-to-covid-19/
Headspace provides information to help young people feeling stressed or overwhelmed by COVID-19 and seeking support. They provide up-to-date information on the COVID-19 situation in Australia, tips to maintain a healthy headspace, and links to counselling and crisis support over the phone or online.
THIS WAY UP
Supporting you through the COVID-19 pandemic, free online tools
https://thiswayup.org.au/covid-19/
THIS WAY UP provides a range of guided workbooks providing information, practical tips, and strategies to support emotional wellbeing through these uncertain times. Through their website users can work through workbooks on calming your emotions, knowing what to say, focusing on solutions, returning to the workplace, and tips for getting through, as well as an audio guide for staying on track.
Mental wellbeing while working from home
Black Dog Institute
Working from home: a mental health checklist
Black Dog Institute provides tips and advice for people working at home to look after their mental health. These tips aim to help combat feelings of isolation, loneliness, inability to ‘switch off’, lack of motivation, sleep problems, and more mental health concerns.
SANE Australia
How to make working from home work for YOU – our top tips
https://www.sane.org/information-stories/the-sane-blog/wellbeing/work-from-home-tips
Tips for working from home to help people adapt to changes in routines, feelings of loneliness, and stepping away from work when you need to. These tips from SANE Australia intend to help people adapt their home environment to make it as enjoyable as possible and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
THIS WAY UP
Returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic
https://thiswayup.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/THIS-WAY-UP_Returning-the-Workplace.pdf
This guide from THIS WAY UP provides information, tips, and strategies for taking care of your mental health when returning to the workplace. The guide works through 10 steps to address anxiety and workplace concerns.
Resources for parents or carers supporting children
Black Dog Institute
Coronavirus: reassuring your child about the unknown
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/news/coronavirus-reassuring-your-child-about-the-unknown/
Black Dog Institute has created guidelines for parents on how to talk to children about COVID-19. These guidelines help parents provide clear and honest answers to their children’s questions, addressing their worries and anxiety.
Emerging Minds
Supporting children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/supporting-children-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/
Emerging Minds provides a range of resources for parents and carers supporting children aimed at reducing worry and stress. These resources include videos, factsheets, and tips on how to talk to children about COVID-19, managing routines, coping with stress, and a range of mental health concerns.
PANDA
Supports to help expecting and new parents anxious about coronavirus
https://www.panda.org.au/info-support/supports-for-parents-anxious-about-coronavirus
During the COVID-19 pandemic new and expecting parents may feel concerned for the health of their baby, family, and loved ones. PANDA provides information, tips, and advice for parents experiencing feelings of worry and anxiety including a checklist providing an indication of whether users should seek help.
Raising Children
COVID-19: a family guide
https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/coronavirus-covid-19-guide
Through the Raising Children website parents and carers can access information and advice to help their families cope during COVID-19. The information on a range of topics including physical distancing, self-isolation, face masks, vaccination, and pregnancy.
Resources for Health Professionals
Black Dog Institute
Coronavirus resources for health professionals
Black Dog Institute provides up-to-date information to health professionals to support their own mental health and wellbeing. Health care workers can access information on depression, exercising, financial stress, health anxiety, fatigue, and relaxation techniques to stay mentally well.
Mental Health Online
A practical guide to video mental health consultation
https://www.mentalhealthonline.org.au/pages/video-mental-health-consultation
Mental Health Online provides a practical guide to video mental health (telehealth) consultations for mental health practitioners. This resource helps practitioners set up their digital space, adapt their therapy skills, and prepare their clients for video counselling.
MindSpot Clinic
A brief guide to using telehealth
https://www.emhprac.org.au/resource/a-brief-guide-to-using-telehealth/
MindSpot Clinic developed a guide for mental health professionals on how to safely and effectively use telephone and video technology to deliver mental health services. This resource includes tips for using telephone and video technology, and guidelines on clinical and ethical principles, safety and risk management, preparing for consultations, and the therapy process.
The Essential Network (TEN) for health professionals
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/the-essential-network/
TEN is an app and online resource developed by Black Dog Institute to support health professionals to manage life and work through COVID-19. The app aims to support health professionals’ access quick, easy, and confidential support to manage burnout and maintain good mental health.
Find more useful mental health resources in our ‘Managing Your Mental Health Online During COVID-19’ factsheet, including resources to support LGBTIQ+ communities, older adults, people with eating disorders, and a range of physical health issues cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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