Protecting Mental Health during the COVID-19 outbreak

Protecting Mental Health during the COVID-19 outbreak

Click here to complete our survey on Mental Health Responses during COVID-19

Click here for the full explanatory statement

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 30 January 2020.
The public health impact of this is pandemic is without precedence and the magnitude of public uncertainty and fear is evident across the media.
Managing your mental health and psychosocial well-being during this time is as important as managing your physical health.

COVID-19 and mental health: findings from the MAPrc survey

Please click here to download a lay summary of initial findings from our survey and reference for the published paper.

FOR WORKPLACES: team leaders or managers

Feeling stressed during this situation can be a very normal response.
Helping protect staff from chronic stress and poor mental health will help staff to fulfil their roles.
Ensure regular communication with accurate information updates are provided to all staff.
Maintain regular video conferencing to ensure work colleagues remain socially connected
Role model self-care strategies to reduce stress
Check in on staff and ensure they are aware of how to access mental health support if needed.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

If stress or anxiety worsens and begins to impact everyday life for yourself, a family member or someone in your workplace, seek help from a psychologist, your GP or a psychiatrist. You may be able to see a professional via telehealth and you might be eligible for a medicare rebate. To access a psychologist you can use the Australia-wide “Find a Psychologist” service. Go to findapsychologist.org.au or call 1800 333 497.

For people with existing mental ill health conditions, the current situation may trigger an exacerbation of symptoms. It is important to seek help from your treating team at these times. If you don’t have a current treating team, seek help from your GP who may be able to refer you to a psychiatrist.

USEFUL RESOURCES

Mental Health resources

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

Life in Mind

Australian Psychological Society: 1800 333 497

MAPrc COVID-19 RELATED PUBLICATIONS

https://ccsmonash.blogspot.com/2020/10/humour-and-acceptance-most-helpful.html

https://www.monash.edu/medicine/news/latest/2020-articles/humour-and-acceptance,-not-venting-and-denial,-are-helping-us-get-through-lockdown

Official COVID-19 Information Sources

Department of Health Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080

World Health Organization