The Commission acknowledges and pays respect to the past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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#InThisTogether: Supporting our mental wellbeing during COVID-19
We have launched a collection of practical tips for COVID-19
Date published:
Message from our CEO
This is a challenging and unsettling time for all Australians. The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way we live, and will impact us as we adapt to new ways of life.
For many, the pandemic follows the devastating and ongoing impacts of the bushfires and floods. Right now, looking after our mental health and staying connected is more important than ever.
Many of us may be feeling worried or uncertain. I want to take this opportunity to remind you that it is OK to not feel OK. What we are experiencing is extraordinary. As we work together to stop the spread, it is increasingly important that we stay emotionally and socially connected, and reach out for support when we need it.
Information about COVID-19 is being developed and distributed daily, which can be overwhelming. In light of this, I wanted to take the time to provide a dedicated update on the recent mental health response to COVID-19, as well new resources available to support Australians during this time.
The Commission welcomes theFederal Government’s mental health response to COVID-19, with an initial commitment of $74million in essential mental health services and support for all Australians (more on this below). To complement this investment, I am pleased to share we have collaborated with mental health organisations, experts and leaders across the country to develop and launch #InThisTogether – a national online campaign providing Australians with evidence-based practical mental health and wellbeing tips. More about the campaign below.
We will all need a little extra support during this time. Let’s continue to be kind, stay connected, and check in with ourselves and each other, especially those who are self-isolating and our frontline workers delivering care each day.
The Federal Government has announced a $74 million boost to support the mental health and wellbeing of Australians during COVID-19.
Expanded telehealth services have also been introduced to ensure Australians needing mental health support can access it via phone, video and face-to-face. These are now accessible under Medicare.
A fact sheet detailing the mental health response has been developed.
Together with mental health organisations, experts and leaders, the Commission has developed #InThisTogether – a national online conversation sharing practical tips to support the mental health and wellbeing of Australians during COVID-19. We encourage you to join the online conversation by watching, following and sharing the tips.
Head to Health, the digital mental health platform, has a dedicated page for COVID-19 with mental health tips, resources and support services. This will be updated regularly. Find out more by visiting the Head to Health website.
The Commission acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands throughout Australia. We pay our respects to their clans, and to the elders, past and present, and acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community.
Diversity
The Commission is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of health services. The Commission welcomes all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Lived Experience
We acknowledge the individual and collective contributions of those with a lived and living experience of mental ill-health and suicide, and those who love, have loved and care for them. Each person’s journey is unique and a valued contribution to Australia’s commitment to mental health suicide prevention systems reform.
